Pittsburgh Negligent Security Attorney

If you were assaulted, robbed, or harmed on another person’s property because of inadequate security measures, you may be entitled to compensation. At Friday & Cox LLC, our experienced Pittsburgh negligent security lawyers help victims hold negligent property owners accountable for failing to provide reasonable safety. You deserve justice for the pain, trauma, and losses caused by someone else’s disregard for your safety.

Contact us today for your free consultation at (412) 900-8250.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a form of premises liability law that applies when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable precautions to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal acts. Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions—not only by preventing slip and fall hazards but also by deterring foreseeable dangers like assaults, robberies, or break-ins.

When they fail to implement basic safety measures—such as adequate lighting, working locks, or trained security staff—they may be legally responsible for injuries and damages caused by criminal acts that occur on their property.

Negligent security claims often arise after incidents such as:

• Physical assaults or attacks
• Robberies or muggings
• Sexual assaults
• Shootings or stabbings
• Carjackings in parking lots
• Hotel or apartment break-ins

These cases aren’t about blaming the perpetrator alone—they’re about holding the property owner accountable for failing to prevent foreseeable crimes through reasonable safety measures.

Common Types of Security

The type of security required for a property depends on its location, use, and the likelihood of criminal activity. Common forms of security include:

• Physical Barriers: Locks, gates, fences, and controlled access systems help prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas.
• Lighting: Adequate exterior and interior lighting is crucial for visibility in parking lots, stairwells, and walkways. Poor lighting often contributes to criminal activity by giving offenders concealment.
• Security Personnel: Many businesses—such as nightclubs, shopping centers, and apartment complexes—hire trained guards to monitor premises and respond to threats.
• Surveillance Cameras: Video surveillance not only deters criminal acts but also provides valuable evidence if an incident occurs.
• Alarm Systems: Security alarms and emergency call boxes are critical for alerting authorities and responding quickly to dangerous situations.

When these basic safety measures are missing, broken, or improperly maintained, it can create an unreasonably dangerous environment—and property owners may be held liable.

When Is Security Required?

Under Pennsylvania law, property owners and businesses must take reasonable steps to protect guests and patrons from foreseeable harm. Whether or not security is required depends on several factors, including:

• The type of property: Bars, hotels, apartment complexes, and parking garages generally require more security than private homes.
• History of crime in the area: If similar crimes have occurred nearby, owners have notice of potential danger and must act accordingly.
• Nature of the business: Establishments that operate at night or handle cash, such as convenience stores or clubs, face higher risks and need stronger security measures.
• Prior incidents on the property: If assaults or robberies have happened before, owners have a clear duty to take additional precautions.

If a crime was foreseeable and the property owner failed to take reasonable measures to prevent it, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can occur in many types of public and private properties across Pittsburgh. Examples include:

• Apartment complexes with broken locks, gates, or unsecured entrances
• Hotels and motels that fail to monitor guest access or maintain surveillance
• Nightclubs and bars with inadequate bouncer training or lack of crowd control
• Shopping centers or parking lots without lighting or camera systems
• College campuses that fail to alert students to known security threats
• Hospitals or nursing homes with insufficient staff or lack of emergency protocols

If you were injured due to one of these lapses, our Pittsburgh negligent security lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.

Who Is Liable for Inadequate Security?

In negligent security cases, the property owner or manager is usually the primary party responsible. However, liability may extend to multiple parties depending on the property’s ownership and operations, including:

• Property owners who fail to install or maintain adequate security measures
• Landlords who ignore tenant complaints about unsafe conditions
• Business operators or tenants who neglect security in leased spaces
• Security companies that fail to properly train or supervise personnel
• Maintenance contractors responsible for cameras, alarms, or lighting

Your attorney will review police reports, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to determine who should be held accountable.

What Compensation Is Available in a Negligent Security Claim?

Victims of negligent security in Pittsburgh may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress or trauma
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may be available to punish especially reckless or willful disregard for safety.

Negligent Security FAQs

What should I do after being attacked due to poor security?

Call 911 immediately and seek medical care. Report the incident to the property owner or manager, document unsafe conditions, and contact a negligent security lawyer in Pittsburgh as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, most personal injury and premises liability claims must be filed within two years of the incident. Delaying could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

What if the criminal was caught—can I still sue the property owner?

Yes. Even if the perpetrator is charged, you may still bring a civil claim against the property owner for their negligence in failing to provide reasonable security.

How can a negligent security lawyer help me?

Your lawyer will investigate the crime, identify all responsible parties, collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed to secure full compensation.

Contact a Pittsburgh Negligent Security Lawyer Today

If you were injured because a business, landlord, or property owner failed to provide proper security, you shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone. Our experienced negligent security attorneys in Pittsburgh are here to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

Call (412) 900-8250 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice after a preventable and traumatic incident.