Richmond Negligent Security Attorneys

Trusted Lawyers Investigating Negligent Security Incidents in Richmond, Virginia

In Virginia, property owners have a general duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors and people lawfully allowed on their property. Most people tend to think of slip-and-fall accidents when they hear about premises liability, but it can also extend to incidents where inadequate security resulted in someone suffering an injury.

At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we know how to investigate claims of poor security, drawing on over 25 years of legal experience in cases such as these. In our firm's history, we have secured millions from successful verdicts and settlements, so you can rely on our firm to provide you with strong representation.

When Can a Property Owner Be Held Liable for Negligent Security in Virginia?

Property owners in Virginia have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts on their premises. This duty typically arises when an owner knew, or reasonably should have been aware of, a heightened risk of crime. Prior incidents on the property, a history of criminal activity in the surrounding area, or obvious security gaps can be used to argue that the property owner should have known about the risks.

Establishing liability generally requires showing that the crime was foreseeable given the property's history or location, that the owner failed to take reasonable precautions in response, and that this failure contributed to the incident. A single isolated crime with no prior warning signs can be harder to pursue than a case involving a property with a documented pattern of criminal activity that management chose to ignore, since foreseeability often becomes the central issue in these disputes.

Common Examples of Inadequate Security Claims

Negligent security cases arise in many different settings, and identifying the specific security failure is central to building a strong claim. Common examples include:

• An apartment complex with broken entry gates or non-functioning door locks despite repeated tenant complaints about safety
• A parking garage with burned-out lighting that leaves large areas dark and hidden from view
• A hotel that fails to properly screen or monitor who enters the building at night or after hours
• A bar or nightclub that understaffs security despite a known history of fights or altercations
• A shopping center that removes or fails to maintain security cameras covering high-crime areas

Each of these examples reflects a situation where a property owner had the ability to reduce risk but failed to act, allowing a preventable crime to occur. Identifying which specific failure applies to your situation often requires reviewing incident reports, maintenance records, and prior complaints made to management, along with any security policies the property claimed to follow but did not actually enforce.

What Losses Can You Be Paid for in a Negligent Security Claim?

A negligent security claim can address the full range of harm a violent crime causes. Compensation often starts with the cost of medical care, both what you have already incurred and what you may need going forward for ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, including counseling or psychiatric support if needed. If the attack kept you from working, your claim can also account for missed income and any long-term impact on your ability to earn a living. Property that was stolen or damaged during the incident may factor into the claim as well.

The physical and psychological aftermath of a violent crime can also be factored into the total value of your claim. Trauma, fear, and a diminished sense of safety in your daily life are all recognized losses, alongside more visible harm like disfigurement or lasting physical limitations.

Contact Our Richmond, VA Negligent Security Lawyers

Negligent property owners should be held fully accountable when someone on their property becomes the victim of an easily avoidable violent crime. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we investigate the security failures behind your attack and fight for full compensation on your behalf. Call 804-500-9796 or contact our Richmond, Virginia negligent security attorneys to schedule a free case review.