What Is a Negligent Security Case?

When you visit an apartment complex, restaurant, nightclub, or any other business, you have the right to expect that the property will be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, some property owners and managers cut corners on safety—ignoring crime problems, hiring unqualified security, or failing to provide basic protections like lighting and surveillance cameras. When those failures lead to serious crimes such as shootings, assaults, or robberies, the law recognizes a claim called negligent security.

The Legal Duty of Property Owners

Under Texas law, property owners and managers must take reasonable steps to protect tenants, customers, and guests from foreseeable criminal acts. This doesn’t mean they have to guarantee safety, but if crime has been happening in and around their property, they must respond responsibly. Failing to do so—by ignoring crime reports, skimping on security, or hiring untrained guards—can make them legally responsible for injuries or deaths that occur.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms, including:

  • Failing to provide security guards when crime is known in the area.
  • Hiring untrained or unqualified security personnel.
  • Security guards leaving their posts or sleeping on the job.
  • Poor lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways.
  • Broken gates, locks, or access-control systems.
  • Lack of surveillance cameras or failure to monitor them.

When these lapses create an environment where criminals can easily commit violent acts, victims may have a strong claim for compensation.

How Negligent Security Cases Work

In a negligent security lawsuit, the victim (or their family) must show that:

  1. The property owner knew or should have known about prior crimes or dangerous conditions.
  2. The crime was foreseeable based on the property’s history and surrounding area.
  3. The owner failed to take reasonable security measures to prevent it.
  4. That failure contributed to the victim’s injuries or death.

This legal framework is often referred to as the Timberwalk standard in Texas, named after a key court decision.

Why These Cases Matter

Negligent security cases are not just about financial compensation—they are about accountability. When businesses put profits over people’s safety, they endanger entire communities. Holding them responsible helps prevent future tragedies by forcing property owners to invest in real security measures.

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a violent crime at an apartment complex, business, or other property in Houston, you may have a negligent security case. These cases are complex and often involve powerful corporate defendants, but with the right legal team, you can fight back.
At The Foley Law Firm, we have deep experience in holding property owners accountable under Texas law. We know how to investigate crime histories, uncover security failures, and pursue justice for victims and their families.