What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect their guests from foreseeable risks, such as criminal activity. This can include failing to install adequate lighting, failing to repair broken locks, or failing to hire security personnel. When these failures lead to crimes such as assault, rape, or murder, the victims or their families may have grounds for a successful lawsuit.
Why Is Negligent Security Dangerous?
When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect their guests from foreseeable risks, they are putting them in danger. For example, if a hotel knows that there have been several robberies in the area but does not increase security or take other measures to protect their guests, they may be liable if a guest is robbed while staying at the hotel. Similarly, if an apartment complex knows that there has been an increase in drug activity in the area but does not increase security or take other measures to protect its tenants, it may be liable if a tenant is assaulted or murdered.