Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Work with an experienced law firm that will fight for you. Contact us today.
Contact

Identifying Signs of Negligent Security and Pursuing Legal Action

Negligent security is a legal term used when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, leading to harm or injury to a person on their premises. It could be something as simple as not having enough lighting in a parking lot, or as complex as not having proper surveillance in a high-crime area. But how do you know if there’s been negligence? What are the signs to look for? And more importantly, what can you do about it? 

We’re going to take you through the ins and outs of what makes for poor security measures, so you can spot them when you see them. It’s not just about knowing your rights; it’s about knowing how to fight for them.

Common Signs of Negligent Security

1. Inadequate Lighting

Poorly lit spaces can create an opportunity for criminal activity or increase the risk of accidents, such as slips and falls. Proper lighting is fundamental to fostering a safe environment in parking lots, hallways, stairwells, and other communal areas.

2. Lack of Surveillance Cameras

The absence of surveillance cameras can suggest negligent security, as these devices deter crime and help monitor potential safety hazards on a property. Cameras are particularly crucial in high-risk areas such as entrances, exits, and parking garages.

3. Insufficient or Ineffective Security Personnel

An inadequate number of security staff or ineffective protocols can leave a property vulnerable to crime or accidents. This may include poor response times, lack of routine patrols, or unqualified security personnel.

4. Broken or Non-Existent Alarms and Access Control Systems

Failures in alarm systems, locks, and other access control measures can indicate negligent security. Property owners must maintain a functioning security infrastructure to protect occupants and visitors from unauthorized entry and potential harm.

Locations Prone to Negligent Security Issues

1. Apartment Buildings and Condominiums

Inadequate security measures in residential complexes can lead to theft, vandalism, or even violent crime. Tenants have the right to expect reasonable security measures, such as secure access to the building, functioning locks, and well-lit common spaces.

2. Commercial Properties and Office Buildings

Businesses and office buildings must prioritize the safety of employees, customers, and visitors. This includes ensuring secure access, monitoring high-risk areas, and maintaining adequate lighting and surveillance systems.

3. Parking Lots and Garages

Parking lots and garages are vulnerable to crime and vehicle accidents if proper security measures are not in place. Adequate lighting, clear signage, surveillance cameras, and timely maintenance are crucial elements in promoting safety.

4. Hotels and Resorts

Guests should feel safe and secure in their accommodations. Hotel and resort owners must provide well-maintained locks, proper lighting, security personnel, and surveillance in corridors, lobbies, and other communal areas.

The Legal Process for Pursuing a Negligent Security Claim

1. Establishing Liability

To hold a property owner or manager responsible for injuries or harm resulting from negligent security, you must demonstrate that they had a duty to provide reasonable security measures and failed to meet that duty.

2. Proving Causation

Next, you must establish a clear connection between the property owner’s negligent security and the injuries or harm suffered. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist in gathering evidence and building a compelling case.

3. Calculating Damages

In negligent security claims, you can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will help you quantify your losses and strive to secure the maximum compensation possible.

4. Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial

Your attorney will first attempt to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement with the property owner or their insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to present your case in court to seek justice on your behalf.

Understanding the Indicators of Negligent Security and How to Take Legal Steps

So, whether you’re at a shopping mall, your apartment complex, or your workplace, stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights. After all, everyone deserves to feel safe, and no one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence.

If you have been injured as a result of negligent security, do not hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Murray, Stone & Wilson for a free consultation. Our team will evaluate your case, discuss your legal options, and work tirelessly to ensure you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Meet Our Attorneys

WILLIAM P. MURRAY, III
Shareholder
MATTHEW T. STONE
Shareholder
A woman with dark hair, wearing glasses and a black textured top, smiles at the camera. She is outdoors with a blurred background.
ERICA C. WILSON
Shareholder
A smiling man in a suit and patterned tie stands outdoors. The background is a blurred urban setting.
MICHAEL COLLIS
Attorney
A man in a suit and tie smiling, with a blurred cityscape in the background.
COLIN ESGRO
Attorney

Contact Us

Skyline of a city at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers and a river in the foreground; a pedestrian bridge spans the water, and trees line the riverbank.

Get A Free Consultation

Need legal advice? Our experienced attorneys are here to help. Reach out today for a confidential consultation tailored to your needs.
Contact

Get Started With a Team That Will Fight for You.

Contact
A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and various buildings under a cloudy sky, viewed through a circular frame.

PHILADELPHIA

100 Front Street
Suite 1230
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Skyline of Pittsburgh with modern skyscrapers and the yellow Fort Pitt Bridge spanning over the river on a clear day.

PITTSBURGH

310 Grant Street
Suite 1123
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Circular image of a city skyline with tall buildings, a bridge, and a calm body of water in the foreground under a blue sky.

TAMPA

601 S. Harbour Island Blvd.
Suite 109
Tampa, FL 33602

Copyright 2026 Murray, Stone & Wilson, PLLC