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Apartment Complex Negligent Security Lawyers

Champions for the Injured
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NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich
NST Law Attorney
National Law Firm with Local Roots

Apartment owners have a responsibility to tenants and their guests to prevent foreseeable danger. When they fail to provide adequate security measures, property managers may be liable for injuries to victims of violent crime on the premises. If you or a family member suffered injuries from a violent crime resulting from a landlord’s negligence, call a security negligence lawyer at NST Law.

Along with cost, location, and amenities, apartment complex safety should be a major consideration when choosing a place to live. Many properties advertise security measures, such as controlled-access entrances and trained guards, but do not live up to the promises they made after you’ve signed your lease. Property owners have a legal duty to keep tenants and their guests safe. Negligent security at apartment complexes allows foreseeable and preventable violent crime occurs on the property. Such crimes include assault, rape, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and murder.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of crime due to negligent security in your apartment complex, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Contact NST Law today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced apartment complex negligent security lawyers in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois. We have a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for our clients and holding property owners or managers accountable for their failure to provide a safe living environment. Don’t wait—take action today to protect your rights and seek justice.

Table Of Contents

How NST Law Can Help

The lawyers at NST Law are champions for the injured. To date, we have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for injured clients. Our lawyers have more than 30 years of experience representing plaintiffs in personal injury lawsuits, including premises liability cases. When you need representation for your apartment complex negligent security case, Call the Champs at NST Law.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for Negligent Security at an Apartment Complex?

Most victims of apartment complex crime do not receive full compensation from restitution in a criminal case. Often, the perpetrator of the crime does not have the resources to cover a victim’s damages. That means you may be left on the hook for out-of-pocket expenses. However, you may be eligible to sue your apartment complex for negligence and receive an apartment negligence settlement for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

How much compensation for landlord negligence you can receive will depend on the circumstances of your case. Let an experienced personal injury attorney review your case and determine the full extent of your damages before you settle with an insurance company.

Why Do I Need a Negligence Lawyer for an Apartment Complex Security Case?

It’s important to reach out to an attorney immediately following your attack. You will want to preserve evidence of the attack and collect witness statements as soon as possible. To prove liability, you must show the landlord or apartment manager was negligent and that their negligence contributed to your attack. An attorney representing you in an apartment complex negligent security lawsuit can:

  • Protect your rights
  • Conduct an independent investigation of the attack
  • Evaluate the adequacy of the apartment complex’s security measures
  • Review maintenance records
  • Interview witnesses
  • Determine the appropriate defendants in your case

While pursuing a negligence claim against your apartment complex, you will probably still be recovering from the trauma of your attack. The last thing you need is the aggravation of handling the legal details. An experienced negligent security lawyer will know how to collect and present evidence to build a case against your apartment property owner or manager. They are also used to dealing with property owners and insurance companies that try to avoid financial responsibility by blaming the victim for the attack.

Legal Process and Timeline

It can take considerable time to investigate the circumstances surrounding your attack, identify all possible defendants, negotiate with insurance companies, and present your case at trial. Lawsuits for apartment complex negligent security can take many months—or even years.

Although it can be discouraging when the wheels of justice turn slowly, it’s better to see the process through to the end than to settle for less than you deserve by accepting a lowball initial offer from an insurance company.

Apartment Complex Negligent Security

Legal Rights and Options for Victims of Negligent Security

Laws in some states require property owners to provide safe housing for renters. For example, the Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act in Tennessee outlines a landlord’s obligation to protect tenants from foreseeable harm. Check with your state’s housing authority for specific information about a landlord’s duty of care to tenants in your area.

What is Landlord Negligence?

Landlords may only be held liable for crimes committed on their premises if the crime was reasonably foreseeable and they failed to act to prevent it. That means you have to show that the property owner or manager:

  • Was aware of previous criminal activity that took place at the apartment complex, suspicious people frequenting the property, safety concerns about the neighborhood, or issues with the property’s security measures
  • Failed to act to protect residents

If the landlord did not put adequate security measures and safety policies in place, they may be liable for injuries to victims of crime on the premises. These measures may include the following:

  • Functional door and window locks
  • Operational safety gates
  • Controlled-entry access 
  • Adequate lighting in parking garages, sidewalks, hallways, and other common areas
  • Surveillance cameras
  • Security alarms
  • Security guards

Additionally, if another tenant or an apartment complex employee assaulted you, your attorney may investigate whether your landlord conducted thorough background checks. If they discover your attacker had a previous history of violent crime, the complex might be liable.

Why Seek Legal Advice from an Experienced Lawyer?

An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to conduct a thorough investigation and collect evidence that may be difficult to obtain independently. For example, an attorney may be able to uncover prior complaints about poor lighting or broken locks. Or an attorney might find that the landlord ignored security issues for an extended time.

An experienced attorney will also know the laws relevant to your case and how to present evidence to support your claim. If you pursue a negligent security claim, you may have to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies and the owner or operator of an apartment building. However, you can inadvertently harm your claim if you negotiate by yourself. An experienced attorney will be able to protect your rights and fight for your best interests at the negotiating table and, if necessary, in the courtroom. 

