Written by Editorial disclosure: This website is owned and operated by Phillips Law Offices. The firms listed on this site are selected and described by the site’s editors, not by an independent third-party rating service. Phillips Law Offices is featured prominently as the site’s owner.
Property owners and businesses have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts. When inadequate security leads to assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes, victims may have grounds for a negligent security lawsuit. If you were injured due to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security in Chicago, an experienced negligent security lawyer can help you seek justice.
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
Chicago Security Negligence Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading personal injury firms for negligent security and premises violence claims. With more than 75 years of experience representing crime victims and their families, the firm understands the foreseeability standards Illinois courts apply, the security industry standards that govern reasonable measures, and the evidentiary strategies needed to overcome aggressive defense tactics. Their attorneys regularly retain security consultants, criminologists, and lighting experts to build compelling claims.
Negligent security cases often involve violent crimes that property owners could have prevented through reasonable lighting, locks, cameras, access control, or trained personnel. Phillips Law Offices acts quickly to obtain incident reports, prior crime logs, surveillance footage, and security policies before they are altered or destroyed. The firm represents survivors of assaults, robberies, and sexual violence, as well as families pursuing wrongful death claims after fatal attacks at apartments, hotels, businesses, and public venues.
A Legacy of Security Negligence Excellence Since 1945
Few personal injury firms in Chicago can match the history, experience, and legal reputation of Phillips Law Offices. For more than 75 years, the firm has remained committed exclusively to protecting the rights of injury victims, including victims of foreseeable violent crime at apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, nightclubs, shopping centers, and other commercial properties throughout the Chicago region. This long-standing focus has allowed the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices to develop extensive knowledge of Illinois injury law, insurance litigation strategies, trial preparation, medical evidence, and complex negligence cases.
The firm’s founder, John Phillips, immigrated to the United States from Sicily as a child and built the law firm through hard work, integrity, and dedication to helping injured people. Over the years, Phillips Law Offices became known not only for securing substantial verdicts and settlements, but also for helping shape Illinois injury law through leadership roles, trial advocacy, and professional involvement within the Illinois legal community.
That commitment to excellence remains a defining characteristic of the firm today.
Comprehensive Security Negligence Representation
Phillips Law Offices handles nearly every type of security negligence and wrongful death case in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The firm’s attorneys understand that a serious injury can change every aspect of a person’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Their legal team aggressively pursues compensation designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, disability, long-term care, and future financial losses.
The firm regularly represents clients in cases involving:
- Apartment complex assault and robbery cases
- Parking garage and lot attack claims
- Hotel and motel premises violence cases
- Nightclub and bar assault and shooting claims
- Shopping center and retail premises violence
- Office building access control failure cases
- Campus and school violence claims
- Hospital and medical facility security failures
- Public transit and station attack cases
- Wrongful death claims involving foreseeable criminal acts
Their attorneys have experience handling both straightforward injury claims and highly complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities.
Proven Results in High-Value Security Negligence Cases
Phillips Law Offices has secured significant verdicts and settlements for security negligence victims and their families throughout Illinois. The firm’s track record reflects decades of aggressive advocacy and courtroom success against powerful defendants and insurance companies.
$10 Million Recovery – Escalator and Premises Liability
Phillips Law Offices secured $10 million on behalf of a child whose hand was caught in a 42-year-old escalator at a Chicagoland commercial building, resulting in the loss of two fingers. The result reflects the firm’s strength in premises liability litigation and complex liability investigations involving aging equipment, poor maintenance, and property owner accountability.
$2.1 Million Verdict – Workplace and Machinery Injury
The firm obtained a $2.1 million verdict for a 54-year-old man who suffered serious leg injuries in a forklift accident, despite a defense offer of only $100,000. The case demonstrates the firm’s willingness to take workplace and serious-injury cases to trial when the defense refuses to negotiate in good faith.
$800,000 Wrongful Death Recovery
The firm recovered $800,000 for the family of a 51-year-old woman after the wrongful death claim had been rejected by five other law firms. The result reflects the firm’s willingness to take difficult cases other attorneys decline.
These results reflect the firm’s commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for security negligence victims facing devastating injuries and losses.
Respected Trial Attorneys in Chicago
One of the reasons Phillips Law Offices is consistently recognized among the top security negligence law firms in Chicago is its reputation for trial advocacy. Insurance carriers and defense attorneys know the firm is fully prepared to take cases to court when fair settlement offers are not made.
While many firms prioritize quick settlements, Phillips Law Offices approaches each security negligence case with the expectation that it may ultimately proceed to trial. This litigation-focused strategy often strengthens the firm’s negotiating position and allows its attorneys to pursue better outcomes for clients.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are known for:
- Thorough investigation and evidence preservation
- Strategic litigation preparation
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy
- Detailed medical and damages analysis
- Effective negotiation with insurers
- Strong jury trial experience
- Client-focused representation
Their experience handling complex security negligence litigation has helped establish the firm as a trusted name throughout the Chicago legal community.
Meet the Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is widely recognized for his work representing victims in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation throughout Illinois. Known for his courtroom skill, compassion for clients, and extensive litigation experience, Stephen Phillips has helped continue the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in personal injury law.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips continues the family legacy of trial advocacy at Phillips Law Offices, representing injury victims and grieving families in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. He is known for thorough case preparation, strong client communication, and a steady focus on building cases that withstand scrutiny at trial.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn brings substantial trial experience to the litigation team at Phillips Law Offices, with a practice focused on catastrophic injury, medical negligence, and wrongful death cases. Clients consistently praise his thorough preparation, courtroom presence, and commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for serious injuries.
Michael J. Phillips
Michael J. Phillips has earned praise from clients for his communication, professionalism, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. He works closely with injury victims throughout every stage of the legal process and is known for keeping clients informed while aggressively protecting their interests.
Alec D. Mesrobian
Alec D. Mesrobian has developed a strong reputation for handling complex injury litigation with professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Clients consistently praise his strategic guidance, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving successful resolutions.
Together, the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices bring generations of combined legal experience to every case they handle.
What Clients Say About Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices has earned outstanding reviews from injury victims and clients throughout Chicago who consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, communication, legal knowledge, and compassionate representation.
One client, Dani Berny, praised attorney Michael Phillips for consistently providing updates throughout her personal injury case and ensuring she always felt confident that her legal team was acting in her best interests. She also highlighted the firm’s professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of injury law.
Another client, Khaled Aboushaala, described attorney Alec D. Mesrobian’s representation as “exceptional in every respect,” noting that the case progressed efficiently once Alec assumed representation and praising his organization, responsiveness, and strategic judgment.
Marge S. commended Alec Mesrobian and Amanda Daliege for guiding her family through the legal process step-by-step while answering every question thoroughly and patiently.
Brandon DeWitt referred to Phillips Law Offices as home to some of the “best, skilled, elite personal injury attorneys in Chicago,” praising the firm’s compassion, responsiveness, and decades of experience helping injured victims.
Sasha Spektor described the caliber of talent at Phillips Law Offices as “unmatched,” specifically recognizing Stephen Phillips for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to clients.
Reagan Tokoly highlighted Michael Phillips’ clear communication and willingness to explain every stage of the process in detail following an accident case that resulted in a highly favorable outcome.
“I highly recommend Phillips Injury Attorneys of Chicago for anyone that needs a highly skilled injury lawyer in Chicago. Stephen Phillips has an amazing record of providing great representation throughout the greater Chicagoland area. If you’re living in Chicago, you should know about Stephen and his firm’s abilities to help people that have been involved in an accident. If I was ever in an accident, I would call Stephen Phillips.”
These testimonials reflect the trust and confidence many clients place in Phillips Law Offices during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Client-Focused Representation
What truly distinguishes Phillips Law Offices from many other personal injury firms is its client-centered approach. The firm understands that a violent crime made possible by inadequate security on someone else’s property affects not only the victim, but the entire family. Because of this, their attorneys prioritize communication, accessibility, compassion, and personalized legal support throughout every case.
Clients are never treated like numbers or files. Instead, the firm takes time to understand each client’s injuries, concerns, financial challenges, and long-term needs. The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices remain accessible throughout the legal process and work closely with clients to ensure they understand every available legal option.
The firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless compensation is successfully recovered. Free consultations are available for injury victims seeking guidance after serious accidents or acts of negligence.
Deep Roots in Chicago and Illinois
Phillips Law Offices has represented injury victims throughout Chicago, Cook County, and communities across Illinois for generations. Their attorneys possess extensive familiarity with local courts, judges, insurance defense tactics, and Illinois personal injury statutes.
Phillips Law Offices brings decades of regional experience navigating Chicago’s neighborhood crime patterns, working with Chicago Police Department records, and identifying every property owner, management company, and security contractor whose failures contributed to a foreseeable attack. The firm’s attorneys understand the local ordinances and security standards that often shape liability decisions.
Their longstanding reputation in the Chicago legal community reflects decades of dedicated advocacy, successful litigation, and commitment to helping injury victims rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
Why Clients Choose Phillips Law Offices for Chicago Security Negligence Cases
Phillips Law Offices continues to be recognized among Chicago’s leading security negligence law firms because of its:
- More than 75 years of legal experience
- Exclusive focus on personal injury and wrongful death
- Proven record of significant verdicts and settlements
- Highly respected trial attorneys
- Strong client reviews and testimonials
- Compassionate client-centered representation
- Extensive security negligence litigation experience
- Deep knowledge of Illinois the Illinois Premises Liability Act and foreseeability standards under Illinois case law
- Commitment to maximizing compensation for clients
- Longstanding reputation within the Chicago legal community
For individuals and families seeking experienced legal representation after a serious injury, Phillips Law Offices remains one of the most trusted and accomplished personal injury firms in Chicago.
Every case is evaluated on its own facts, and prior results do not predict future outcomes.
Contact Phillips Law Offices
Address: 161 N Clark St, #4925, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 346-4262
Website: phillipslawoffices.com
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
Security Evidence Families Should Request
Request incident reports, prior crime logs, camera footage, maintenance records, and staff schedules as early as possible. These documents often prove whether a property owner ignored known risks before a violent event occurred.
