Lancaster Negligent Security Lawyer

Injured due to inadequate security in Lancaster, CA? Contact the top Lancaster negligent security lawyer to seek compensation.

If you were assaulted, robbed, or attacked on someone else’s property in Lancaster, the owner may be legally responsible for failing to provide adequate security.

Property owners must maintain reasonable safety measures such as lighting, locks, and surveillance. When they neglect this duty, victims can face medical bills, lost income, and lasting trauma.

The Lancaster negligent security lawyers at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers investigate negligent security cases thoroughly and bring our extensive premises liability experience to the process, including examining prior criminal activity, preserving evidence, and challenging insurance companies that minimize your suffering.

Our negligent security attorneys fight to secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages when applicable. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

Contact us for a free consultation and discover how our award-winning injury attorneys can help you seek compensation and justice.

Lancaster Negligent Security Lawyer - Kuzyk

How Our Negligent Security Lawyers Can Help Victims in Lancaster, CA

At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our dedicated team handles every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. We have decades of experience holding negligent property owners accountable and fighting for the justice our clients deserve.

Our comprehensive services include:

Investigation:

Conducting thorough investigations into the incident and property history.

Evidence Preservation:

Gathering and preserving critical evidence, including surveillance videos and police reports.

Expert Consultation:

Hiring security experts to establish how the property owner failed in their duty.

Insurance Negotiations:

Handling all communications and negotiations with insurance companies.

Litigation:

Filing lawsuits and representing you in court when fair settlements cannot be reached.

Call (661) 583-0388 for your free case evaluation.

What Is Negligent Security in California?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim in which a person suffers harm due to a third-party criminal act resulting from a property owner’s failure to provide reasonable security measures.

As with slip-and-fall incidents, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Under California law, property owners have a legal duty to take steps to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts on their property.

This means if the owner knew or should have known about a risk of crime, they must act to prevent it. Examples include broken locks on doors, inadequate lighting in parking areas, or the absence of security guards in high-crime locations.

The key legal concept is whether the crime was “foreseeable,” which can often be established by prior similar incidents on or near the property.

Who Can Be Liable for a Lack of Security?

Identifying all responsible parties is crucial to securing full compensation. In many cases, liability extends beyond just the property owner.

Multiple parties may share responsibility:

Property Owners: The individual or corporation that owns the land or building has the primary duty to ensure safety.
Property Management Companies: Companies hired to maintain and manage properties often assume responsibility for security.
Security Guard Companies: Third-party security companies that fail to perform their duties can be held liable.
Business Tenants: Businesses that lease spaces, such as retail stores or restaurants, are responsible for patron safety.
Contractors: Maintenance or security contractors who fail to fulfill their obligations may bear partial responsibility.

How Do You Prove a Negligent Security Case?

To win a negligent security claim in California, you must prove four key elements. A central part of this is showing the crime was “foreseeable,” meaning the property owner had reason to anticipate such an act could occur.

Elements of Proof

The defendant owned, leased, or controlled the property
The defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property by failing to provide adequate security
You were harmed as a result of this negligence
The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing your harm

Evidence That Helps

Strong evidence is essential for building your case:

Police Documentation:

Reports and 911 call logs from your incident and prior incidents.

Video Evidence:

Surveillance footage from security cameras on the property.

Scene Documentation:

Photos focusing on security flaws, like broken gates or poor lighting.

Witness Testimony:

Statements from others who saw the attack or knew about dangerous conditions.

Maintenance Records:

Documentation showing failure to repair known security issues.

Expert Analysis:

Testimony from security experts explaining why security was inadequate.

What Counts as Adequate Security?

“Adequate security” is not a one-size-fits-all standard. It depends on the property’s location, crime history, and the type of business operating there.

A parking lot attack at a 24-hour convenience store in a high-crime area may require more security than a small office building. The key is whether the measures were reasonable for the specific risks involved.

Security Requirements by Property Type

Different properties require different security measures:

Apartment Complexes: Working security gates, functional locks on all doors and windows, adequate lighting in hallways and common areas, and background checks for employees

Parking Lots and Garages: Bright, even lighting, surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes, security patrols during high-risk hours

Bars and Nightclubs: Trained security staff to manage crowds and de-escalate conflicts, ID checking to prevent underage drinking, and policies against over-serving patrons

Hotels and Motels: Secure room locks, surveillance in common areas like lobbies and hallways, well-lit parking areas, and entrances

Shopping Centers: Security patrols, working emergency phones, adequate lighting in all areas, controlled access after hours

Where Do Negligent Security Incidents Happen in Lancaster?

Negligent security incidents can occur on any commercial or residential property where owners fail to take reasonable safety precautions. While Lancaster has many safe neighborhoods, certain types of properties are more frequently the site of preventable assaults and attacks.

Commercial and Retail Sites

High-risk commercial locations in Lancaster include Shopping centers and retail establishments, particularly in common areas and parking facilities. Gas stations and convenience stores are often vulnerable due to their operating hours and cash transactions.

Residential and Hospitality Properties

We frequently see incidents at Apartment and condominium complexes where inadequate lighting, broken gates, or faulty locks lead to preventable crimes. Hotels, motels, and entertainment venues also have a heightened duty to protect their guests from foreseeable harm on their premises.

