Columbia Negligent Security Lawyer

Suffered an Injury Caused by Failed Security Measures?

If you have been injured due to inadequate safety measures on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we help victims of negligent security hold property owners, landlords, and businesses accountable when they fail to provide the protections the law requires. Our Columbia negligent security attorneys understand how devastating these cases can be and fight to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Call (803) 599-2207 to request a free case review with our team.

Common Forms of Security

Security measures vary depending on the type of property and the level of risk involved, but property owners have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. Some of the most common forms of security include:

• Lighting – Adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and entryways deters crime and helps people feel safe.
• Security cameras – Surveillance systems discourage criminal activity and provide evidence when crimes occur.
• Security guards – Malls, apartment complexes, bars, and other establishments often employ guards to monitor activity.
• Controlled access – Key card entry systems, gated communities, and locked entrances reduce unauthorized access.
• Fencing and barriers – Proper barriers prevent trespassing and keep unwanted individuals off private property.
• Alarms and emergency systems – Alarm systems and emergency call stations help alert authorities quickly in dangerous situations.

When property owners fail to install or maintain these types of protections, visitors can become victims of crimes that may have been prevented.

When is Security Necessary?

Not every property requires the same level of security. The law does not impose a one-size-fits-all obligation, but it does expect owners to act reasonably under the circumstances. Several factors help determine whether security is necessary:

• Crime rates in the area – If a property is located in a high-crime neighborhood, stronger security measures are generally required.
• Type of business or property – Bars, nightclubs, apartment complexes, and parking garages often demand heightened security due to the risks associated with these environments.
• History of incidents – If prior assaults, robberies, or thefts occurred on the premises, the property owner should take steps to prevent future incidents.
• Volume of visitors – Properties that attract large numbers of people, such as shopping centers or stadiums, require security measures to manage risks effectively.

In short, property owners must anticipate foreseeable dangers and take reasonable steps to protect guests, customers, and tenants.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms, but it generally involves a failure to implement or maintain safety measures that could have prevented harm. Common examples include:

• Poorly lit parking lots or stairwells where crimes frequently occur
• Broken or non-functioning security cameras
• Failure to hire trained security guards when the situation requires it
• Lack of locks, gates, or other barriers to unauthorized entry
• Ignoring prior criminal incidents on the property
• Failing to warn tenants, guests, or customers about known dangers
• Allowing malfunctioning alarms or emergency systems to go unrepaired

Victims of negligent security often suffer from violent crimes such as assaults, robberies, and sexual attacks, but liability may also apply in cases involving theft, vandalism, or other foreseeable harms.

Who is Liable for Inadequate Security?

In South Carolina, the responsibility for providing adequate security generally falls on the property owner or operator. This can include:

• Landlords and apartment complexes – Owners must provide secure entrances, locks, and other measures to keep tenants safe.
• Hotels and motels – Hospitality businesses owe a duty to protect their guests from foreseeable criminal acts.
• Bars and nightclubs – Establishments serving alcohol must ensure adequate security, especially where fights or assaults are common.
• Shopping centers and retail stores – Businesses must provide security in parking lots, entrances, and common areas.
• Event venues and stadiums – Large venues are expected to employ security personnel and systems to keep patrons safe.

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, such as both a property owner and a security company hired to protect the premises. Our Columbia negligent security attorney can investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.

Compensation in a Negligent Security Claim

Victims of negligent security may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (if the crime results in the loss of a loved one)

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we fight aggressively to ensure that negligent property owners and businesses are held accountable for the harm they cause.

Negligent Security FAQs

How do I prove negligent security?

You must show that the property owner failed to provide reasonable security, that a crime occurred as a result, and that you were injured because of that failure. Evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can help build your case.

What if the criminal, not the property owner, caused my injuries?

While the criminal may be directly responsible, property owners can still be held liable if their lack of security created the conditions that allowed the crime to happen.

How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in South Carolina?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

What should I do if I was injured due to negligent security?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to the police, notify the property owner, and contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

Speak with a Columbia Negligent Security Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed because a property owner failed to provide adequate security, you do not have to face the consequences alone. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation our clients deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation with our Columbia negligent security lawyer.