Springfield Negligent Security Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property due to a lack of adequate security, you may be entitled to compensation under Missouri premises liability laws. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., our dedicated Springfield negligent security lawyers help victims pursue justice when property owners fail to provide reasonable protection against foreseeable crimes.

Negligent security is a legal concept that falls under premises liability. It involves holding a property owner or manager accountable when someone is harmed due to insufficient security measures. Whether the incident occurred at an apartment complex, hotel, nightclub, or parking lot, if better security could have prevented it, the property owner may be legally liable.

Call (417) 785-3410 or complete our online contact form today for a free consultation.

Why Some Properties Need Security

Not all properties require security guards or surveillance systems, but some types of premises are more vulnerable to crime and must implement reasonable security measures to protect visitors, tenants, or customers.

Properties that typically require heightened security include:

• Apartment complexes in high-crime areas
• Hotels and motels with transient guests
• Bars and nightclubs where altercations may occur
• Parking garages or lots, especially at night
• Hospitals or clinics, particularly in urban centers
• Shopping centers and malls, which are often targets for theft or assault
• Schools and campuses, where the safety of students is paramount

When property owners or managers fail to take reasonable precautions, they put people at risk. These precautions might include hiring security personnel, installing cameras, maintaining adequate lighting, securing entrances, or responding to previous incidents of criminal activity.

Common Examples of Inadequate Security

Negligent security can take many forms depending on the type of property and the specific circumstances. Some common examples include:

• Lack of security personnel at venues known for crowd-related violence
• Broken or missing locks on doors and windows in apartment buildings
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots
• Failure to install or maintain security cameras
• No security response plan for incidents like break-ins or fights
• Unsecured entrances that allow intruders easy access
• Failure to warn guests or tenants of known criminal activity nearby
• Neglecting to investigate or act on prior crimes on the premises

Any of these lapses can contribute to crimes such as assaults, robberies, burglaries, sexual assaults, or even homicides. When a reasonable security measure could have prevented such harm, the injured party may have grounds for a negligent security lawsuit.

Who is Liable for Negligent Security?

In Springfield, MO, property owners, landlords, and business operators can all be held liable for failing to provide adequate security. Liability is determined based on whether the crime was foreseeable and whether the property owner took reasonable steps to prevent it.

To succeed in a negligent security claim, a plaintiff must typically prove:

• A duty of care existed between the property owner and the victim
• The property owner breached that duty by providing inadequate security
• The lack of security directly contributed to the criminal act
• The victim suffered damages as a result of the incident

Importantly, Missouri law recognizes that property owners aren't insurers of safety, but they must take reasonable steps if they know or should know that criminal activity poses a risk.

Our experienced Springfield negligent security attorneys at Bishop & Hayes P.C. will investigate your case thoroughly. We’ll collect evidence, including prior police reports, witness statements, security footage, and property maintenance records, to determine whether the incident could have been prevented with better security measures.

Negligent Security Claim FAQs

What types of damages can I recover in a negligent security claim?

Victims of negligent security can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages in some cases involving gross negligence

Can I sue if I was attacked by a third party on someone else’s property?

Yes. Even though a third party committed the crime, you may still have a claim against the property owner if they failed to take reasonable security precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.

What if the attacker was never caught?

You can still pursue a negligent security case even if the criminal is unidentified. The focus of your claim is on the property owner’s negligence—not the identity of the perpetrator.

How long do I have to file a claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally five years from the date of the incident. However, acting quickly can help preserve key evidence and witness testimony.

How much does it cost to hire a negligent security lawyer?

At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

By contacting us for a free consultation, you're taking the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind and financial stability.