Most Common Examples of Negligent Security in Texas
In Texas, premises liability laws require businesses and property owners to take reasonable measures to ensure that their property is in safe condition for customers and other invited cases. The failure to provide adequate security can constitute negligence. Here, our Sugar Land premises liability attorney discusses the most common examples of negligent security in Texas.
Inadequate Lighting in Parking Areas and Other Exterior Locations
A disproportionate percentage of serious assaults happen at night. Notably, many of these attacks occur in places without adequate lighting. Indeed, poor lighting remains one of the most common negligent security failures in Texas. Parking lots, garages, and walkways require adequate illumination to deter crime and allow patrons to see potential threats. When businesses and property owners in Southeast allow lights to remain broken, obscured, or insufficient for the space, they increase the risk of assault, robbery, and other violent acts.
Lack of Security Personnel (Crime is Foreseeable and Reasonable Business Would Provide)
In Texas, certain properties require trained security personnel to meet reasonable safety standards. Bars, apartment complexes, hotels, and event venues often fall into this category. When a property owner fails to hire security guards despite a history of criminal activity, courts may find negligent security. The analysis centers on whether the risk was foreseeable and whether reasonable measures would have reduced that risk. Simply posting signage or relying on passive surveillance may not suffice as a defense to a negligent security claim.
Broken or Unsecured Doors, Gates, and Locks
This is a big one. Functional access controls form a basic element of premises security. Broken locks, unsecured gates, malfunctioning keycard systems, and damaged doors allow unauthorized access. In Texas negligent security cases, these failures often appear in apartment complexes and hotels. Businesses and property owners must inspect and repair security features within a reasonable time. Notably, ignoring known defects can support liability when a criminal enters through an unsecured access point. Maintenance requests, repair delays, and tenant complaints frequently establish notice.
Failure to Monitor or Maintain Surveillance Systems
Surveillance cameras do not prevent crime on their own, but they play a role in deterrence and response. Negligent security claims often arise when cameras exist but do not function, are poorly positioned, or are never monitored. In Texas, installing cameras without maintaining them can create a false sense of security. If a property owner relies on surveillance as part of its safety plan, it must ensure the system works as intended.
Ignoring Prior Criminal Activity on or Near the Premises
Foreseeability drives negligent security liability in Texas. A property owner cannot ignore prior crimes on the premises or in the immediate area. Assaults, robberies, vehicle break-ins, and similar incidents place owners on notice of risk. When those warnings go unaddressed, liability exposure increases. Businesses must provide security that is reasonable given their specific circumstances, including local threats to public safety.
Contact Our Sugar Land, TX Negligent Security Attorney Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Sugar Land premises liability attorney has deep experience handling negligent security cases. If you or your loved one was harmed because a business or a property owner failed to take proper safety precautions, we can help. Please call us now or contact us online for a free, confidential case review. Our firm handles premises liability cases in Sugar Land, Houston, Missouri City, and throughout the whole region in Southeast Texas.
