When someone is injured or killed due to a violent crime on another person’s property, one of the most important legal questions is: who is responsible? In Texas, negligent security lawsuits often involve multiple parties who may share liability for failing to provide a safe environment.
Property owners, businesses, and management companies all have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts. When they fail, victims may have the right to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.
This article explains who can be held responsible in a negligent security case in Texas.
Property Owners
In many cases, the owner of the property where the crime occurred is the primary party responsible for maintaining safe conditions. This includes:
- Commercial property owners
- Landlords of apartment complexes
- Hotel or motel owners
- Owners of parking garages or shopping centers
Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures based on the location and crime history of the property.
Business Operators or Tenants
Sometimes, the business operating on the property — rather than the property owner — is responsible for day-to-day safety.
Examples include:
- Restaurants or bars leasing space in a shopping center
- Convenience stores operating on leased land
- Gas stations run by franchisees
- Nightclubs or entertainment venues
If the business has control over security, employee training, and maintenance, it may bear liability in a negligent security claim.
Property Management Companies
Many large properties — such as apartment complexes, office buildings, or shopping malls — hire property management companies to handle security, maintenance, and tenant issues.
Management companies can be held liable if they:
- Ignored prior crime reports
- Failed to repair broken security features
- Did not respond to complaints about safety
- Provided inadequate security staff
Security Companies
If a business or property owner hires a private security company, that company may share liability for injuries caused by crime if:
- Security guards were improperly trained
- Security personnel failed to intervene during an assault
- The security company provided insufficient staffing
- Safety protocols were ignored
Security companies have their own legal duties to provide competent services that protect people on the property.
Apartment Complex Owners and Landlords
Apartment complexes are frequent locations for negligent security claims. Landlords and property managers may be responsible for:
- Broken gates or doors
- Inadequate lighting in parking areas or stairwells
- Failure to respond to prior criminal activity
- Poor tenant screening practices
Tenants and guests who are attacked on the property may have claims against the apartment owner or management.
Hotels and Motels
Hotels have a heightened duty to protect guests who are staying on their property. Liability may arise if the hotel failed to:
- Secure entrances and exits
- Monitor hallways or common areas
- Respond to prior assaults or thefts
- Provide adequate parking lot security
Event Venues and Entertainment Facilities
Concert venues, sports arenas, nightclubs, and other entertainment facilities must anticipate risks associated with large crowds. These businesses can be held responsible for injuries due to:
- Fights or assaults in crowded areas
- Lack of crowd control or security personnel
- Failure to break up violent altercations
Third-Party Contractors
Sometimes, negligence by a contractor contributes to unsafe conditions — such as a security system installer who failed to properly set up surveillance cameras.
Third-party vendors may share liability if their actions contributed to the crime.
Multiple Defendants in a Negligent Security Case
In many cases, negligent security lawsuits involve multiple defendants who share responsibility for the victim’s injuries. Texas law allows victims to pursue claims against all responsible parties, including:
- Property owners
- Business operators
- Management companies
- Security providers
- Contractors
An experienced premises liability attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potential defendants and sources of compensation.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
Victims of violent crime due to negligent security may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Help With Negligent Security Claims
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims of violent crime and unsafe premises throughout Houston and across Texas. Our attorneys have experience handling complex negligent security cases involving multiple defendants. We know how to investigate thoroughly, uncover evidence of negligence, and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were injured due to a crime on someone else’s property, let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and protect your rights.