Lafayette Negligent Security Attorneys
A property owner cannot prevent every crime. However, when a business or property owner knows—or should know—that criminal activity is reasonably foreseeable, Louisiana law may require reasonable security measures to help protect visitors, tenants and customers.
If inadequate security contributes to an assault, robbery or other violent crime, the property owner may be legally responsible for the injuries that result.
At VeazeyFelder, LLC, we represent victims who have suffered serious physical and emotional injuries because of inadequate security on commercial and residential properties throughout Lafayette and South Louisiana. We investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine whether reasonable security measures were lacking and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.
What Is A Negligent Security Claim?
Negligent security is a specialized type of premises liability claim. Rather than focusing on dangerous physical conditions such as wet floors or broken stairs, negligent security cases involve injuries caused by criminal acts that may have been prevented through reasonable security measures.
These cases often arise when a property owner fails to recognize known safety risks or ignores a history of criminal activity on or near the property.
Examples of inadequate security may include:
- Poor lighting in parking lots or walkways
- Broken gates, fences or security doors
- Malfunctioning locks or access control systems
- Lack of security personnel where circumstances warrant
- Broken surveillance cameras
- Failure to repair known security hazards
- Inadequate employee training regarding safety procedures
- Failure to respond to prior criminal incidents
Every property is different, and the appropriate level of security depends on the nature of the property, its location and whether criminal activity was reasonably foreseeable.
Where Do Negligent Security Incidents Occur?
Negligent security claims can arise in many different settings, including:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and motels
- Parking garages and parking lots
- Shopping centers and retail stores
- Bars, nightclubs and restaurants
- Office buildings
- Convenience stores and gas stations
- Casinos
- College campuses
- Entertainment venues
- Hospitals and medical facilities
These incidents frequently involve assaults, robberies, shootings, sexual assaults or other violent crimes that could potentially have been prevented through reasonable security measures.
Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Representation
Victims of violent crime often suffer far more than physical injuries. Emotional trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress may continue long after broken bones or other physical injuries have healed.
Our attorneys work closely with clients to understand the full impact of the incident, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
We also conduct a thorough investigation to preserve surveillance footage, maintenance records, security policies, prior incident reports and other evidence that may be critical to proving liability.
Experienced Trial Lawyers For Complex Injury Cases
Negligent security cases often involve extensive investigation and aggressive defense by insurance companies and property owners. Questions regarding foreseeability, security standards and property management practices frequently require careful legal analysis and expert testimony.
The attorneys at VeazeyFelder, LLC, have extensive experience handling complex civil litigation and serious injury claims. Whether through negotiated settlement or courtroom litigation, we work diligently to obtain fair compensation for our clients while holding negligent property owners accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of inadequate security, contact our Lafayette negligent security attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation.