Negligent Security Lawyer in Reno, Nevada

Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to provide reasonable protections to visitors, such as proper lighting, locks, or security personnel, resulting in injuries from crimes that could have been prevented. If you or a loved one was attacked or harmed on someone else’s property in Reno due to inadequate security, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. With a strong reputation in Northern Nevada, Friedman & Throop is committed to protecting victims and fighting for their rights. Read on to learn how our negligent security lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. 

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of personal injury claim that arises when a property owner fails to implement basic safety measures, and as a result, someone becomes the victim of a crime (such as assault, robbery, or worse) on that property. It’s sometimes referred to as inadequate security, and falls under the broader category of premises liability law in Nevada.

In the state of Nevada, property owners and businesses have a legal duty of care to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests and customers. This doesn’t just mean cleaning up spills or repairing broken steps. It also means taking precautions to prevent foreseeable crimes.  

Owners aren’t automatically responsible for every crime that happens on their property. However, if the crime was foreseeable, then the property owner is expected to take reasonable precautions. Foreseeability is a crucial element in negligent security cases, and is defined as a reasonable person’s ability to anticipate that a crime might occur based on prior incidents. For example, if a business operates in a high-crime area or has had previous assaults, robberies, break-ins, etc., it is reasonable to expect that similar crimes could happen again without proper security measures in place. Business and property owners that fail to take the necessary precautions to prevent criminal activity may be considered negligent under Nevada premises liability law.   

Examples of Negligent Security 

Common security failures that may lead to security negligence claims include:

• Insufficient Lighting: Dark or dimly lit parking garages and lots, stairwells, or hallways where attackers can hide.
• Lack of Surveillance: No security cameras, alarms, or monitoring systems. This also includes surveillance systems that are turned off or broken.
• Unsecured Entrances: Broken locks on doors or gates, unsecured entry points left open, or broken keycard systems.
• No Security Personnel: Venues with high-traffic are expected to have security staff present. Failure to provide security guards or having security guards that are not properly trained is a liability. 
• Excessive Force and Unsupervised Security: In some instances, security personnel can actually be the individuals that commit the harm they are hired to discourage. Use of excessive force, harassment, assault or unlawful detainment from an employee towards patrons can qualify as security negligence, and the business or property owner may be liable for the harm you experienced.  
• Ignoring Prior Incidents: Business and property owners that fail to respond to previous crimes or threats and do not increase security measures after criminal activity may be held liable.

There are many Reno establishments that can be the sites of negligent security if not properly secured and monitored. Businesses like casinos, hotels, apartment complexes, bars and clubs, or even college campuses and shopping centers can be liable for an injury someone has endured if there is inadequate security. 

Proving a Negligent Security Case in Nevada 

To win a negligent security case, you must show that the defendant (property owner) failed in their duty to provide reasonable safety measures. Here’s what needs to be proven in civil court: 

Duty of Care Owed: You were legally on the property (not trespassing) as a business invitee (guest, customer, tenant, or visitor) and the owner had an obligation to keep you reasonably safe. 

Inadequate Security: The owner or management breached their duty of care to keep you safe due to inadequate security measures. This can be for a range of reasons, but typically involves breaches such as poor lighting, a lack of security personnel, missing or broken surveillance systems, or broken doors or locks.  

Foreseeability: A negligent security lawyer must prove that a reasonable person could have predicted that a crime would occur, and that the crime was preventable had the appropriate security measures been in place. 

Causation: There must be proximate cause, or a foreseeable connection, between the lack of security and the harm sustained due to the crime. For example, if an assailant entered a building through a broken gate or other unsecured entrance, and an individual became the victim of a crime, the inadequate security can be considered a factor that enabled the crime.

Damages: Finally, a negligent security lawyer must show evidence that you suffered physical or emotional harm, financial losses, or property damage due to the crime. 

Under Nevada law, courts examine whether a crime was reasonably preventable. Evidence such as local crime stats or police reports can be used to show what the property owner should have known and done. If a pattern of criminal activity was present and no reasonable security measures were taken, that can strongly support a claim of negligent security. 

