What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security claims arise when property owners fail to implement reasonable security measures and this failure allows a foreseeable crime to occur. Common examples include:
- Inadequate lighting – Dark parking lots, stairwells, or common areas
- Broken locks or gates – Non-functioning security barriers
- Lack of security personnel – No guards where crime risk is known
- Malfunctioning surveillance – Broken or fake security cameras
- Failure to screen employees – Not conducting background checks
- Ignoring prior incidents – Not addressing known security problems
- Deficient access control – No key cards, intercoms, or visitor screening
Locations Where Negligent Security Occurs
Security negligence cases often arise at:
- Apartment complexes – Inadequate security in common areas
- Parking garages and lots – Poor lighting and no security
- Hotels and motels – Unsafe room access or grounds
- Shopping centers – Insufficient patrol and monitoring
- Nightclubs and bars – Lack of trained security staff
- Office buildings – Inadequate access control
- Schools and universities – Campus security failures
- Hospitals – Patient and visitor safety lapses
- Public transit stations – CTA and Metra security issues
Types of Crimes Resulting from Inadequate Security
Negligent security can enable various criminal acts:
- Assault and battery
- Armed robbery and mugging
- Sexual assault and rape
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Shootings and stabbings
- Hate crimes
- Wrongful death from violent crimes
Illinois Premises Liability Law
Illinois law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130/), business owners owe a duty of care to their invitees. To succeed in a negligent security case, plaintiffs must prove:
- The property owner owed a duty of care
- The crime was foreseeable based on prior incidents or area crime rates
- The owner failed to provide reasonable security measures
- This failure was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries
- The plaintiff suffered actual damages
Best Security Negligence Lawyers in Chicago
These Chicago law firms have experience holding property owners accountable for security failures:
1. Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices understands that crime victims deserve justice not only from perpetrators but from property owners who failed to protect them. Their attorneys investigate prior crime history, security protocols, and industry standards to build compelling negligent security cases. They handle cases involving assaults, shootings, and other violent crimes at apartments, hotels, businesses, and public spaces.
2. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
This firm has represented numerous victims of violent crimes resulting from negligent security. They work with security experts to demonstrate how reasonable measures could have prevented attacks.
3. Clifford Law Offices
Clifford Law Offices handles complex premises liability cases including negligent security claims. Their resources allow them to pursue large property owners and management companies.
4. Power Rogers, LLP
With extensive trial experience, Power Rogers can take negligent security cases to verdict when property owners refuse fair settlements. They have the resources to match large defense teams.
5. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
This firm handles premises liability cases throughout Illinois, including security negligence claims against property owners, management companies, and security contractors.
Proving Foreseeability
A key element in negligent security cases is proving the crime was foreseeable. Evidence may include:
- Prior crime reports at the property
- Neighborhood crime statistics
- Complaints from tenants or visitors about security
- Industry standards for similar properties
- Expert testimony on reasonable security measures
- Prior security assessments or recommendations
Compensation Available
Victims of negligent security may recover:
- Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment
- Mental health treatment – Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Lost wages – Income lost during recovery
- Lost earning capacity – Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional trauma
- Property loss – Stolen items during robbery
- Wrongful death – Compensation for families who lose loved ones
Steps to Take After a Crime
- Call 911 – Report the crime immediately
- Get medical attention – Document all injuries
- Preserve evidence – Keep clothing and don’t alter the scene
- Document the location – Note security measures that were absent or broken
- Get the police report – Obtain a copy of the official report
- Identify witnesses – Collect contact information
- Contact an attorney – Before evidence is lost or destroyed
Official Resources
- Illinois Premises Liability Act
- Chicago Police Department – Crime Statistics
- Illinois Attorney General – Crime Victim Services
Related: Premises Liability Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyers
]]>