With offices in Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas, NST Law has over 30 years of experience handling apartment complex negligent security cases. Our knowledgeable and skilled attorneys provide aggressive legal representation to sort through the facts and identify the evidence needed to win your case.

Steps To Address Negligent Apartment Security

Apartment complex residents can take practical steps to protect themselves and their guests from violent criminal activity, including the following:

  • Report broken locks, burnt-out light bulbs, and unsecured doors to property management immediately. In a civil lawsuit, a plaintiff must be able to show that the apartment complex owner knew about potential security issues. It’s a good idea to document the date and time you report issues to the apartment manager in case you need to look back later.
  • Before signing a lease, look around the property. Notice whether security systems, fences, doors, and windows are in good repair with systems in place to thwart would-be intruders.
  • Ask about the complex’s procedures for responding to suspected criminal activity.
  • Inquire about security guards, particularly their training, hours of availability, and contact information for emergencies.

Contact the manager or landlord immediately if you notice suspicious activity or inadequate security measures at your apartment complex. You can usually email the manager or reach them by phone. Some management companies have websites that allow you to file a report online.

Document the issue by taking videos or photographs, if possible. You should also keep a copy of the report you file. If you reach out by phone, write down the date, time, and subject you discussed with the manager. 

The Impact of Negligent Security

Aside from the financial losses victims may suffer from criminal activity, violent crimes often result in serious physical injuries that leave victims with permanent damage. Experiencing an attack is also emotionally traumatic, causing victims to experience anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

In some cases, an attack may lead to the death of a tenant or guest. Surviving family members suffer the pain and grief of losing their loved one and the added financial stress of covering the victim’s medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost earnings.  In those cases, survivors may be able to bring a wrongful death suit against the apartment owner.

Seek Legal Assistance from NST Law

The safety of your home is a top priority for you and your family, and it should be for your landlord as well. Acting quickly is critical if you have suffered injuries because of inadequate apartment complex security. Document and preserve evidence of your attack and your apartment complex’s negligent actions.

NST Law can help. Let our decades of experience work for you. We’ll investigate the circumstances of your attack and help you determine who is responsible for your injuries. We also evaluate your claim and help you determine how to move forward. Contact us today or visit us online for a free consultation.

Apartment Negligent Security FAQs

What Are the Security Obligations of Apartment Owners or Managers?

The laws vary from state to state, but landlords generally have a legal obligation to provide safe and secure housing, protect tenants from foreseeable reasonable risks, and act to prevent harm to residents and their guests. 

What Are Some Examples of Negligent Security in Apartment Complexes?

Examples of negligent security in apartment complexes include the following:

  • Inadequately lit sidewalks, parking garages, parking lots, and common areas
  • Broken locks on doors and windows
  • Security gates that are not functioning properly
  • Failure to provide security guards
  • Lack of functional security cameras
  • Failure to screen visitors
  • Unsecured access areas
  • Failure to conduct background checks on potential tenants and complex employees

What Are the Consequences of Negligent Security for Residents?

Violent crimes, including robbery, rape, assault, kidnapping, carjacking, and even murder, have resulted from negligent security measures at apartment complexes.

What Are My Legal Rights if I Am a Victim of a Crime Due to Negligent Security?

You may report the crime to local law enforcement for criminal investigation and possible criminal prosecution of the perpetrator. You may also be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent parties at your apartment complex to recover both economic and non-economic damages.

How Can I Prove the Apartment Owner or Manager was Negligent?

Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your attack. If the investigation determines that the owner or manager knew about potential security risks and failed to act, you may be able to hold them liable for your injuries.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Negligent Security Case?

You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.

How Long Do I Have to File Suit for Negligent Security in My Apartment Complex?

Every state has rules about how long you have to file a legal claim after you are injured. These time limits are called statutes of limitations. An attorney at NST Law can explain how long you have to file your claim based on the applicable state law. 

What Should I Do if I Notice a Security Issue in My Apartment Complex?

Report any issues to management immediately, and document the date and time of your report for future reference. If you do not feel your landlord takes your concerns seriously, you can consult your local housing authority about how to report an apartment complex for inadequate security.

How Can I Find an Experienced Lawyer to Handle My Negligent Security Case?

Contact the Champions for the Injured at NST Law for a free case consultation.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family from Crime in My Apartment Complex?

Be aware of your surroundings and immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement and your apartment manager.

NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich

Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.

Our Memphis Offices
Main Memphis OFFICE

488 S. Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN 38117

Phone: 901-683-7000

Fax: 901-462-3350

Whitehaven Office

4466 Elvis Presley Blvd

Suite 143
Memphis, TN 38116

Phone: 901-300-2400
Fax: 901-462-3350

Testimonials
- Climas B.
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"They stayed with my case until everything was resolved. My situation was complicated and they ensured things were in check from start to finish."
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"From start to finish it was a good experience. They listened and handled my case with compassion and care. I highly recommend them."
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"I was involved in a auto accident with my mother and she suggested NST to handle the case for us. Everything was handled professionally and in a timely manner."
Client Successes
$3,000,000.00
Obtained in tractor-trailer accident case for a husband and wife that suffered traumatic injuries.
$2,200,000.00
Recovered in car accident case against construction company in which our client suffered a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000.00
Received for a woman injured in car accident while on the job, who sustained numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries.