Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to implement adequate safety measures to protect visitors, tenants, or customers from foreseeable harm, such as criminal activity. When a property lacks proper security, it can create an environment where crimes like assaults, robberies, or other violent acts are more likely to occur.
Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe, and when they neglect this duty, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from their oversight.
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the impact that inadequate security can have on injury victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a property owner’s failure to provide sufficient security, our experienced negligent security lawyers are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Louisiana Crime and Negligent Security Claims
Recent data shows that Louisiana continues to experience higher crime rates than the national average, which has a direct impact on security expectations for private and commercial properties.
Violent crime in the state includes offenses like:
- Aggravated assault
- Robbery
- Sexual assault/battery
- Homicide
Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft, continue to happen at an alarming rate as well. Louisiana reported more than 105,000 property crime incidents in 2024 alone.
These crime statistics are directly relevant to negligent security cases because courts and insurance companies often consider documented crime patterns when determining the foreseeability of security measures.
A property located in an area with elevated crime rates may create a stronger basis for arguing that a business, landlord, or property owner should have provided adequate protection to prevent foreseeable harm.
Louisiana Law for Negligent Security Claims
In Louisiana, premises liability law outlines the responsibilities and duties of business and property owners to maintain a safe environment for those who use their premises. Specifically, this law addresses the burden of proof in negligence claims against business owners. Here are the key legal points that pertain to negligent security claims:
Business Owners’ Duty of Care
Under Louisiana premises liability law, a business owner has a duty to exercise reasonable care to keep their premises, including aisles, passageways, and floors, in a reasonably safe condition. This duty involves making reasonable efforts to prevent hazardous conditions that might cause harm.
You can easily see how premises liability law can include inadequate or negligent security. A business owner’s failure to guarantee the safety of their premises includes the failure to provide adequate security measures.
Burden of Proof in Negligence Claims
When a negligence claim is brought against a business owner for injuries, death, or loss resulting from a hazardous condition on their premises, the claimant must prove the following:
- Unreasonable Risk of Harm
- The condition on the premises, such as inadequate security, presented an unreasonable risk of harm that was reasonably foreseeable. For instance, in an area with a known history of criminal activity, the lack of security measures such as lighting, cameras, or security personnel could be considered an unreasonable risk.
- Business Owner’s Notice of Condition
- The business owner either created the condition or was fully aware of the hazardous condition, such as a lack of security, prior to the incident. If the business owner was aware of previous criminal incidents in the area or on the premises, they should have taken steps to mitigate the risk.
- Failure to Exercise Reasonable Care
- The business owner failed to exercise reasonable care in addressing the hazardous condition, such as by not implementing adequate security measures. The absence of a written or verbal security procedure alone is not enough to prove a failure to exercise reasonable care, but a pattern of ignoring known risks can demonstrate negligence.
Impact on Negligent Security Claims
This section of Louisiana law emphasizes the business owner’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment and highlights the necessity for plaintiffs to establish that the business owner knew or should have known about potential hazards, including security risks. For negligent security claims, this means demonstrating that the business owner failed to provide adequate security measures despite being aware of the risks, resulting in harm to individuals on their premises.
If you believe you have a negligent security claim, consult with an experienced attorney who can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case based on these legal principles.
Properties Where Negligent Security Can Occur
Negligent security claims can arise on many types of properties across Louisiana when owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, tenants, or guests from foreseeable criminal activity. Common locations where negligent security incidents occur include:
- Apartment Complexes and Rental Properties: Landlords may be liable for negligent security when broken locks, poor lighting, unsecured gates, or a lack of security personnel contribute to assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes.
- Hotels and Motels: Inadequate surveillance cameras, malfunctioning key-card systems, or poorly monitored common areas can place guests at risk and lead to negligent security claims.
- Retail Stores and Shopping Centers: Parking lots and parking garages are frequent sites of negligent security incidents, especially when there is insufficient lighting, no security patrols, or a known history of criminal activity.
- Bars, Nightclubs, and Entertainment Venues: Overcrowding, lack of trained security staff, and failure to intervene in escalating conflicts can lead to serious injuries and legal liability.
- Office Buildings and Commercial Properties: Property owners may be responsible when inadequate access controls or security measures expose employees or visitors to criminal harm.
- College Campuses and Student Housing: Schools and property managers may face negligent security claims when they fail to address known safety risks.
- Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: Vulnerable residents may be placed in danger when facilities lack proper supervision, access control, or security staffing.
In Louisiana negligent security cases, courts often consider whether a property owner knew or should have known of prior criminal activity and failed to take reasonable precautions. When businesses and property owners put profits over convenience or safety, victims can suffer life-altering injuries.
Dudley DeBosier’s negligent security lawyers understand how to investigate crime patterns, uncover security failures, and hold negligent property owners accountable. If you or a loved one were injured due to inadequate security, Dudley DeBosier can help you pursue compensation and demand safer conditions for everyone.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Negligent Security
Experiencing negligent security can be traumatic and overwhelming. If you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some essential steps to take:
- Seek immediate medical attention and document injuries. Your health should be your top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Documenting your injuries will serve as critical evidence in your case.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager. Inform the property owner or manager about the incident. They should be made aware of the negligence on their premises. Be sure to document the details of your report.
- Gather evidence. Collecting evidence is essential in proving negligence. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident. Obtain witness statements if possible and check for surveillance footage.
- Consult with a Louisiana negligent security lawyer. Seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer specializing in this area of law to help you understand your rights and options.
- Understand the statute of limitations. Louisiana generally allows two years to file a negligent security claim, making it critical to act quickly.
At Dudley DeBosier, our team of Louisiana negligent security lawyers is dedicated to helping individuals seek justice and obtain fair compensation for their losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact Our Louisiana Negligent Security Lawyers Today
At Dudley DeBosier, we are committed to fighting for fair and just compensation for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll negligent security incidents can have on victims and their families.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
For help with premises liability injury claims throughout Louisiana, we serve clients at multiple locations:
