Negligent Security Accidents Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Negligent security accidents are becoming more and more common in Phoenix, Arizona where victims are left with serious injuries, emotional trauma and financial burdens because of the lack of security. Property owners and managers have a legal obligation to make sure their property is secure and safe for tenants, customers and visitors. When they fail to meet that obligation and someone gets hurt on their property, they can be held liable for negligence. At Keller Swan we represent victims of negligent security accidents and help them get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, losses and emotional distress.

What are Negligent Security Accidents

Negligent security means property owners, landlords or managers fail to provide adequate safety measures and then criminal activity such as assaults, robberies, sexual violence or other violent incidents occur on their property. Unlike other types of accidents where physical conditions (e.g. slippery floors, broken stairs) directly cause harm, negligent security means a lack of protective measures to prevent criminal activity from happening.

In these cases property owners are expected to take reasonable steps to protect individuals from foreseeable harm. Failing to provide essential safety measures such as adequate lighting, functional security cameras or trained security personnel can create an unsafe environment and make property owners liable for the consequences.

Where Negligent Security Incidents Happen

Negligent security accidents can happen in public and private spaces:

• Apartment complexes: Poor lighting, malfunctioning gates and no security patrols can lead to violent incidents in residential areas.
• Parking lots and garages: These areas are crime magnets if not well lit or regularly monitored by security.
• Hotels and motels: Guests expect a safe stay but inadequate security can lead to assaults, break-ins or theft.
• Shopping malls and retail stores: No security cameras, personnel or access controls can turn malls into hotspots for robberies or assaults.
• Bars and nightclubs: Poor crowd control and no security can lead to fights, altercations or even serious attacks.

Negligent Security Accidents Consequences

Victims of negligent security accidents can face physical, emotional and financial challenges. Some of the consequences include:

• Physical injuries: Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, internal injuries or gunshot wounds.
• Emotional trauma: Victims often experience severe emotional distress, anxiety and even post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Financial burdens: Hospital bills, therapy, rehabilitation and not being able to go back to work can lead to financial hardship.
• Loss of income: Severe injuries can prevent victims from working and in some cases, losing long term employment.

Given these consequences it’s important for victims of negligent security to know their legal rights and options for recovery.

Legal Overview: Personal Injury Negligent Security Accident Laws in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona has specific laws that govern premises liability and negligent security claims which provides the legal framework to hold property owners accountable when they fail to provide safety. Here’s a breakdown of the legal considerations:

1. Premises Liability

Under Arizona law property owners, landlords and managers are legally required to maintain their premises in a safe condition for tenants, visitors and customers. This means taking proactive steps to mitigate foreseeable risks posed by criminal activity. Premises liability laws make it clear if someone is injured on a property due to negligent security the property owner may be liable for not providing a safe environment. Examples of security failures include:

• Not installing sufficient lighting in parking areas, hallways or stairwells.
• Not maintaining functional surveillance systems in high risk areas.
• Ignoring repeated criminal activity in the area and not increasing security measures.
• Allowing broken gates or door locks to remain unfixed, allowing unauthorized access to buildings or complexes.

2. Foreseeability and Reasonable Security

To win a negligent security case the victim must show the property owner or manager should have reasonably foreseen the criminal activity and failed to take steps to prevent it. Factors that can show foreseeability include:

• Crime statistics in the area: A history of criminal activity in the area increases the property owner’s duty to provide safety.
• Previous incidents on the property: If there were previous robberies, assaults or break-ins on the property the property owner should have increased security measures.
• Type of property: Properties in high crime areas or those that have a large number of guests or tenants (e.g. malls, nightclubs) are more likely to be breached and therefore need stricter security protocols.

3. Duty of Care

Property owners in Phoenix have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for people on their property. This means owners, landlords or managers must anticipate the threats and take preventative measures. If an owner breaches this duty by not providing necessary security features (e.g. cameras, lighting, trained personnel) they can be held liable for the injuries or damages that result from their failure.

For example, a property owner who knows about recent break-ins and fails to fix broken locks on apartment doors can be liable if a tenant is injured in a home invasion.

4. Proximate Cause and Negligent Security Claims

To establish proximate cause victims of negligent security must show that the property owner’s failure to provide adequate security measures directly caused the crime and the resulting injuries. It’s not enough to show a crime occurred on the property, the victim must show the crime could have been prevented if reasonable security measures were in place. For example:

• If a tenant is attacked in a dark parking lot it must be shown the lack of lighting contributed to the crime.
• If a hotel guest is assaulted because of a broken security camera it must be established the lack of surveillance allowed the assailant to enter unnoticed.

5. Statute of Limitations

In Arizona the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim for negligent security is generally 2 years from the date of the incident. Victims must file within this time frame to preserve their right to sue. However, delays can hurt a case big time as critical evidence (e.g. surveillance footage) can be lost or destroyed over time. To avoid missing deadlines it’s recommended to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.

Negligent Security Accident Statistics in Phoenix, Arizona (2023)

In 2023 Phoenix had a significant number of negligent security accidents, more proof that property owners need to take safety seriously. Local law enforcement agencies and crime reports show:

Total Incidents

200 reported negligent security incidents in Phoenix in 2023 on commercial and residential properties.

Injuries and Fatalities

150 of the 200 reported negligent security incidents resulted in injuries, 30 were severe. Severe injuries included traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and internal injuries. 10 fatalities were attributed to negligent security in Phoenix in 2023. Those fatalities were from assaults, robberies and other violent crimes.

Where Negligent Security Incidents Occur

The data shows that the most common places for negligent security incidents were:

• Apartment complexes: Inadequate lighting, poor access control and non functioning surveillance systems were the main culprits.
• Parking lots and garages: Dark isolated parking areas with no security patrols were targeted by criminals.
• Hotels and motels: Guests were attacked in poorly lit hallways or unsecured rooms.
• Retail stores: No surveillance and minimal security personnel created opportunities for theft and assault.
• Bars and nightclubs: Violent altercations and assaults were common when security was poorly trained or understaffed.

Recent Personal Injury Case

One of the biggest negligent security cases in Phoenix was a female tenant who was attacked in the parking lot of an apartment complex in 2018. The parking lot was dark and the security cameras were not working at the time of the incident. Despite numerous complaints from tenants about the lack of lighting and inadequate security the property management company did nothing.

On the night of the attack the victim was brutally assaulted by an assailant who entered the property through a broken security gate. The victim suffered multiple fractures, facial injuries and severe emotional trauma as a result of the incident.

The family of the victim sued the property management company for gross negligence for not providing adequate security measures despite knowing the risk. The case settled for $3 million which included medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering and punitive damages. This is a harsh reminder of how important it is to keep your premises secure especially in high crime areas.

Why Keller Swan?

Legal Guidance

Keller Swan represents victims of negligent security accidents. Our attorneys have knowledge of Arizona’s premises liability laws and will fight for our clients. We know negligent security claims and will make sure property owners and managers are held responsible when their negligence causes physical injuries, emotional distress and financial losses to victims.

Client Services

At Keller Swan we approach client care with compassion and professionalism. We put our clients first by:

• Listening to your concerns.
• Giving you clear legal advice based on your case.
• Developing a plan to get you the most compensation. We know the emotional and financial toll of negligent security accidents so we will be with you every step of the way through the legal process.

Results

Keller Swan has a proven record of securing large settlements and verdicts in negligent security cases in Phoenix, Arizona. Our knowledge of Arizona law and commitment to client satisfaction has produced results for hundreds of clients. Whether through settlement or trial we deliver more than expected.

Negligent Security Accidents

There are many causes of negligent security incidents. Here are some of the most common:

• Inadequate Lighting: One of the most common causes of negligent security accidents is lack of lighting in areas like parking lots, stairwells or hallways. Criminals target dark areas where they can go unnoticed.
• No Surveillance: Lack of security cameras or malfunctioning surveillance systems makes it hard to monitor high risk areas and deter criminal activity.
• Insufficient Security Staff: Properties that don’t have enough security staff or don’t train their security staff properly see more crime.
• Access Control Failures: Faulty access control systems like broken gates or unsecured entrances allow unauthorized people to enter the property and increase the risk of assaults, robberies and other crimes.

What to Do After a Negligent Security Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a negligent security accident you must take the following steps to protect your rights and your case:

1. Get Medical Attention: Your health and safety is first. Get medical treatment for any injuries sustained and make sure all medical treatment is documented.
2. Report the Incident: Notify local law enforcement and ask that the incident be documented in a police report. This will be important evidence in your case.
3. Preserve Evidence: Take pictures of the scene, including any hazards, lighting and surrounding areas. Get contact information from witnesses who can give statements about the incident.
4. Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a negligent security lawyer at Keller Swan to discuss your options. We will guide you through the claim process, negotiating with property owners or insurance companies and make sure you get what you deserve.

Call Keller Swan

If you or a loved one has been injured in a negligent security accident in Phoenix, Arizona call us today. The lawyers at Keller Swan will protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.