Negligent Security

Assaults That Could Have Been Prevented

Personal Injury Claims Arising from Negligent Security

Our Manassas, Virginia law firm has the experience to hold property owners accountable for rapes, assaults or robberies enabled by lax security measures. We have prevailed in claims against owners of hotels, bars, apartments, high-rise buildings, parking garages and other places where people were attacked.

If you suffered physical injury or emotional trauma because of poor security, contact attorney Kevin Locklin to find out if you have a solid case. We offer a free consultation at 866.719.4394, serving Prince William County and all of northern Virginia.

Proving Negligent Security

Virginia law sets a high standard for premises liability claims relating to negligent security. To prove negligence and collect damages, we must demonstrate the probability of harm because of high crime in the area or previous attacks. We also must show that the property owner knew of the dangers and failed to take appropriate action to prevent an assault.

• Inadequate Security — We represented a client assaulted because a security gate had been broken for three months, enabling a group of thugs to gain entry. Other examples would include hotel liability for broken door locks, a robbery enabled by insufficient lighting, failure to install security cameras, or not having enough security staff for a high-traffic business or event.
• Action or Inaction of Security Personnel — We represented a young man who was assaulted at a Chili's restaurant. When a group of men threatened patrons, the bartender asked them to leave but did not call police. The men returned and assaulted our client, breaking his jaw and teeth. Other examples might include injuries from excessive force by a bouncer, readmitting a person previously banned for violent behavior, or failing to break up a fight.

The key to winning compensation in negligent security cases is establishing a history of criminal activity in the immediate vicinity or on the property. We research previous police calls and crime patterns, and have safety experts review the owner's security measures. Kevin Locklin is a veteran trial lawyer who will take on the insurance companies to get a fair settlement or take the case to a jury.

Call our Manassas office at 866.719.4394 for a free case evaluation. We offer home and hospital visits, and if we take your case we collect no attorney fees unless we succeed in securing compensation.