They never saw it coming. One moment, they were walking to their apartment, heading to their car, or finishing a late shift. The next, they were the victims of an attack that should have never happened. Negligent security cases aren’t just about crime—they’re about corporations, landlords, and property owners who refuse to take basic steps to protect people. They cut corners, ignore warnings, and gamble with safety to save a few dollars. And when their negligence leads to assault, robbery, or worse, they act like it’s not their problem. That infuriates me.
I’ve spent my career fighting against powerful institutions that believe they are above accountability. I’ve taken on the military when it refused to treat servicemembers fairly. I’ve gone up against government bureaucracies that tried to deny people their rights. And I’ve stood with individuals—people without money, influence, or connections—when they needed someone to fight for them. A negligent security lawsuit is one way to hold property owners accountable for failing to keep people safe. If you’ve been harmed because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice.
These cases are hard-fought, and the other side will do everything in their power to avoid responsibility. But I don’t back down from a fight. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a property owner’s failure to provide proper security, you may have a case. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Negligent Security Case?
Negligent security cases fall under premises liability law. The basic premise is simple: If a property owner knows—or should have known—that their property is dangerous and fails to take reasonable steps to prevent crime, they can be held responsible for what happens. This applies to apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, shopping centers, bars, and any other property where security is necessary.
These cases aren’t about blaming businesses for crime in general. They’re about holding them accountable when they ignore clear risks. Did they have multiple reports of violent incidents but failed to add lighting or security cameras? Did they cut corners by hiring unqualified security guards or eliminating them altogether? Did they ignore broken locks, unsecured entryways, or areas that criminals have been known to target? If the answer to any of these is yes, they may be liable for your injuries.
Property owners have a duty to take reasonable precautions. That doesn’t mean turning every apartment complex into a fortress—but it does mean recognizing known risks and addressing them before someone gets hurt. When they fail to do so, the law gives victims the right to fight back.
How Do You Prove Negligence?
To win a negligent security case, you need to prove four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security. They breached that duty by failing to take necessary precautions. That failure directly led to your injury. And as a result, you suffered real harm—whether physical, emotional, or financial.
This isn’t just about proving that crime happened—it’s about proving that it was preventable. A history of criminal activity on or near the property is often crucial. If the owner knew crime was a risk but did nothing, that’s negligence. Witness testimony, security footage, police reports, and expert analysis can all help establish the case.
The other side will argue that they had no way of knowing, that the attack was unforeseeable, or that it was somehow your fault. I’ve seen these tactics before. They want to make you feel powerless. But the truth is, the law is on your side when a property owner’s negligence puts you in harm’s way.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Negligent security cases aren’t just about accountability—they’re about making victims whole again. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress. If the negligence was particularly egregious, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, meant to punish the property owner and deter future misconduct.
Medical bills and lost wages are easy to calculate, but the real damage goes deeper. The trauma of being attacked, the anxiety that follows, the feeling of not being safe in your own home or workplace—these are things that deserve recognition. A successful lawsuit can provide financial relief and a sense of justice, ensuring that the people responsible don’t get away with putting others at risk.
The goal is not just to compensate you but to force change. If an apartment complex refuses to install security cameras after multiple assaults, a lawsuit can make them do it. If a parking garage refuses to fix broken lighting, legal action can make them take safety seriously. This is about more than money—it’s about stopping preventable harm before it happens to someone else.
Fighting for Justice When No One Else Will
I have seen too many cases where the system fails people—where landlords dismiss complaints, businesses ignore security concerns, and corporations prioritize profits over human lives. I refuse to accept that. Negligent security lawsuits are a way to force those in power to take responsibility. They remind property owners that they cannot turn a blind eye to danger and expect to get away with it.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime due to negligent security, don’t let them convince you that nothing can be done. You have rights. You have legal options. And you don’t have to fight this battle alone. I stand with my clients in the toughest moments of their lives—because justice should never be reserved for the wealthy and powerful.
About the Author: Nick Harrison is an attorney, advocate, and public servant who has dedicated his career to fighting for justice. He has gone head-to-head with powerful institutions, challenging discriminatory policies, defending veterans, and standing up for those who have no one else in their corner. From taking on high-profile legal battles to helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate complex legal issues, he brings both fierce advocacy and unwavering support to those he represents. His work has not only changed lives—but changed laws. With experience in litigation, policy reform, and leadership under pressure, Nick is committed to using the law as a force for good and ensuring that no one is left behind.
