Springfield Negligent Security Lawyer

When you visit an apartment complex, hotel, bar, or parking lot, you have the right to expect that the property owner has taken reasonable steps to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, when owners or managers fail to provide adequate security, innocent people can suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives due to assaults, robberies, or other violent acts. If you or a loved one has been harmed because of inadequate security, Haxel Law can help.

Our Springfield negligent security attorneys represent victims of violent crimes that occur on properties where reasonable security measures were neglected. Our firm works tirelessly to hold property owners and businesses accountable for their failures and to secure full compensation for victims and their families.

Contact us at (217) 215-4166 today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Security

Security measures vary depending on the type of property and the risks involved, but some forms of protection are expected in most public or private commercial areas. Common types of security that property owners should consider include:

• Lighting: Adequate exterior and interior lighting helps deter crime and allows visitors to clearly see their surroundings in parking lots, hallways, and entrances.
• Security Cameras (CCTV): Surveillance cameras can prevent criminal activity and provide valuable evidence if an incident occurs.
• Security Guards: Bars, nightclubs, hotels, and certain apartment complexes may need trained security personnel to monitor activity and respond to disturbances.
• Controlled Access: Entry systems, key cards, locked gates, and security checkpoints limit access to authorized individuals only.
• Emergency Communication Systems: Intercoms, panic buttons, or alarms provide immediate ways for visitors or residents to call for help.

When these measures are missing, broken, or improperly managed, property owners put guests, tenants, and customers at serious risk.

When is Security Mandatory?

In Illinois, there is no universal law requiring every property to have security guards or cameras. However, property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions based on the likelihood of foreseeable crimes. This means that if a property is located in a high-crime area or has a history of prior incidents, the owner must take reasonable precautions to prevent similar occurrences.

Security is often considered mandatory or legally expected in:

• Apartment buildings and housing complexes with known issues such as break-ins or assaults.
• Hotels and motels, especially those with large guest populations or isolated parking lots.
• Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues where alcohol consumption can increase risks of altercations.
• Shopping centers and retail stores, particularly those that stay open late.
• Parking garages and lots, where lighting and surveillance are critical for safety.

Failure to provide adequate protection in these circumstances can make the property owner or operator liable for resulting injuries.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms, depending on the type of property and the situation. Some of the most frequent examples include:

• Lack of lighting: Poorly lit stairwells, parking lots, or walkways can conceal potential attackers and make it difficult for victims to escape or identify suspects.
• Broken locks or gates: Failing to repair doors, gates, or access systems can allow unauthorized individuals to enter private areas.
• No security personnel: Certain businesses or residential buildings that are known for criminal activity may require guards or staff to patrol the premises.
• Ignoring prior incidents: If similar crimes have occurred on or near the property before and no action was taken, the owner may be found negligent.
• Failure to monitor cameras: Having security systems that are not actively watched or maintained is another common form of negligence.
• Negligent hiring or training: Employing unqualified or untrained security staff who fail to respond appropriately can also lead to liability.

Victims of negligent security incidents may suffer serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial losses due to assaults, thefts, or other violent crimes.

Who is Liable for Inadequate Security?

Liability in negligent security cases often falls on property owners, managers, or business operators who failed to take reasonable precautions. Depending on the situation, one or more parties may share responsibility, including:

• Commercial property owners or landlords who do not install proper security systems.
• Hotel or apartment managers who ignore repeated safety complaints.
• Retail or bar owners who fail to hire enough security or who employ untrained guards.
• Event organizers who do not provide crowd control or adequate staff supervision.
• Security companies that act negligently, such as failing to monitor cameras or respond to alarms.

Under Illinois premises liability law, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress if negligent security contributed to your injuries.