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Houston Negligent Security Attorney

Living in an apartment complex should offer a sense of safety and community. Unfortunately, for many residents in Houston, lax or negligent security measures at these complexes create dangerous environments that can lead to tragedies, including shootings. When property owners or management companies fail to prioritize tenant safety, they can be held accountable for the devastating consequences of their negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a shooting at an apartment complex, you may have legal options to pursue justice and compensation. At Hampton & King, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take action against negligent property owners. Call (713) 658-0231 to contact us today and get started.

Houston Negligent Security Resources

Why Choose Our Houston Negligent Security Lawyers?

With over 70 years of combined experience, our firm’s achievements are a reflection of our clients’ success. We are committed to providing client-centered services, guided by a philosophy that puts their needs and objectives first.

Our Promise to Our Clients

  • We will regard the attorney-client relationship as a sacred trust
  • We will be committed to providing ethical, state-of-the-art representation
  • We will dedicate the resources required to win
  • We will only be paid if we succeed

Notable Negligent Security Case Results

Our Houston negligent security lawyers have won millions for victims of negligent apartment security. Here are some examples of the compensation Hampton & King has secured for these types of cases:

  • $1,800,000 awarded to victims for negligent apartment security
  • $1,700,000 awarded for negligent apartment security; death of victim
  • $1,000,000 awarded for negligent apartment security; death of victim

Our law firm has been described as selective, but for good reason. We don’t take on a large caseload, and we are particular about the cases we take on. This is so that the clients we do take on get our full attention and focus. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your case for compensation and how Hampton & King can help!

Apartment security in a Houston, Texas Lobby.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security occurs when property owners or managers fail to provide adequate safety measures to protect tenants and visitors from foreseeable dangers. In Houston, many apartment complexes are located in high-crime areas where property managers should be aware of the potential for violence. A failure to implement reasonable security measures – such as proper lighting, functional gates, security cameras, or on-site security personnel – can put tenants at risk of becoming victims of crime.

Apartment complex shootings often arise from a combination of factors, including a lack of preventive measures. For instance, a broken gate that allows unauthorized access, dimly lit parking lots, or absent security patrols can create the perfect conditions for a violent crime. In these cases, the property owner’s negligence may directly contribute to the tragic events.

A catastrophic injury lawyer in Houston can help victims of negligent security by investigating the circumstances surrounding the crime, holding property owners accountable for their failure to provide adequate safety measures, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the incident.

Types of Texas Property Owner Security Violations

Texas law requires property owners to provide the following security measures without a tenant’s request:

  1. A window latch on each exterior window of the dwelling.
  2. A doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt on each exterior door.
  3. A sliding door pin lock on each exterior sliding glass door of the dwelling.
  4. A sliding door handle latch or a sliding door security bar on each exterior sliding glass door of the dwelling.
  5. A keyless bolting device and a door viewer on each exterior door of the dwelling.

These requirements are outlined in Texas Property Code § 92.153 to ensure basic security for tenants.

Foreseeability and Apartment Complex Shooting Lawsuits

Negligent security involves more than just having a lock on a door. In high-crime areas, property owners may be considered negligent if they fail to implement essential safety measures, such as:

  1. Lack of security cameras to monitor the premises
  2. Failure to employ security guards when necessary
  3. Inadequate lighting in parking lots, hallways, or other common areas
  4. Absence of an alarm system to deter criminal activity
  5. Fire code violations, such as blocked exits or obstructed stairwells

If an attack occurs due to any of these failures, the property owner may be held liable for not providing a reasonably safe environment.

Apartment security guard on the outside of an apartment complex.

Factors That Indicate Foreseeability

A critical element in negligent security cases is foreseeability. Property owners aren’t expected to predict every possible crime, but they are required to take reasonable precautions if a crime is foreseeable.

Factors that may indicate foreseeability include:

  • Previous Criminal Activity: If a complex has a history of violent crime, the owner should implement stronger security measures.
  • Location in a High-Crime Area: Apartments in areas with elevated crime rates must take extra precautions to protect tenants.
  • Reported Threats or Suspicious Activity: Ignoring warnings from tenants about potential dangers can constitute negligence.

Failure to address these risks shows a blatant disregard for landlord/tenant safety in Texas and can serve as grounds for a legal claim.

Common Injuries in Apartment Complex Shootings

Victims of apartment complex shootings often suffer life-altering injuries, such as:

  • Gunshot wounds requiring extensive medical treatment
  • Permanent disabilities, including paralysis or loss of mobility
  • Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of a loved one in fatal shootings

In addition to physical injuries, victims may face significant financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Compensation Available in Houston Negligent Security Cases

If you or a loved one has been injured in a shooting at an apartment complex, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases

Pursuing a negligent security claim not only helps you recover financial losses but also holds property owners accountable for their failure to protect residents.

Apartment security camera keeping residents safe.

How a Houston Negligent Security Attorney Can Help

Navigating a negligent security case is complex and requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. At Hampton & King, we take the following steps to build a strong case:

  • Investigating the Crime: We gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to understand what happened.
  • Evaluating Security Measures: We examine whether the property had adequate lighting, secure access points, and other safety measures.
  • Establishing Foreseeability: We analyze prior incidents and crime statistics to show the property owner should have foreseen the danger.
  • Working with Experts: We collaborate with security consultants to determine whether the owner’s actions met industry standards.

Our team is dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable and ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve

If you or someone you love has been injured in an apartment complex shooting, don’t wait to take action. Property owners must be held responsible for failing to protect tenants from preventable dangers. Contact Hampton & King today at (713) 658-0231 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation. Together, we’ll fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.