When someone is injured or assaulted on another person’s property — whether at a business, apartment complex, parking lot, hotel, or store — they may wonder if they have legal options beyond criminal charges against the attacker.
In Texas, the answer is often yes. Victims of violence in public places may have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the property owner or business for failing to provide a reasonably safe environment. These types of claims fall under premises liability law, specifically negligent security.
What is a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
A negligent security lawsuit is a type of premises liability claim. It applies when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect customers, tenants, or guests from foreseeable criminal acts.
Businesses that invite the public onto their property must:
- Provide adequate lighting
- Install and maintain security cameras
- Hire trained security personnel (if necessary)
- Respond appropriately to prior criminal activity
- Maintain doors, locks, gates, and other safety measures
If they fail to do so — and someone is attacked — the property owner may be held legally responsible.
What Makes a Crime “Foreseeable” Under Texas Law?
A key element in any negligent security claim is whether the crime was foreseeable. This doesn’t mean the business must prevent every possible incident — but if prior similar crimes had occurred at or near the property, the owner should have taken precautions.
Factors that may make a crime foreseeable include:
- Prior assaults, robberies, or shootings on the property
- High crime rates in the surrounding neighborhood
- Police calls or 911 reports from the business location
- History of customer or employee complaints about safety concerns
What Types of Incidents Can Lead to a Premises Liability Claim?
Premises liability claims in Texas commonly arise from:
- Assaults or muggings in parking lots
- Robberies at gas stations or convenience stores
- Sexual assaults at apartment complexes or hotels
- Shootings at bars, nightclubs, or entertainment venues
- Attacks in poorly secured stairwells, alleys, or garages
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Victims who bring a negligent security claim may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if a family member was killed)
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
If you were attacked on someone else’s property, you should consult with an experienced Texas premises liability attorney. Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the crime history at the location
- Review police reports and crime statistics
- Inspect the property for safety failures
- Gather evidence such as security footage and maintenance records
- Interview witnesses and employees
- Determine whether the crime was foreseeable and preventable
What Should I Do After Being Attacked on a Business Property?
If you’ve been the victim of an assault or violent crime:
- Call 911 immediately and report the incident.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Report the attack to the property owner or manager.
- Take photographs of the scene and any visible injuries.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Contact a premises liability attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm After an Attack on Business Property
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims of violent crime and negligent security throughout Houston and across Texas. We understand how devastating these incidents are — and we know how to hold businesses accountable when they fail to protect their customers. Our legal team has the experience and resources to investigate, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. You owe nothing unless we win your case.
If you’ve been attacked on someone else’s property, let us help you protect your rights and seek justice.