What Is Negligent Security and When Can You Sue in Philadelphia?
What Is Negligent Security and When Can You Sue in Philadelphia?
When you enter a property—whether it’s a bar in Old City, a parking garage in Center City, or your own apartment building—you have the right to expect a safe environment. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some property owners and businesses fail to provide the basic security measures needed to protect people from foreseeable harm. This legal issue is known as negligent security, and in many cases, it can form the basis for a lawsuit.
At Crichton Injury Law, we help victims of violent incidents and unsafe property conditions pursue justice and financial recovery in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It occurs when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from criminal activity or dangerous conditions that were foreseeable. These security failures can lead to serious harm, including:
- Assault or battery
- Robbery or theft
- Sexual assault
- Shootings or stabbings
- Fatal injuries
The core of a negligent security claim lies in the idea of reasonable care. Property owners have a legal responsibility to monitor, maintain, and secure their premises. When they ignore past incidents or obvious risks, they may be held liable for the harm that results.
Common Locations for Negligent Security in Philadelphia
Negligent security can happen nearly anywhere, but some locations are more prone to these claims:
- Bars, taverns, and nightclubs
- Apartment complexes
- Parking garages and lots
- Hotels and motels
- Hospitals and mental health facilities
- Public transportation hubs
- College campuses
- Shopping centers and malls
- Concert venues and sports arenas
For example, if a Philadelphia nightclub has a history of fights and fails to hire trained security staff or maintain working cameras, and someone is attacked, the victim may have grounds for a lawsuit.
When Can You Sue for Negligent Security in Pennsylvania?
To bring a successful negligent security lawsuit in Pennsylvania, the injured person must prove:
- The property owner owed a duty of care
The law recognizes different levels of responsibility depending on whether the visitor is a guest, customer, or trespasser. In most public and commercial settings, the duty of care is high. - There was a foreseeable risk of harm
If there were past incidents of violence, poor lighting, broken locks, or no surveillance in a high-crime area, those risks should have been addressed. - The property owner failed to take reasonable precautions
This could include not hiring security personnel, ignoring broken entryways, or failing to respond to known threats. - That failure directly caused your injury
There must be a clear link between the lack of security and the incident that caused harm.
What Kind of Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Victims of negligent security may be entitled to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (for families of those killed due to poor security)
Each case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on the circumstances and severity of the harm.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured on Someone Else’s Property
If you believe poor security played a role in your injury, take the following steps:
- Call the police and file a report
- Get medical attention immediately
- Document the scene – take photos and videos of lighting, locks, cameras, or lack of security staff
- Get contact info for witnesses
- Reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Time is critical. In Pennsylvania, most injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident.
Talk to Crichton Injury Law About Your Negligent Security Case Today
If you were injured because a property owner failed to provide proper security, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Crichton Injury Law fights for victims of negligent security in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. We understand how devastating these situations can be, and we’re ready to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
We’ve helped people injured in bars, apartment complexes, parking garages, concert venues, and more—and we’re ready to help you too.
