Experiencing a violent crime—whether it’s an assault, robbery, or worse—is a life-altering event. That trauma is only made worse when it becomes clear that the incident could have been prevented with proper security measures. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe, and when they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.
Georgia Negligent Security Lawyer
At McArthur Law Firm, we understand how hard it can be to deal with the aftermath of a violent incident—especially when it happens somewhere an individual had every reason to feel safe. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients throughout Georgia seek justice and hold negligent property owners accountable.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
Overview of Negligent Security Cases
- Major Types of Negligent Security
- Types of Injuries Caused by Negligent Security
- Negligent Security Hotspots
- Who Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Security in Georgia
- Frequently Asked Questions
Major Types of Negligent Security
Broken or Missing Security Cameras
Security cameras play a critical role in deterring crime and documenting incidents. When cameras are missing, broken, or not actively monitored, criminal behavior can go undetected, increasing the risk of violent or opportunistic crimes.
Poor Lighting in Parking Lots and Stairwells
Inadequate lighting in areas like parking garages, stairwells, and hallways creates an environment where assaults and other crimes are more likely to occur. Poor visibility increases vulnerability, especially during evening hours.
Lack of Security Guards or Untrained Staff
The absence of trained security personnel in high-traffic or high-crime areas can leave people exposed to violence or theft. Even when present, poorly trained staff may be unable to properly respond to or prevent criminal activity.
Broken Fences, Gates, or Locks
Physical barriers such as fences, gates, and locks are fundamental to keeping unauthorized individuals out. When these are damaged or missing, properties become more accessible to those with criminal intent.
Ignoring Prior Criminal Activity
Failing to respond to known patterns of criminal activity—such as break-ins, assaults, or vandalism—can leave areas repeatedly exposed to similar threats. A lack of response increases the likelihood of future incidents.
Unsecured Entrances at Apartments and Hotels
Open or unlocked exterior doors in residential buildings and hotels allow unauthorized access. Without secure entry systems, strangers can enter spaces meant to be protected, increasing the risk of harm to residents and guests.
Poor Key Control and Room Safety at Hotels
Inadequate control over room keys and electronic access can result in unauthorized entry. Lost or unaccounted-for keys, failure to reprogram locks, and lax guest verification procedures can create unsafe environments.
Unsafe Conditions at Concerts, Festivals, and Events
Large gatherings require planning for crowd safety, including entry screening, crowd control, and visible security personnel. Without these measures, attendees may face harm from trampling, assaults, or chaotic situations.
Types of Injuries Caused by Negligent Security
Gunshot Wounds and Stabbing Injuries
Violent crimes such as shootings and stabbings are among the most severe outcomes of inadequate security. These injuries can result in long-term disability, internal injuries, or loss of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Assaults involving blunt force can lead to TBIs, which may involve memory loss, impaired cognition, or long-term neurological damage. These injuries often require extensive treatment and recovery time.
Sexual Assault and Related Trauma
Sexual assaults are tragically common in poorly secured environments. Survivors may suffer physical injuries as well as profound emotional and psychological trauma requiring ongoing care and support.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Emotional Trauma
Exposure to violent or frightening incidents can lead to psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These emotional injuries can be as debilitating as physical harm.
Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Injuries
Fractures, sprains, bruises, and torn ligaments are common during physical altercations or when fleeing unsafe conditions. These injuries can impact mobility, daily functioning, and employment.
Negligent Security Hotspots
Negligent security can occur in a variety of settings, including the following places:
- Gas stations
- Malls
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Shopping centers
- Other public places
In Atlanta, high-crime areas around downtown, the metro transit system, and nightlife districts are frequent sites of negligent security cases. Parking decks near stadiums, clubs in Midtown, and apartment complexes in the southwest parts of the city are often locations where property owners fail to provide working lighting, security patrols, or functioning gate access. High-rise buildings and hotels downtown are also common locations for thefts and assaults when access to upper floors is not properly restricted.
Macon has seen an increase in crime around shopping centers, gas stations, and apartment complexes, especially in areas along Eisenhower Parkway and Pio Nono Avenue. Violent acts in these locations are sometimes linked to poor lighting or broken gates. Some local convenience stores and motels near the interstate also become repeat locations for violent crime, often with little done to improve safety.
In Warner Robins, negligent security incidents often occur near Robins Air Force Base, in hotels along Watson Boulevard, and in apartment buildings with limited or no on-site security.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Security in Georgia
Property Owners and Landlords
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners and landlords owe a duty of care to invitees—meaning anyone lawfully on the property. If they know (or should know) about prior criminal acts on or near the premises, and they fail to take reasonable steps to make the property safer, they may be held liable. For example, an apartment complex with a history of break-ins must take steps like adding lighting or fixing gate access. Landlords also must address broken locks, faulty doors, and complaints about security lapses.
Security Companies
If a property owner hires a private security company, and that company fails to properly train guards or staff the property as agreed, the company can be liable for negligence. This could include guards failing to monitor cameras, not intervening during a threat, or ignoring known problems. The liability may be shared between the security firm and the property owner depending on the contract and conduct.
Event Organizers and Venue Operators
For concerts, sports games, festivals, or other large gatherings, the people or companies who organize the event may be liable if someone is hurt due to a lack of crowd control, poor entry screening, or inadequate emergency planning. These venues often rent space from other property owners, but organizers still have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for guests. That includes having trained staff, clearly marked exits, and a plan for handling violence or threats.
Employers in Workplace Security Cases
Employers may be responsible for negligent security if they fail to protect workers from foreseeable criminal acts, especially in high-risk industries or late-night shifts. Georgia law generally requires employers to provide a safe work environment, and that can include securing parking lots, preventing unauthorized access, and responding to security concerns raised by employees.
Georgia’s Foreseeability Standard
In Georgia, a key legal rule is that property owners and others can only be held liable for third-party criminal acts if the act was foreseeable. Each situation requires close review of the facts, including crime reports, maintenance logs, prior complaints, and security policies. Liability can involve more than one party, and Georgia law allows victims to bring a civil claim against all those who failed to meet their legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an apartment complex be sued for failing to provide protection?
Yes. A tenant or visitor may sue if the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a crime that was foreseeable.
What does “foreseeable” mean in a Georgia negligent security case?
In Georgia, a crime is considered foreseeable if similar criminal incidents previously occurred on or near the premises.
Is a police report necessary to file a negligent security claim?
While a police report strengthens the case, it is not legally required to initiate a claim.
What is the deadline for filing a lawsuit in Georgia?
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
Can a lawsuit proceed if the perpetrator has not been caught?
Yes. A negligent security lawsuit may still be filed against the property owner even if the attacker remains unidentified or unapprehended.
Is compensation available for emotional distress?
Yes. Georgia law permits recovery for mental and emotional suffering caused by the incident.
What happens if the property owner claims the victim was partly at fault?
Georgia follows a comparative fault system, which means the victim may still recover damages even if partially responsible, depending on the degree of fault.
Who is typically responsible for paying compensation?
If the property owner is found liable, their insurance provider usually covers the awarded compensation.
Can a hotel be held liable if someone entered a guest’s room and caused harm?
Yes. A hotel may be held accountable if it failed to provide adequate security or ignored prior issues that compromised room safety.
What does it cost to hire a negligent security attorney?
Most attorneys in this field operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the case is won or settled.
Hire a Lawyer for Negligent Security in Macon, Atlanta Georgia
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of negligent security, contact the experienced negligent security attorneys at McArthur Law Firm.
For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
