Negligent Security Attorney in Glendale & Los Angeles
When a property owner fails to provide adequate security and you are assaulted, robbed, or otherwise harmed by a criminal act on their property, you may have a negligent security claim. Property owners in California have a legal duty to protect visitors and tenants from foreseeable criminal acts — and when they cut corners on security, they share responsibility for the harm that results. Attorney Anand Desai has spent 20+ years holding negligent property owners accountable across Glendale, Los Angeles, and Southern California. With 50+ jury trials and over 5,000 cases, he is prepared to fight for you. Call (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a subcategory of premises liability that applies when inadequate security measures contribute to a criminal act on the property. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to protect people on their property from foreseeable harm — including criminal activity.
The key legal concept is foreseeability. If criminal activity has occurred on or near the property before, or if the property is in an area with known crime, the owner should anticipate the risk and take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Where Negligent Security Claims Arise
Negligent security cases most commonly involve:
- Apartment complexes — broken gates, non-functional entry buzzers, unlit parking garages, missing locks on doors
- Hotels and motels — broken door locks, inadequate lobby security, unsecured parking areas
- Parking lots and garages — poor lighting, no security cameras, no security patrols
- Shopping centers and malls — insufficient security guards, dark walkways, unmonitored areas
- Bars and nightclubs — inadequate bouncers, overcrowding, lack of security protocols
- Gas stations and convenience stores — no security cameras, isolated locations, no panic buttons
- Office buildings — uncontrolled access, no visitor screening, broken surveillance systems
Types of Crimes Linked to Negligent Security
Criminal acts that may give rise to a negligent security claim include:
- Assault and battery
- Armed robbery and mugging
- Sexual assault
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Shooting or stabbing
- Hate crimes targeting specific communities
Proving a Negligent Security Claim
To succeed in a negligent security case, you must demonstrate:
- Duty — the property owner owed a duty of care to provide reasonable security
- Foreseeability — the criminal act was foreseeable based on prior incidents, crime statistics, or the nature of the property
- Breach — the property owner failed to implement reasonable security measures
- Causation — the inadequate security was a substantial factor in allowing the criminal act to occur
- Damages — you suffered actual harm as a result
Attorney Desai gathers evidence including police crime data for the area, the property’s history of incidents, security audit reports, maintenance records for locks and cameras, and testimony from security industry experts who can speak to what reasonable security measures would have been.
Injuries in Negligent Security Cases
Victims of crimes facilitated by negligent security often suffer both physical and psychological injuries:
- Gunshot or stab wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries from assault
- Broken bones and facial fractures
- Sexual assault trauma
- Severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of sense of safety and security
- Fatal injuries in the most tragic cases
The Criminal Did Not Get Caught — Can I Still Sue?
Yes. Your negligent security claim is against the property owner, not the criminal. Even if the perpetrator was never identified or caught, the property owner’s failure to provide adequate security is an independent basis for liability. Of course, if the criminal is identified, both the criminal and the property owner may be held liable.
Compensation for Negligent Security Victims
Victims across Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Burbank, and throughout Southern California can seek:
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering — both physical and emotional
- Psychological counseling and therapy
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Relocation costs — if the incident occurred at your residence
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
California’s statute of limitations is two years from the incident (CCP Section 335.1).
Why Anand Desai
Negligent security cases require an attorney who understands both civil liability and criminal justice. Anand Desai’s 13 years as an LA County Public Defender give him unique insight into how criminal acts intersect with civil premises liability. His 5.0-star Google rating from 114 reviews, BBB A+ accreditation, and no win, no fee guarantee make him the right choice. Available 24/7 in 11 languages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security
Can I sue my apartment complex if I was assaulted in the parking lot?
Yes, if the complex failed to provide reasonable security — functioning gates, adequate lighting, working cameras, or security patrols — and the assault was foreseeable based on prior criminal activity in the area.
What if the property owner says the crime was unforeseeable?
Attorney Desai obtains crime statistics and incident reports to demonstrate that criminal activity in the area made an attack foreseeable. Prior crimes on or near the property — even crimes that were not reported to police — can establish foreseeability.
Do hotels have a duty to protect guests from crime?
Yes. Hotels owe guests a heightened duty of care. They must provide functioning locks, secure entry points, adequate lighting, and — depending on the location and crime history — security personnel.
Can a bar or nightclub be liable for an assault that happens inside?
Yes. Bars and nightclubs must provide sufficient security staff, manage crowd levels, and intervene when patrons become aggressive. Over-serving alcohol that leads to an assault may also create liability.
How long does a negligent security case take?
These cases typically take 12 to 24 months due to the complexity of proving foreseeability and establishing the property owner’s knowledge of security deficiencies. Mr. Desai provides a realistic timeline during your free consultation.
Free Consultation — No Win, No Fee
You should not have to pay the price for a property owner’s failure to protect you. Call Anand Desai at (833) 270-7800 for a free consultation, or contact us online.