Founding Partner
When you visit a business, apartment complex, or parking lot, you expect the property owner to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. In Maryland, when a lack of proper security leads to injury or assault, the property owner may be held responsible under a negligent security claim. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and recover compensation after preventable harm.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It arises when someone is hurt on another person’s property due to unsafe or unsecured conditions—conditions the property owner should have fixed or guarded against.
Here are a few common examples:
- Dim or broken lighting in stairwells or parking garages
- No locks or broken locks on doors, gates, or windows
- Missing or broken security cameras
- No security staff despite known criminal activity in the area
Negligent security can occur anywhere—from apartment buildings and college dorms to retail stores and bars. What matters is whether the property owner failed to act reasonably to reduce foreseeable risks. Failing to fix a problem or take preventive measures can open the door to a claim.
The Role of Foreseeability in a Negligent Security Claim
One of the most important questions in a negligent security case is whether the incident was foreseeable. In plain terms, foreseeability means the property owner should have anticipated the danger and taken steps to prevent it.
For example, if a parking lot had a history of violent crimes and the owner didn’t improve lighting or hire security staff, another assault on that property might be considered foreseeable. The more serious or frequent the prior incidents, the stronger the argument that the owner knew about the risk.
In Maryland, foreseeability plays a key role in proving that a property owner failed to uphold their duty of care. We work to show not only that security was lacking, but also that better precautions could have prevented the harm.
Common Failures That Lead to Negligent Security
Negligent security doesn’t always look the same, but there are recurring problems we see in these cases. Some of the most common failures include:
Lack of Maintenance
- Burned-out lights in hallways or parking areas
- Broken locks, fences, or gates
- Overgrown shrubs or cluttered spaces that block visibility
Lack of Security Personnel and Installations
- No security guards in high-risk areas
- No cameras or alarm systems
- Security systems that exist but aren’t monitored or maintained
Failure to Act on Known Issues
- Ignoring previous complaints or criminal incidents
- Failing to warn tenants or visitors about ongoing risks
- Delayed response to safety concerns
Inadequate Staff Training
- Security guards who aren’t trained to handle emergencies
- Staff who don’t know what to do during a threat or attack
These oversights often result in thefts, assaults, and other incidents that could have been avoided if the right precautions had been taken.
The Effects of Negligent Security
The consequences of negligent security go far beyond physical injuries. For many victims, the trauma can linger long after the incident. People may suffer from:
- Emotional distress or anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Medical bills for physical recovery
- Permanent injuries or disability
In serious cases, victims may be unable to return to work or may need long-term counseling. A negligent security claim is one way to hold property owners accountable and recover the compensation needed to move forward. It also pressures businesses and landlords to make safety a priority for others.
How We Can Help You Hold the Property Owner Accountable
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we know what it takes to prove a negligent security case. Our team can investigate the incident, gather police reports and property records, speak with witnesses, and consult with safety professionals if needed.
You don’t have to sort through the legal process alone. We’ll help you understand your options, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether the incident happened in a shopping mall, apartment complex, or hotel, we’re here to help you take action.
Holding Property Owners Accountable
Negligent security claims aren’t just about what happened—they’re about what could have been prevented. If you or someone you love has been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, let’s talk. Contact McGowan & Cecil, LLC today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward.