Attorneys for Negligent Security

Filing Claims for Victims of Crime in Texas Apartment Complexes

As a tenant, you may be unsure of what you can reasonably expect from your landlord. You know they need to repair anything in your apartment that threatens your health or safety, and they cannot interrupt your access to utilities without good reason. Unless you damage the property, they will also need to return your security deposit. These obligations are fairly straightforward and outlined in your landlord/tenant agreement.

But what about protecting you from crime? If you were robbed in your apartment complex, is your landlord responsible because the crime occurred on their property? At The Daspit Law Firm, our attorneys have years of experience navigating these complex liability issues and helping clients secure million-dollar settlements for their injuries and losses. If you became a victim of crime because of your landlord’s negligence, we are ready to represent you in a court of law.

The time to file a claim is limited. Call (888) 273-1045 for immediate support—our negligent security lawyers are available 24/7, every day of the week.

What Is Negligent Security?

With more and more residents looking for places to live, landlords are tempted to take shortcuts and skip background checks in the screening processes. You may find yourself feeling unsafe in an apartment complex, not knowing if your neighbors or property employees are law-abiding citizens, or if your home is adequately protected from dangerous strangers.

Under Texas law, landlords and apartment complex owners are not obligated to protect their tenants and residents from crime. However, negligent security (a subset of premises liability) may allow you to hold your landlord liable if you suffer injury or loss from criminal activity on their property.

Here are a few examples of when you may be entitled to compensation after experiencing crime in an apartment complex:

• The prior crime rule. If the apartment complex experienced a series of crimes in a short amount of time, your landlord may become liable for future crimes if they fail to respond appropriately.
• The foreseeability doctrine. Your landlord is required to protect you from foreseeable harm. If, for example, someone reports suspicious activity, and the landlord does nothing to remedy the situation, they could be liable for subsequent crime because it could have been reasonably predicted (and prevented).
• Inadequate security. Apartment complex owners are not required by law to equip their property with certain security measures. If the property has broken gates, malfunctioning cameras, or missing security guards, however, your landlord may be failing to provide guaranteed amenities. If someone reports issues and the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, they may be liable for any resulting criminal activity.
• Negligent hiring. In Texas, landlords are required to administer background checks for all potential employees. If they hire someone with a history of violent crime, for example, and that employee commits a crime in the apartment complex, you may be eligible for compensation if you suffered injury or loss as a result.

Understanding the nuances of negligent security takes years of experience and rigorous training. Our lawyers are ready to answer all your questions and help you decide if you are entitled to damages.

Get in Touch with Our Legal Team for Immediate Support

When you rent an apartment, you should be able to expect a certain level of safety and security. If your landlord is guilty of negligent property management or security, they must be held accountable. The Daspit Law Firm is dedicated to helping Texas tenants successfully pursue justice, and we look forward to taking on your case as soon as possible.

Call our firm at (888) 273-1045 or schedule your consultation to begin building your case today.