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Examples of Negligent Security That Can Lead to Injury

A woman looks over her shoulder in a dimly lit parking garage, clutching her car keys with a worried expression as a shadowy figure stands in the background.

Imagine visiting your favorite shopping center, attending a concert, or simply returning home to your apartment complex—places where you should feel safe. Now imagine that safety is shattered by an attack, theft, or injury that could have been prevented with proper security. Unfortunately, for many victims of negligent security, this is a devastating reality.

A New Orleans negligent security lawyer can help

When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors and tenants, they put everyone at risk. Inadequate security can lead to violent crimes that result in serious injuries or even death. Understanding how negligent security happens and what legal options are available can help you protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve.

What is negligent security?

Negligent security takes many forms, but all involve a property owner neglecting their responsibility to provide a safe environment. Recognizing these common security failures can help individuals identify when property owners have fallen short.

No security cameras or malfunctioning equipment

Security cameras are often the first line of defense against crime. They deter criminals and provide indisputable evidence if something goes wrong. But when cameras are missing or broken, it becomes nearly impossible to monitor activity or identify suspects. Without working surveillance cameras, victims are left vulnerable. Plus, property owners miss an important opportunity to prevent or address dangerous situations.

Untrained and unqualified security guards

Security guards are supposed to protect people, but they can only do that if they’re properly trained. Hiring guards without the right qualifications or training leaves properties exposed to threats. In an emergency, an untrained guard may not know how to respond. This type of negligent security can put everyone on the property in danger.

Not enough security guards on duty

Large apartment complexes, shopping centers, event venues, and other large properties require a specific number of security personnel to maintain safety. Property owners who cut corners by hiring too few guards leave people vulnerable to crime and slow emergency responses. Inadequate staffing makes it easier for dangerous situations to escalate without intervention.

Doors that can't be locked

Locks seem like a simple security measure, but when doors don’t lock properly, it’s an open invitation for intruders. Broken or faulty locks make it easy for unauthorized individuals to enter buildings, which increases the risk of theft, assault, and other crimes. Property owners must routinely check and maintain locks to protect tenants and visitors.

Inadequate or missing lighting

Dark, poorly lit areas such as parking lots, stairwells, and hallways are hotspots for criminal activity. Criminals often target dimly lit places because they’re harder to monitor, and victims are less likely to see danger coming. Proper lighting doesn’t just brighten spaces; it actively deters crime and helps people stay alert to potential threats.

Broken fences or gates

Fences and gates exist to create boundaries and keep unwanted visitors out. When these barriers are damaged or broken, anyone can enter the property unnoticed. This level of negligent security exposes tenants and visitors to potential harm. Property owners must regularly inspect and repair these barriers to maintain a secure environment.

What is Louisiana's law on negligent security?

Louisiana follows the rule of comparative fault (Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323), which directly impacts how compensation is determined in negligent security cases. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you are partially responsible for your injuries. However, your compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault in the incident.

For example, if you're found 20% at fault for your injuries, perhaps because you ignored posted safety warnings, your total compensation would be reduced by that amount. If your damages equaled $100,000, you would ultimately receive $80,000.

What to do after a negligent security incident

Taking immediate steps can protect your rights and strengthen your legal case if you or a loved one suffers an injury due to poor security. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Get immediate medical attention: Your health comes first. Seek medical treatment right away and keep detailed records of your injuries and treatment.
  • Report the incident: Notify property management and law enforcement as soon as possible. Filing a report creates an official record of the event, which can support your claim.
  • Document the scene: Take photos of the area where the incident happened. Focus on security lapses like broken locks, poor lighting, or damaged fences. If witnesses are present, get their contact information.
  • Preserve evidence: Keep all relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, and any communication with the property owner. You'll need these records to help build your case.
  • Seek legal help: Speak with a lawyer experienced in negligent security cases as soon as possible. A Louisiana negligent security lawyer can assess your situation, identify responsible parties, and guide you through the legal process.

How do you prove negligent security?

Proving negligent security means showing that a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep people safe and that failure led to harm. To hold a property owner accountable, four key points must be proven:

  • Duty of care: The property owner had a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment. This applies to places like apartment complexes, businesses, hotels, and parking garages.
  • Breach of duty: The owner failed to meet this responsibility by neglecting security measures—such as broken locks, poor lighting, lack of security staff, or ignoring past crimes.
  • Causation: There must be a direct link between the security failure and the injury. The victim must show the harm could have been avoided with proper security.
  • Damages: The victim must have suffered real harm—physical injuries, emotional distress, medical bills, or lost wages.

The types of evidence that help prove negligent security include:

  • Security footage of the incident
  • Maintenance records of broken security features
  • Crime reports showing previous incidents
  • Witness statements
  • Expert testimony on security standards

Let an experienced negligent security attorney for the compensation you deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent security in New Orleans, you need an advocate who can help you get answers, justice, and fair compensation. Attorney John S. Williams has over 15 years of experience fighting for victims' rights, and he’s ready to hold negligent property owners accountable for their actions.

When you work with our firm, you won’t pay any upfront fees. We handle negligent security cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. During your free consultation, we'll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and outline the best strategy for your case. You can expect honest advice, compassionate support, and aggressive representation so you get the best possible outcome for your case.

Don’t wait to take action. Louisiana law gives you only one year from the date of the incident to file a negligent security claim. Let The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC fight for your rights and the justice you deserve. Contact us online or call us today to schedule your free consultation.

"It was very satisfying to finally find an attorney that is able to stand up and fight against the City of New Orleans. Strong, Confident, and Effective. You would love to have him in your corner. I would recommend him whenever possible." – EA, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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