At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand how devastating it can be to suffer injuries due to inadequate security. Property owners can be held accountable when they fail to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. If you or a loved one were harmed by negligent security, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Baltimore injury attorneys have helped countless clients navigate complex personal injury claims. We take on property owners, businesses, and landlords who neglect their duty to provide adequate security measures, leading to preventable crimes and injuries.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of an attack, assault, or other violent crime due to negligent security, we are here to help you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims in Baltimore
Negligent security cases fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for ensuring a reasonably safe environment for visitors, tenants, and customers. If a business or property owner fails to provide adequate security measures and someone is harmed, they may be held legally responsible.
Negligent security cases can arise in various settings, including the following:
- Apartment complexes with broken locks or inadequate lighting
- Hotels and motels with unsecured entrances
- Parking garages or lots without proper security patrols
- Bars and nightclubs with a history of violent incidents
- Retail stores or shopping malls with insufficient security staff
- College dormitories or campuses lacking proper safety protocols
If you have been harmed in one of these locations due to insufficient security, you may have grounds to file a claim against the responsible parties.
Maryland’s Laws on Negligent Security
Maryland property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. Under Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 5-101, premises liability claims, including negligent security cases, must typically be filed within three years of the injury. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
For a negligent security claim to be successful, we must establish the following:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care.
- The owner failed to implement reasonable security measures.
- That failure contributed to or allowed a criminal act to occur.
- You suffered harm directly because of the lack of security.
Additionally, Maryland follows the contributory negligence rule, meaning if the victim is found to be even 1% at fault for their injuries, they may be barred from recovering damages. This is why having a skilled Baltimore negligent security lawyer is essential to building a strong case.
Common Security Failures That Lead to Injury
Negligent security cases often involve property owners who fail to take the necessary precautions to protect visitors. Some of the most common security failures include:
- Lack of security personnel – Businesses and residential buildings should have trained security guards on-site in high-crime areas.
- Inadequate lighting – Dark parking lots, hallways, and stairwells increase the risk of violent crimes.
- Broken locks or gates – Unsecured entrances make it easy for criminals to access buildings and private spaces.
- Lack of security cameras – Surveillance cameras can deter crime and provide crucial evidence if an incident occurs.
- Failure to respond to prior incidents – If a business or property has a history of criminal activity, the owner must take steps to prevent future occurrences.
When property owners ignore these security risks, they put visitors in danger. If you were injured due to inadequate security, our Baltimore injury attorneys can investigate and determine if you have a viable claim.
The Impact of Negligent Security on Victims
Being a victim of crime due to inadequate security can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Many victims suffer severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal injuries. Others develop long-term emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The financial impact of a negligent security incident can also be overwhelming. Medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, and ongoing rehabilitation costs can create significant financial strain. A successful personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological treatment costs
- Property damage or theft that occurred during the crime
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation under Maryland law.
Statistics on Crime and Negligent Security in Baltimore
Baltimore has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, with violent crime significantly above the national average. According to the Baltimore Police Department, there were over 300 homicides and thousands of aggravated assaults reported in recent years. Many of these crimes occurred in areas where security was lacking.
A study from the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that inadequate security contributes to a significant percentage of violent crimes. Assaults, robberies, and sexual assaults are more likely to occur in poorly lit or unmonitored areas. These statistics highlight the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable when they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent crime.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
When you face the aftermath of an injury caused by negligent security, you need a legal team prepared to fight for you. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we have extensive experience handling negligent security cases in Baltimore, MD. Our firm is committed to:
- Conducting thorough investigations to prove liability
- Gathering security footage, police reports, and witness statements
- Working with experts to establish what security measures should have been in place
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and property owners
- Taking your case to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve
We understand the challenges of negligent security claims and are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Claims in Baltimore
What qualifies as negligent security in Maryland?
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to implement reasonable safety measures, leading to preventable harm from criminal activity. These can include broken security cameras, untrained security personnel, improper lighting, or failure to address known safety risks. If you were attacked, assaulted, or injured due to a lack of adequate security, you may have a claim.
Who can be held liable in a negligent security case?
Property owners, landlords, business owners, and management companies may be liable if they fail to provide reasonable security measures. In some cases, security companies hired to protect a property may also be responsible if their negligence contributed to an attack or injury.
What types of crimes can lead to a negligent security claim?
Negligent security cases often involve violent crimes such as:
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault
- Armed robbery
- Shootings or stabbings
- Carjackings in parking lots
- Kidnappings in unsecured areas
If a crime occurred because security measures were inadequate, the property owner may be responsible for your injuries.
How do I prove that negligent security caused my injuries?
To establish a negligent security claim, we must prove:
- The property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security.
- They failed to meet that duty (e.g., lack of security guards, broken locks, poor lighting).
- That failure allowed a criminal act to occur.
- You suffered injuries as a direct result of the crime.
Our legal team gathers security footage, police reports, maintenance records, and expert testimony to build a strong case for you.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland law generally allows victims to file a negligent security claim three years after injury. However, gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, so it’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
What compensation can I recover in a negligent security case?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage or theft
Every case is unique, and our Baltimore negligent security lawyers fight to maximize your recovery.
Do I need a lawyer for a negligent security case?
Yes. These complex cases require thorough investigations, legal expertise, and negotiation skills. Our Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law team will protect your rights and handle the legal process while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Take Action Today – Contact a Baltimore Negligent Security Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered due to inadequate security, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our experienced Baltimore negligent security lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need.
Contact Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy to pursue justice. Let us hold negligent property owners accountable and help you confidently move forward.
