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You have a right to feel safe, whether you are parking your car at a shopping mall, checking into a hotel, or simply walking into your own apartment complex. Property owners are bound by a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors and residents from foreseeable harm. Yet, far too often, they choose to cut corners on essential safety measures in an effort to save money.
This negligence can manifest in many ways. When inadequate lighting in a parking garage, consistently broken locks on entry gates, or a complete lack of security guards creates an environment where a violent crime occurs, the consequences are devastating. The physical and emotional scars left by an assault or robbery can last a lifetime, changing a person’s world in an instant. At The Piri Law Firm, we deeply understand that the trauma of such an event extends far beyond the incident itself. It often leaves victims with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and a profound, lingering loss of personal security.
We specialize in navigating the complex laws surrounding negligent security cases. Our mission is to fight relentlessly to hold irresponsible property owners accountable for their failures and to secure the full compensation you need to begin rebuilding your life.
Proven Expertise in Negligent Security CasesMichael Piri specializes in handling negligent security cases, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in these claims.
Track Record of SuccessWith a history of securing favorable outcomes for clients, Michael Piri has demonstrated his ability to hold property owners accountable and win justice for victims.
Personalized Client AttentionMichael Piri takes the time to understand each client’s unique situation, ensuring tailored legal strategies and compassionate support throughout the process.
Aggressive AdvocacyKnown for his tenacity, Michael Piri fights relentlessly to protect his clients’ rights and secure maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
Comprehensive Knowledge of Texas LawAs a Texas-based attorney, Michael Piri has in-depth knowledge of state laws and regulations, giving him an edge in navigating the legal landscape effectively.
No Upfront FeesMichael Piri operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if he successfully recovers compensation for them.
Strong Negotiation SkillsWhether dealing with insurance companies or opposing counsel, Michael Piri is a skilled negotiator who works to achieve the best possible settlement for his clients.
Trial-Ready RepresentationIf a fair settlement cannot be reached, Michael Piri is fully prepared to take cases to court and advocate passionately on behalf of his clients.
Compassionate and ApproachableClients appreciate Michael Piri’s approachable demeanor and genuine care for their well-being, making the legal process less intimidating.
Free Initial ConsultationMichael Piri offers a no-obligation consultation to evaluate cases and provide guidance, ensuring potential clients feel confident in their decision to move forward.
You walk into a parking garage late at night. The lights are flickering or burnt out. The security gate is stuck open, and there isn’t a guard in sight. You might feel uneasy, but you probably don’t think about premises liability law. However, if someone attacks you in that garage, the property owner might be responsible for failing to protect you.
This legal concept falls under “negligent security.” In Texas, property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt as a result of criminal activity, the victims may have grounds for a lawsuit.
This guide breaks down what negligent security means in Texas, what it looks like in real life, and what rights you have if you become a victim.
Negligent security is a specific type of premises liability claim. It arises when a property owner or manager fails to implement adequate security measures, leading to a preventable crime that causes injury or harm to a visitor.
The core of these cases revolves around foreseeability. Texas courts often ask: Could the property owner have reasonably foreseen that a crime might occur? If a business operates in a high-crime area but does nothing to upgrade its security, they may be liable if a customer gets assaulted.
To prove a negligent security case in Texas, you generally need to establish four things:
Negligent security isn’t always obvious. It often involves the absence of something rather than a direct action. It is about what the property owner didn’t do.
Dark corners are magnets for criminal activity. Parking lots, stairwells, hallways, and ATMs require bright, consistent lighting. If a property owner knows a light is broken for weeks and refuses to fix it, they are creating a dangerous environment.
Hotels and apartment complexes must provide functioning locks on doors and windows. If a landlord ignores a tenant’s request to fix a broken deadbolt and an intruder enters the apartment, the landlord could be held liable for negligence.
In areas with known criminal activity, a “Enter at Your Own Risk” sign isn’t enough. Businesses like malls, nightclubs, or large apartment complexes may need to hire security guards or install surveillance cameras. If existing guards are poorly trained or absent from their posts, that can also constitute negligence.
Gated communities and secure parking garages offer a sense of safety. When the gates are broken and left open for extended periods, that promise of security is broken too. This invites unauthorized individuals onto the property, increasing the risk of theft or assault.
In Texas, liability usually falls on the person or entity in control of the property. This can include:
It is important to note that trespassers generally have fewer rights than invited guests or customers. However, the law is complex, and exceptions exist, especially involving children.
