Columbia Negligent Security Lawyer
When you visit a business, park your car, or walk into your apartment complex, you expect to be reasonably safe. Property owners in South Carolina have a legal responsibility to protect their visitors and tenants from foreseeable harm. If you or a loved one were the victim of a crime because a property owner failed to provide adequate safety measures, you may have a negligent security claim.
At The Super Lawyer, we understand that being the victim of a violent crime is a traumatic experience. It is not just about physical injuries; it is about the loss of peace of mind. Our team is here to help you understand your rights under premises liability laws and fight for the justice you deserve.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims in South Carolina
Negligent security is a specific type of premises liability case. It happens when a property owner or manager knows—or should know—that there is a risk of crime on their property but fails to take reasonable steps to prevent it. When they ignore these risks, innocent people can get hurt.
In Columbia, SC, property owners owe a duty of care to lawful visitors. This means they must keep the environment reasonably safe. If a business owner cuts corners on safety to save money, and you are assaulted or injured as a result, they can be held liable for your damages.
Common Examples of Negligent Security
Security failures can happen anywhere, from shopping malls to residential buildings. A Columbia negligent security lawyer looks for specific failures that created an environment where crime could occur. Common signs of negligence include:
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways
- Broken locks on gates, windows, or doors
- Lack of security guards or untrained security personnel
- Broken security cameras or fake surveillance equipment
- Overgrown landscaping that provides hiding spots for criminals
- Failure to warn visitors about recent crime in the area
These issues often occur at apartment complexes, hotels, gas stations, ATMs, nightclubs, and office buildings.
How Liability is Established: Foreseeability
Proving a negligent security claim is different from a standard slip and fall case. The most critical element is proving the foreseeability of crime. We must demonstrate that the property owner should have expected criminal activity was likely to happen.
To do this, we often look for evidence of prior similar incidents. If the police have been called to that location multiple times for assaults or robberies, the owner is on notice that their property is dangerous. If they did nothing to improve security after those incidents, they breached their duty of care.
Proving Your Negligent Security Claim
Building a strong case requires gathering substantial evidence immediately after the incident. Our team investigates thoroughly to prove that the lack of security directly led to your injury. Essential evidence often includes:
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- Police reports detailing the crime and previous calls to the property
- Surveillance footage showing the incident or the lack of security measures
- Maintenance records showing long-standing issues like broken lights
- Witness statements from other tenants or visitors
- Crime grid data for the surrounding neighborhood
We may also identify multiple liable parties. While the property owner is usually the primary defendant, liability might also extend to property management companies or third-party security firms that failed to do their jobs.
Compensation You Can Recover
Victims of crimes like assault, battery, or robbery often face a long road to recovery. A successful lawsuit can provide financial relief for the damages you have suffered. Common types of compensation include:
- Medical bills: For emergency room visits, surgeries, therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages: If you missed work while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for items stolen or destroyed during the incident.
Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
It is important to act quickly. Under the South Carolina statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. Additionally, evidence like video footage can be erased quickly, so contacting an attorney early is vital.
Why Choose The Super Lawyer?
Negligent security cases are complex. Large insurance companies and property owners will fight hard to avoid paying. They may even try to blame you for the crime. You need an experienced team that knows how to investigate these specific claims.
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees upfront. We only get paid if we win your case or settle it successfully. We offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your options clearly.
FAQs
Negligent security is a legal concept where a property owner is held liable for a crime committed against a visitor because the owner failed to provide adequate security measures, such as lighting, locks, or guards.
To prove a claim, you must show that the property owner had a duty to protect you, that the crime was foreseeable (often due to prior similar incidents), that the owner failed to provide adequate security, and that this failure caused your injuries.
In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, it is best to speak with a lawyer immediately to preserve evidence.
You can recover economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Strong evidence includes police reports, surveillance footage, photos of the scene (showing broken locks or dark areas), witness statements, and records of past crimes on the property.
Yes. These cases are legally difficult because you must prove the property owner knew about the danger. An experienced lawyer has the resources to investigate crime data and challenge insurance companies.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles out of court or goes to trial. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Yes. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
Common signs include inadequate lighting in parking areas, broken gates or fences, lack of security cameras, open or broken doors, and a lack of security personnel in high-crime areas.
Yes. Depending on the situation, you might be able to sue the property owner, the property management company, a security guard company, or even the business operating on the property.
Contact a Columbia Negligent Security Lawyer Today
If you have been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. The Super Lawyer is dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable and keeping our community safer. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild your life.
