If you were injured due to inadequate security measures at your apartment complex in Houston, you may have grounds for a negligent security claim. Landlords and property managers have a legal duty to keep tenants reasonably safe. When they fail to do so – and someone is hurt as a result – they can be held liable for the damages.
If you believe negligent security caused your injury, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. Contact Hampton & King today at (713) 489-0993 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our Houston negligent security lawyers.
What Is a Negligent Security Claim?
Negligent security claims arise when someone is harmed due to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate safety measures. In apartment settings, this can include lack of proper lighting, broken gates, malfunctioning locks, or failure to respond to a history of criminal activity.
For example, if a tenant is assaulted in a poorly lit parking lot with no security cameras, or an intruder breaks into an apartment due to a broken lock that management ignored, the injured tenant may be entitled to seek compensation.
Types of Damages in a Negligent Security Case
If you were injured due to negligent security, you may be eligible to recover a range of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses.
1. Medical Expenses
Medical bills often make up the bulk of a negligent security claim. This includes:
- Emergency room visits in Texas
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical costs for long-term care
A successful claim can ensure you are not left to shoulder the financial burden of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost income while you recover
- Loss of future earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to return to work in the same capacity
This type of damage often requires detailed documentation and expert testimony to establish your future earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are financial. You may also recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. Violent incidents caused by poor security often leave psychological scars, and the law recognizes your right to recover for these invisible wounds.
4. Property Damage
If your personal belongings, such as a phone, laptop, or vehicle, were stolen or damaged during the incident, you may be entitled to reimbursement or replacement costs.
5. Punitive Damages
While not awarded in every case, punitive damages may be granted if the landlord’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Proving Damages in a Negligent Security Case
To recover damages, you must prove that:
- The apartment complex owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty by failing to provide reasonable security.
- That failure directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages as a result.
Evidence such as incident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and expert opinions can strengthen your case.
Call Us Today
At Hampton & King, we fight for those who were injured due to preventable, negligent acts – like inadequate security at an apartment complex. If you’ve been hurt and believe your landlord failed to protect you, we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.Call Hampton & King today at (713) 489-0993 or complete our simple online form to schedule your free consultation.