Preventable Assaults: How Negligent Security Affects Victims in Georgia

When people visit apartment complexes, hotels, shopping centers, or other public spaces, they have a reasonable expectation of safety. Unfortunately, when property owners fail to provide adequate security, that expectation can be shattered by a violent assault or other criminal act. In Georgia, property owners may be held liable for injuries caused by negligent security, especially when the crime was foreseeable and could have been prevented with proper measures. Our Atlanta Negligent Security Attorneys at The Spizman Firm are here to help.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a legal concept that falls under premises liability law. It refers to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable steps to protect guests, tenants, or customers from foreseeable criminal acts. These steps might include:

• Installing adequate lighting in parking lots and hallways
• Hiring trained security personnel
• Installing security cameras or fencing
• Fixing broken locks or gates
• Responding appropriately to prior incidents of violence

If a property owner or manager knew—or should have known—about potential criminal activity and failed to act, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result.

When Does Negligent Security Apply?

Negligent security claims often arise in places where the public is invited or where tenants reside, such as:

• Apartment complexes
• Hotels and motels
• Bars and nightclubs
• Retail stores and malls
• Office buildings
• Parking garages or lots
• Colleges and universities

Victims may be able to pursue a civil claim if they were injured during a robbery, assault, sexual assault, or other crime that could have been prevented with better security precautions.

Foreseeability: A Key Factor in Georgia

One of the most important elements in a negligent security case is foreseeability. This means that the property owner knew or should have known that there was a risk of criminal activity on or near the property. For example, if there have been repeated assaults in the area or on the premises and the owner did nothing to improve security, a court may find that a subsequent attack was foreseeable.

Victims don’t need to prove that the property owner could have predicted the specific crime—just that the general type of crime was likely without additional security measures.

What Can Victims Recover?

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or loss of earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In some cases, if the conduct of the property owner was especially reckless or egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Negligent security claims can be complex. They often involve gathering police reports, reviewing crime statistics, consulting with security experts, and proving that a property owner breached their duty of care. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case and hold negligent parties accountable.

Serving Communities Across Georgia

The Spizman Firm is committed to helping victims of negligent security throughout Georgia. Whether you were assaulted in an apartment complex, parking lot, or commercial property, we are here to fight for justice on your behalf. We proudly serve clients in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.