Houston has thousands of apartment communities, from luxury high-rises to large multi-family complexes. While most properties are safe, violent crimes such as assaults, robberies, shootings, and carjackings can occur when apartment owners fail to provide reasonable security.
If you were attacked at a Houston apartment complex, you may assume only the criminal is responsible. However, Texas law may also allow claims against a property owner when negligent security contributed to the incident.
At Orange Law, we help victims determine whether an apartment owner, management company, or security contractor failed to take reasonable steps to protect residents and visitors.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim alleging that a property owner failed to provide reasonable security measures despite foreseeable criminal activity.
Examples include:
- Broken security gates
- Broken exterior doors
- Poor lighting
- Non-functioning security cameras
- Lack of security guards
- Broken locks
- Unsecured access points
- Failure to address known criminal activity
- Failure to warn tenants about known dangers
Houston Apartments Where Security Issues Commonly Arise
Negligent security claims may arise at:
- Apartment complexes
- Condominiums
- Student housing
- Townhome communities
- Parking garages
- Mixed-use developments
- Gated communities
- Senior housing
Common Crimes Leading to Claims
These cases often involve:
- Armed robbery
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Carjacking
- Shooting
- Stabbing
- Home invasion
- Kidnapping
Every case depends on its unique facts.
What Must Be Proven?
Generally, an injured victim must show:
- The property owner owed a legal duty.
- Reasonable security measures were lacking.
- Criminal activity was reasonably foreseeable.
- The lack of security contributed to the injuries.
Orange Law investigates police reports, prior criminal activity, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and security policies to build these cases.
Compensation Available
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Counseling and therapy
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue even if the criminal is never caught?
Possibly. A negligent security claim focuses on the property owner’s conduct—not solely the criminal’s identity.
What if the apartment had security cameras?
Security cameras alone may not satisfy a property owner’s legal duties if other reasonable safety measures were lacking.
Does Orange Law handle negligent security cases?
Yes. Orange Law evaluates negligent security claims throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
Contact Orange Law Today
If you were injured because of poor security at a Houston apartment complex, contact Orange Law today for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.