Texas law allows victims of negligent security to seek compensation for their losses. If you suffer injuries because a property owner cut corners on safety, you shouldn’t have to pay for their mistakes.
Victims can pursue damages for various hardships caused by the incident:
Texas courts look closely at the history of crime in the area. The “Timberwalk” factors (named after a famous Texas Supreme Court case, Timberwalk Apartments, Partners, Inc. v. Cain) are used to determine foreseeability:
If you can prove the owner knew the area was dangerous but did nothing, your case for compensation becomes much stronger.
Dealing with the aftermath of a violent crime is overwhelming. Your first priority is always your health and safety.
Property owners have a responsibility to keep you safe. When they fail, understanding your rights is the first step toward justice and recovery.
Michael Piri is known for his empathetic and personalized approach to each case. He ensures that every client receives individualized attention and support, making them feel valued and understood during challenging times.
Exclusively serving the Latino community, Michael Piri's fluency in Spanish and French allows him to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident throughout the legal process.
With a history of winning multiple personal injury cases, Michael Piri has demonstrated his ability to secure favorable outcomes for his clients, whether through settlements or litigation.
Michael Piri offers round-the-clock support and free 30-minute consultations, ensuring that clients can access legal guidance whenever they need it, without financial pressure upfront.
From car accidents to whiplash, truck accidents, and more, Michael Piri has extensive experience in handling various types of personal injury cases, making him a versatile and knowledgeable advocate for accident victims.
You never expect a night out with friends, a routine trip to the grocery store, or even a quiet evening in your own apartment complex to end in a shocking act of traumatic violence. These are the everyday moments when we naturally feel safe, trusting that the spaces we occupy are secure. As tenants, customers, and guests, we place a fundamental, often unspoken, trust in property owners and managers to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their premises are protected from harm. This trust forms the backbone of our sense of safety in public and private spaces. But when that trust is shattered—when a business owner or landlord chooses to cut corners on safety measures, such as failing to install proper lighting, neglecting to hire security personnel, or ignoring the need to repair broken locks—the consequences can be devastating. The physical and emotional toll of such negligence can alter lives in ways that are both immediate and long-lasting.
While visible physical injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, or bruises, may eventually heal with time, the emotional scars left behind often run far deeper and are far harder to mend. Survivors of violent crimes frequently find themselves grappling with an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, which can make even the simplest tasks—like walking through a parking lot or sitting in a public space—feel unbearably daunting. Lingering anxiety may follow them wherever they go, creating an ongoing fear for personal safety that quietly invades every part of daily life. Relationships can suffer under the strain of these emotional wounds, and professional life may become difficult or impossible to maintain due to the stress and trauma. This pervasive sense of unease and fear is not something that’s easy to overcome—it takes time, support, and, in many cases, justice and accountability from those responsible for the unsafe conditions.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a violent crime on someone else’s property, these feelings of isolation, confusion, and uncertainty about what steps to take next are completely understandable. You may be feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of unexpected medical bills, facing significant lost wages because you’re unable to work during your recovery, and struggling to make sense of a legal process that can seem impossibly complex to navigate without guidance. All of this can leave you feeling as if you’re carrying an unbearable burden on your own, with no clear path forward.
This guide is meant to bring clarity to your situation and offer a sense of hope during such a difficult time. It explains what negligent security claims involve under Texas law, helping you understand how property owners and managers can be held accountable when they fail to uphold their duty to protect visitors. It also outlines how the dedicated team at Michael Piri Law is ready to stand by your side, fighting tirelessly to secure the justice, full compensation, and renewed sense of security that you rightfully deserve. No one should have to face this journey alone, and with the right support and advocacy, you can begin to rebuild your life and regain the peace of mind that was unjustly taken from you.
Negligent security falls under the broader umbrella of premises liability law. In simple terms, property owners in Texas have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, customers, and tenants from foreseeable criminal acts.
This doesn’t mean a property owner is responsible for every crime that happens on their land. However, if a crime was “foreseeable”—perhaps because of a history of similar crimes in the area—and the owner failed to implement adequate security measures, they may be held liable for the injuries that result.
To win a negligent security claim in Texas, you generally need to prove:
Negligent security cases can arise in various locations, from shopping malls and hotels to apartment complexes and gas stations. Recognizing the signs of negligence is the first step toward understanding your rights.
Criminals often look for darkness to hide their activities. A parking lot with burnt-out streetlights, a dark stairwell in an apartment building, or a dimly lit ATM creates an environment ripe for assault or robbery. If a property owner knows lights are out and fails to fix them promptly, they may be negligent.