Transportation and Financial Areas

Vulnerable public areas include Parking garages and surface lots, which are notorious for poor visibility and security lapses. Similarly, property owners must secure areas around ATMs and financial institutions, as well as Public transportation stops and stations, where victims can be targeted while waiting or commuting.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of negligent security attacks are entitled to recover compensation for all their losses. These damages are categorized as either economic or non-economic.

Our goal is to ensure you receive a settlement or verdict that covers every aspect of your harm.

Economic Damages	Non-Economic Damages
Medical Bills (past and future)	Pain and Suffering
Lost Wages	Emotional Distress
Diminished Earning Capacity	Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Therapy and Rehabilitation Costs	PTSD and Anxiety
Property Damage	Scarring and Disfigurement

What Injuries and Trauma Do These Cases Involve?

The harm from a physical assault extends far beyond the initial incident. Victims often suffer a combination of severe physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma that can affect their lives for years.

We fight to ensure you have the resources for both physical and mental recovery.

Common injuries in negligent security cases include:

Physical Trauma: Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, gunshot or stab wounds, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage.
Psychological Impact: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, and fear of public spaces.
Long-term Consequences: Permanent disability, chronic pain, ongoing therapy needs, and inability to return to work.

What Steps Should You Take After an Assault or Attack?

Your safety is the number one priority. After securing a safe place, taking key steps can protect your health and your legal rights immediately following an assault due to negligent security.

Immediate Safety and Reporting

Immediately call 911 to report the incident, which creates an official police record. Next, seek medical attention by going to the emergency room or seeing a doctor, even if injuries seem minor.

Crucially, contact an experienced Lancaster negligent security attorney before discussing the event with any insurance company or property owner.

Preserve and Request Evidence

Keeping evidence is very important for your case. Take pictures and videos of the scene, your injuries, and anything else that might have worsened the situation, such as broken locks or poor lighting. Write down everything you remember about what happened.

Don’t wash the clothes you were wearing. You need to ask the property owner to retain any surveillance footage immediately. Finally, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Get Medical and Emotional Care

There are two reasons why proper medical care is essential. Make sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions and keep track of your treatments and costs. Also, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor to address the emotional trauma, as this consistent documentation is vital for proving the full extent of your injuries.

How We Build and Present Your Claim

Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers takes a comprehensive and aggressive approach to proving negligent security cases. We meticulously build your claim with facts, evidence, and expert opinions to demonstrate why the property owner is liable for your injuries.

Investigation and Experts

Our investigation process is thorough and methodical:

We obtain police reports, crime records for the area, and documentation of prior incidents on the property.
Our team interviews witnesses and locates anyone who may have witnessed the attack or been aware of dangerous conditions.
We retain nationally recognized security experts to analyze the property’s security measures and testify as to why they were inadequate.
We work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, building strong cases that have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Negotiation and Litigation

We first present our strong, evidence-backed case to the property owner’s insurance company to demand full and fair settlement. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and know their tactics for minimizing payouts.

If they refuse to offer what you deserve, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court. While we handle the legal battle, you can focus on your recovery.

What Deadlines Apply in California?

It is critical to act quickly after an injury. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing lawsuits, and waiting too long can prevent you from ever recovering compensation.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

For most personal injury cases in California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. The courts strictly enforce this deadline.

Missing this deadline typically means you lose your right to seek compensation forever.

Six-Month Government Claims Act

If your injury occurred on public property, you have only six months to file a formal claim with the appropriate government agency. This applies to incidents at parks, government buildings, or public transit stations.

Failing to meet this short deadline will bar your case entirely.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your right to compensation:

Talking to Insurance Companies: Never give recorded statements to insurance companies without an attorney present.
Accepting Quick Settlement Offers: Initial offers are typically far below what your case is worth.
Failing to Seek Medical Treatment: Delaying medical care can be used against you to minimize your injuries.
Not Documenting Everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and how the incident has affected your life.
Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer: Evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade over time.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

You should not have to bear the financial and emotional costs of an attack that could have been prevented. Justice starts with holding the negligent property owner accountable. At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are ready to be your advocate and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Our firm is available 24/7 to provide a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain your rights. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no cost to you unless we secure compensation for you.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

Lancaster Negligent Security FAQs

Can I Still File a Claim If the Attacker Was Never Caught or Prosecuted?

Yes, you can still pursue a negligent security claim even if the attacker was never identified or prosecuted. Your civil claim is against the property owner for their failure to provide adequate security, not against the individual attacker.

The property owner’s liability is based on their negligence in maintaining the property, regardless of whether the criminal is caught.

How Long Do I Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in California?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit. If the incident occurred on government property, you may need to file a claim with the appropriate government entity within a limited time period, so consult an attorney promptly to determine the applicable deadline.

These deadlines are strictly enforced, so it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your incident.

What If I Was Partially at Fault for What Happened to Me?

California follows a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the incident.

Under comparative negligence, if you are found partially at fault, your damages will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.

Contact the Negligent Security Lawyers at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one was injured due to inadequate security in Lancaster, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact the experienced and compassionate team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

With decades of experience representing injury victims, we have the skill and resources to take on powerful property owners and their insurance companies. We are here to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on healing.