Negligent Security Lawyer San Antonio

You should be able to feel safe in your own home. When an apartment complex ignores a known pattern of crime and a tenant or visitor is assaulted, the property owner or manager may be legally responsible. The Daspit Law Firm represents people injured by crimes on apartment and other rental properties in San Antonio, Bexar County and across Texas.

As more people move to San Antonio, more apartment complexes are built to meet demand, and crime can rise with population. Property owners still have duties to the people who live on and visit their premises. We review your situation, explain your options and help you decide how to proceed. Call (888) 217-8432 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It arises when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to protect people on the property from foreseeable criminal acts. The criminal is responsible for the crime, but the owner may also be responsible for failing to provide reasonable protection.

Where negligent security claims happen

Apartment complexes are common settings, but similar claims can arise at parking lots, hotels, shopping centers and other places where the owner controls the property.

Landlord and Property Owner Responsibilities

Texas law expects a property owner to keep the premises reasonably safe from foreseeable harm. For apartment communities, that may include working locks and gates, adequate lighting, security cameras, patrols where warranted, and careful screening and supervision of employees.

Many tenants live near dangerous conditions without knowing it. If you were assaulted, or you regularly see crimes in your complex, you may have a legal claim. Our lawyers will review the details of your case and explain your options under the law.

The foreseeability question

To succeed, a claim generally has to show the harm was foreseeable. Courts typically look at earlier criminal activity on or near the property, including how recent, how frequent and how similar those incidents were, and whether the owner knew about them. A clear pattern of crimes at your complex can help show that a criminal act was foreseeable. These cases can be difficult to prove, so early legal advice matters.

Lack of security and negligent hiring or supervision

Another path is to show the owner or manager neglected security measures and failed to keep a safe environment for tenants, and that the weakness in security contributed to the crime you suffered. You may also have a claim against a landlord or property owner if one of its employees commits a crime at the complex.

Compensation in a Negligent Security Case

Depending on the facts, injured tenants and visitors may seek compensation for:

•         Medical expenses, current and future

•         Lost income and reduced ability to work

•         Pain, suffering and emotional distress

•         Other losses caused by the injury

When a loved one dies because of a crime on a property, family members may also have a wrongful death claim.

What to Do After a Crime at Your Apartment Complex

1.       Call 911 and get medical care. File a police report so the incident is documented.

2.       Report the incident to the property manager in writing and keep a copy.

3.       Save evidence: photos of injuries and the scene, broken locks, gates or lights, and messages with management.

4.       Write down other crimes or complaints you know of at the complex, and ask neighbors if they will talk.

5.       Contact an attorney early. Most Texas personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003.

Talk to a San Antonio Negligent Security Lawyer

If you live in an apartment complex that sees frequent criminal activity, or you were hurt in one, contact The Daspit Law Firm to review your case. We serve clients throughout San Antonio. Call (888) 217-8432 to request a free consultation with our premises liability lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my apartment complex if I was assaulted there?

Possibly. If the assault was foreseeable and the owner or manager failed to take reasonable security steps, the property owner may be legally responsible alongside the attacker. Each case turns on its facts, such as prior crimes, complaints and the security in place. A lawyer can review your situation.

What is the prior crime rule?

It refers to using earlier criminal incidents at or near a property to show that a later crime was foreseeable. Courts typically consider how recent, frequent and similar those incidents were. Evidence such as police reports, complaints to management and news coverage can matter.

Do I need to have been a tenant to bring a claim?

Not necessarily. Guests, visitors and others lawfully on the property may also have claims, depending on the facts and the type of property. An attorney can tell you whether your situation fits.

How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Texas?

Most personal injury lawsuits in Texas must be filed within two years under Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.003, though exceptions can apply. Because evidence such as camera footage can disappear quickly, it is wise to speak with a lawyer soon after the incident.

What if I still live in the complex?

You can still talk to a lawyer. Texas law has protections for tenants, and a lawyer can review your lease and options before you take any step. Keep your documentation and avoid discussing details with management before you get advice.