Some venues, like nightclubs, concert halls, or large apartment complexes in high-crime areas, require trained security guards to maintain safety. If an owner cuts costs by hiring too few guards—or hiring guards who are untrained and unqualified—they put everyone at risk.
Tenants in apartment complexes rely on functional gates, door locks, and window latches to keep intruders out. When a landlord ignores a broken security gate or fails to repair a tenant’s front door lock, they are essentially inviting criminal activity into the complex.
While cameras alone don’t stop crime, they act as a deterrent and help security personnel monitor the premises. Dummy cameras or broken systems give a false sense of security to visitors without providing any actual protection.
Texas law regarding negligent security can be intricate. The concept of “foreseeability” is often the biggest battleground. Defense attorneys for property owners will argue that the crime was random and impossible to predict. They might claim that even with better security, the incident would have happened anyway.
Furthermore, Texas introduced the Timberwalk factors (named after a famous court case), which courts use to determine if a crime was foreseeable. These factors look at the proximity, recency, frequency, and similarity of past crimes in the area. Collecting this data requires a deep investigation into police reports and crime statistics, something the average person isn’t equipped to handle while recovering from trauma.
This is where having a dedicated attorney becomes crucial.
At Michael Piri Law, we understand that you are going through one of the toughest moments of your life. We don’t just see a case file; we see a person who needs support, answers, and advocacy. Here is how we help you navigate the process.
Time is critical in security cases. Surveillance footage gets deleted, lights get fixed after the fact to hide evidence, and witnesses’ memories fade. We move quickly to preserve evidence. We visit the scene, take photographs, request security logs, and demand access to internal incident reports.
We dig deep into the history of the property. We pull crime grids and police reports for the specific location and the surrounding neighborhood. By demonstrating a pattern of criminal activity, we build a compelling argument that the property owner should have known the risks and taken action.
We often work with security professionals who can testify about what security measures should have been in place. They can explain to a jury why a dark parking lot in a high-crime area was a ticking time bomb, or why a single security guard was insufficient for a large venue.
The cost of a violent crime goes far beyond the initial emergency room visit. We fight for compensation that covers:
After a security incident, you might feel powerless. Insurance companies and property owners will try to minimize your experience or even blame you for what happened. They have teams of lawyers protecting their profits. You deserve a team protecting your future.
At Michael Piri Law, we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: your healing and your family.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to inadequate security on someone else’s property, do not wait.
Contact Michael Piri Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
Here’s a list of 10 common Negligent Security Incident injuries in Texas, along with brief descriptions for each:
WhiplashA neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. It often results in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Broken BonesFractures in arms, legs, ribs, or other bones due to the impact of the crash. Severity can range from minor cracks to complex breaks requiring surgery.
Head InjuriesIncludes concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by the head striking a surface or sudden jolts. Symptoms can range from mild headaches to severe cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord InjuriesDamage to the spinal cord that can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often have long-term or permanent effects on mobility and sensation.
Soft Tissue InjuriesDamage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains or strains. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement.
Internal InjuriesDamage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs caused by blunt force trauma. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Cuts and LacerationsDeep cuts or wounds caused by broken glass, debris, or sharp objects during the crash. These injuries may require stitches or lead to scarring.
Chest InjuriesBruising, broken ribs, or damage to internal organs in the chest area, often caused by seatbelts or impact with the steering wheel.
BurnsCaused by fires, hot surfaces, or chemicals during the accident. Burns can range from minor to severe and may require skin grafts or long-term care.
Psychological InjuriesEmotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, which can develop after experiencing a car accident.
A negligent security incident occurs when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, leading to harm or injury to individuals on their premises. This could include crimes like assaults, robberies, or other violent acts that could have been prevented with proper security.
Examples include:
Property owners, landlords, business owners, or property managers can be held liable if they fail to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors, tenants, or customers.
Negligent security cases can occur at:
To succeed in a negligent security case, you must prove:
You may be able to recover:
If there is a history of criminal activity on or near the property, the property owner is expected to take extra precautions to protect visitors. Failure to do so can strengthen your case.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including negligent security, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and build your case.
Yes, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. They can help gather evidence, prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Key evidence includes:
The Piri Law Firm is dedicated to supporting individuals after an accident, providing legal advocacy and guidance to secure fair compensation and justice. While handling the legal complexities, we prioritize clients’ recovery and well-being, offering trusted support during challenging times.
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