It’s important to note that Nevada also follows comparative negligence laws. This means that a victim’s compensation can be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault. Victims can still recover damages under this rule, so long as they are found less than 51% responsible. For example, a court may find that a victim was held partially responsible for entering a restricted area or ignoring posted warnings on the property. The victim would still receive compensation, but the total amount of damages would be reduced. Because of this legal standard, it’s especially important that victims have a qualified negligent security law firm working on their behalf to build a strong case and minimize any unfair blame that could be placed on them.

If you’re wondering whether your situation qualifies as negligent security, call The Law Office of Friedman & Throop for a free case evaluation at (775) 322-6500. 

Impacts on Victims & Compensation

Being the victim of a crime can leave deep, long-lasting effects. You may be entitled to recover compensation for any or all of the following losses: 

• Physical Injuries: From minor injuries like bruises or scratches to catastrophic trauma such as broken bones, fractures, gunshot wounds, or brain injuries. 
• Emotional Trauma: These are intangible damages that cause real pain and suffering. Stress or anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear, or loss of sense of safety can put a serious damper on quality of life.
• Financial Costs: This covers medical bills such as ER visits, doctor’s appointments, or surgeries, lost wages, counseling services, or future medical costs.
• Property Loss: This includes personal items that were damaged or stolen during the incident. 
• Wrongful Death: In egregious cases of security negligence when the worst happens families face funeral costs and loss of support or companionship. 

What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of Negligent Security

If you’ve been injured or harmed due to negligence, it’s important to follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

1. Call 911 and get medical help immediately. Your safety is the top priority.
2. Be sure to report the incident to police and notify property management so there’s a documented record of your incident. 
3. If it is safe to do so, gather evidence of the incident. This involves taking photos of the area the incident occurred and getting witness information. 
4. Do not sign anything from the property owner or insurer before consulting a lawyer. This piece is absolutely crucial. You do not want to sign documents that waive your rights. 
5. Contact a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible to help you file a claim and navigate your case. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a security negligence lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident. 

How Friedman & Throop Can Help 

At Friedman & Throop, we bring decades of focused experience handling these types of cases throughout Reno and Northern Nevada. Our founding negligent security lawyers, Terry Friedman and Julie Throop, understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll these incidents take, and we’re here to help you get justice. Unlike large statewide firms, we live and work in the same communities we serve, giving us insight into the unique challenges our Reno neighbors face. We know how to build strong, evidence-based claims that hold negligent property owners accountable and deliver compensation for our clients.

When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a negligent security law firm. You’re gaining dedicated advocates who will fight for your rights at every step. Here’s how our team of negligent security attorneys will help you navigate your case: 

• Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We start with an in-depth investigation of the crime scene, property layout, prior incidents, local crime statistics, and the specific safety failures that may have contributed to the incident.
• Gather Proof of Negligence: Our lawyers will secure vital evidence, like surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, incident logs, and expert testimony to prove that security measures were inadequate and your harm was preventable.
• Handle Insurance and Legal Claims: We take over all communication with insurance companies, property owners, and opposing counsel. Our goal is to protect your rights and relieve you of the stress of the legal process.
• No Upfront Fees & Personal Support: You owe nothing unless we win your case. Our team works on a contingency fee basis and provides attentive legal support every step of the way.

If you have been injured due to negligence, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case can be. Contact our negligence security lawyers today by calling (775) 322-6500 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What types of crimes fall under negligent security cases?

In general, crimes that can be attributed to inadequate security include assault and battery, robbery, sexual assault, shootings, stabbings, and other violent crimes. 

Who can be held liable for negligent security in Nevada?

In the state of Nevada, liability typically falls on property owners, the company or business itself, a parent corporation or franchise, property management, or even third-party security contractors who fail to take reasonable measures to keep their premises safe.  

How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Nevada?

You have two years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security claim. 

Will the criminal be charged or go to jail if I sue? 

A negligent security lawsuit is a civil case, not a criminal case. The person that is being sued is not the criminal, but instead the property or business owner for failing to take reasonable security steps to prevent the crime from happening in the first place. The actual perpetrator of the crime may face criminal charges by the state of Nevada. Keep in mind that a victim does not need the assailant to be caught or convicted in order to pursue a civil claim against a property owner. 

What if my family member was killed due to poor security? 

If you have a loved one that was killed due to security negligence, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible business or property owner. These cases are emotionally devastating, and we understand that no legal outcome can ever replace what you’ve lost. Pursuing a claim can provide financial support for surviving family members, and bring justice to the negligent parties accountable.