Nashville Negligent Security and Crime Victim Lawyers
Holding Property Owners Accountable When Security Fails
If you were assaulted, robbed, or attacked on someone else’s property in Nashville, you may have a civil claim for negligent security. Property owners—landlords, hotels, shopping centers, and parking garage operators—have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions when they know their property is at risk for crime. When they fail to provide proper lighting, working locks, surveillance, or security staff, and a crime happens, they can be held financially responsible.
What Is a Negligent Security Case?
A negligent security lawsuit holds a property owner accountable for failing to prevent foreseeable crimes. These cases often involve:
- Apartment complexes with a history of break-ins but no security cameras or lighting
- Parking garages where repeated assaults or muggings happen, but access is not controlled
- Hotels and motels with poor keycard controls or staff who ignore security warnings
- Businesses or nightclubs in high-crime areas without security guards or bouncers
Property owners must take action if they know—or should know—about risks to their tenants, guests, or customers.
Examples of Negligent Security Cases We've Handled:
Our Nashville negligent security lawyers have handled several inadequate security lawsuits in Tennessee.
- On January 24, 2018, our firm filed a hotel negligence lawsuit following an alleged rape at the Stadium Inn in Nashville, Tennessee.
- On May 25, 2018, the Sixth Circuit Court for Davidson County, Tennessee allowed that negligent security lawsuit to proceed.
- On July 14, 2017, our firm filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Command Center, Inc, alleging claims of inadequate security, among others.
We currently have several other Tennessee inadequate security lawsuits underway. Injuries sustained in these incidents include nightclub shootings, assaults in bars, assaults in hotels, and other unfortunate outcomes.
Why File a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
Negligent security cases bridge criminal and civil law. Even if the perpetrator is never caught or convicted, the property owner can still be held liable for damages. Victims can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Counseling or therapy expenses
- Security upgrades and policy changes
These cases can also pressure landlords and businesses to improve safety, protecting others from harm.
Where Do Negligent Security Cases Happen?
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Parking garages and parking lots
- Hotels and motels
- Nightclubs, bars, and event venues
- Shopping centers and retail stores
- College campuses and dormitories
Nashville’s rapid growth means more properties—and, unfortunately, more opportunities for preventable crime.
Related Cases: Assaults, Sexual Assaults, and Wrongful Death
Negligent security is often at issue in violent crime cases, including sexual assaults, robberies, and even homicides. DRS Law handles these claims with sensitivity and tenacity—whether the incident involved a physical assault,
sexual assault, or resulted in the
tragic loss of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Claims
Can I sue an apartment complex for not having security after I was assaulted?
Yes, if the owner knew of crime risks and failed to act, you may have a strong civil claim.
What is a negligent security case?
It’s a lawsuit against a property owner for not taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crime—often due to lack of lighting, locks, or guards.
What if the criminal isn’t caught?
You can still sue the property owner for security negligence, regardless of whether the perpetrator is found.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Damages may include medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, therapy expenses, and security improvements.
How quickly should I act?
Contact a lawyer immediately—evidence (crime reports, surveillance footage) can be lost quickly, and there is a one-year statute of limitations in Tennessee.
Contact DRS Law for Negligent Security Claims
If you or a loved one was harmed due to inadequate security, DRS Law can help you pursue justice and safer communities. We investigate property owner history, crime records, and security policies—at no upfront cost to you.