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Unfortunately, too many people discover that those responsible for security failed to take even basic precautions. When that happens, innocent visitors can become victims of violent crime, suffering devastating physical and emotional harm.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an attack because of inadequate security, you may have the right to hold the property owner accountable. These cases fall under premises liability law and are known as negligent security claims. At Edwards Injury Law, our Charlotte negligent security lawyers understand how traumatic these cases can be. We are here to explain your rights, investigate the circumstances, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call 980-357-4499 today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte negligent security lawyer.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to provide reasonable safety measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. Under North Carolina law, property owners owe a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. This duty includes taking steps to deter criminal activity when there is a known or foreseeable risk.
Examples of negligent security may include:
- Poorly lit parking lots that allow assaults or robberies to occur
- Broken or missing locks on apartment doors or building entrances
- Malfunctioning or poorly placed security cameras
- Lack of trained security personnel in high-risk areas such as nightclubs or shopping malls
- Failure to warn tenants or visitors of known crime risks
When an owner or management company ignores obvious dangers, victims have the right to hold them liable through a civil claim.
Examples of Negligent Security Incidents
Negligent security can happen in many different settings, including residential, commercial, and public properties. Some common scenarios include:
- Dim or poorly lit parking garages that provide cover for attackers
- Apartment complexes with broken gates or locks that allow intruders to enter
- Hotels without working cameras or keycard-controlled entrances
- Retail stores or gas stations in high-crime areas without adequate security staff
- Nightclubs or entertainment venues without properly trained bouncers or crowd control measures
In each of these examples, the crime may have been prevented — or at least made less likely — had the property owner taken reasonable precautions.
Key Elements of a Negligent Security Claim
Like other premises liability cases, negligent security claims require certain elements to be proven. These include:
- Duty of Care – The property owner had a legal responsibility to keep the premises reasonably safe.
- Breach of Duty – The owner failed to meet that responsibility by not addressing obvious security risks.
- Foreseeability – The crime was reasonably predictable given the circumstances, such as past incidents at the location or the nature of the property.
- Injury and Damages – The victim suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of the attack.
- Causation – The lack of adequate security directly contributed to the victim’s injuries.
Without establishing all of these elements, a negligent security case may not succeed. That is why careful investigation and legal guidance are essential.