When someone is the victim of a violent crime — such as an assault, robbery, shooting, or sexual assault — on business or commercial property, the aftermath can be devastating. In addition to physical injuries, victims often suffer emotional trauma, lost income, and long-term financial hardship.
Under Texas law, if the crime occurred because a property owner failed to provide reasonable security, the victim may have the right to file a premises liability claim and seek financial compensation. Negligent security lawsuits are designed to hold businesses accountable for failing to protect their customers or guests from foreseeable harm.
If you’ve been the victim of a crime on someone else’s property, here’s what you should know about the types of compensation available in a negligent security lawsuit.
Medical Expenses
One of the primary damages victims can recover is the cost of medical care related to the incident. This can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Ambulance transportation
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling or therapy for trauma
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care for ongoing treatment
Texas law allows victims to recover both past and future medical expenses if they can be documented.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Many victims of violent crime miss work due to their injuries, recovery time, or emotional distress. Compensation may be available for:
- Lost wages during the period you were unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if the injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or earning the same income
- Loss of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
An experienced premises liability attorney can help calculate both current and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
Victims of violent crime endure not only physical injuries but also substantial pain and suffering. Texas law allows victims to recover compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the attack
These damages are often significant in cases involving assaults, robberies, or shootings.
Disability or Disfigurement
In cases where a victim suffers permanent injuries, compensation may be awarded for:
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of a limb or body function
- Long-term disability that impacts daily living
These damages consider the severity of the injury and the ways in which the victim’s life has been permanently changed.
Property Loss or Damage
If personal property was stolen or damaged during the crime — such as a vehicle, wallet, phone, or jewelry — victims may be able to recover the value of those items.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a violent crime results in death, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. In Texas, compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional distress and grief for surviving family members
Wrongful death claims can provide vital financial support to families devastated by preventable tragedies.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless or grossly negligent, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct.
How Do I Know What My Case is Worth?
The value of a negligent security case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injuries
- The extent of medical treatment required
- The long-term impact on your health and ability to work
- The emotional trauma suffered
- The property owner’s level of negligence
- The strength of evidence showing foreseeability of the crime
An experienced premises liability attorney can review your case and help estimate the potential value of your claim.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm to Discuss Your Rights
If you have been the victim of a violent crime at a business, apartment complex, hotel, or other property in Texas, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent crime victims in claims throughout Houston and across Texas. We know how to investigate these complex cases, hold property owners accountable, and fight for full and fair compensation for our clients.
Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. You owe nothing unless we win your case. We are here to help you seek justice, protect your rights, and recover the financial support you deserve after a preventable tragedy.