When Property Owners Fail to Protect You From Violent Crime

You expect certain places to be safe.

A hotel. An apartment complex. A parking lot. A business.

When property owners fail to provide basic security—and someone is injured as a result—it is not just a crime.

It may also be negligence.

Negligent security cases arise when a business or property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts.

At Salter Law, we investigate these cases to uncover what should have been done—and why it wasn’t.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim.

It applies when:

• A crime occurs (such as a shooting, assault, or robbery)
• The property owner failed to provide reasonable security
• That failure contributed to the incident

These cases are not about blaming the victim.

They are about holding property owners accountable when they ignore known risks.

Common Negligent Security Cases

Negligent security claims often arise from incidents like:

• Shootings at hotels or apartment complexes
• Robberies in parking lots or businesses
• Assaults at bars, nightclubs, or events
• Criminal activity in poorly secured properties

Many of these incidents occur in places where:

• Prior crimes had already happened
• Security was inadequate or nonexistent
• Basic precautions were not taken

What Property Owners Are Required to Do

Under Louisiana law, property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect against foreseeable harm.

This may include:

• Providing adequate lighting
• Installing and maintaining security cameras
• Hiring security personnel when appropriate
• Repairing broken locks, gates, or access points
• Responding to prior criminal activity

When owners fail to take these steps—especially after prior incidents—they may be held responsible.

Foreseeability: The Key Issue in These Cases

One of the most important questions in a negligent security case is:

Was the crime foreseeable?

This often depends on:

• Prior criminal activity at the location
• Crime rates in the surrounding area
• Complaints or reports made to management
• Whether similar incidents had occurred before

If a property owner knew—or should have known—that criminal activity was likely, they may have had a duty to act.

How These Cases Are Proven

Negligent security cases require more than showing a crime occurred.

They require a detailed investigation into what the property owner knew and failed to do.

We focus on uncovering:

• Prior incident reports
• Police calls to the property
• Security policies and procedures
• Surveillance footage
• Maintenance records (locks, lighting, gates)
• Staffing and security decisions

In many cases, the evidence shows a pattern:

• Repeated incidents
• Ignored warnings
• No meaningful action taken

That is what turns a crime into a civil case for accountability.

Why These Cases Matter

These cases are about more than compensation.

They are about:

• Exposing unsafe conditions
• Forcing property owners to take security seriously
• Preventing similar incidents from happening again

When businesses fail to protect people, the consequences can be severe—and often preventable.

What Compensation May Be Available

If you were injured due to negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Long-term psychological impact
• Disability or permanent injury

These cases often involve serious injuries, and the impact goes beyond the physical.

What It’s Like to Work With Us

At Salter Law:

• You work directly with an attorney
• Your case is investigated thoroughly
• We pursue the records and evidence others overlook

We understand these cases are not just legal—they are deeply personal.

Speak With a Louisiana Negligent Security Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe conditions at a business, hotel, or property, there may be more to your case than you realize.

We are here to help you understand your rights and determine your next steps.

Consultations are free. No upfront fees.

Call to Action

📞 Call or text to speak directly with an attorney

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Salter Law, LLC

Covington, Louisiana

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security in Louisiana