Negligent Security Claims in New York: Protect Your Rights as a Victim
January 11, 2026
In New York, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When this duty is ignored and violent crimes occur — such as assaults, shootings, or robberies — victims may have strong grounds for a negligent security claim. These claims hold property owners accountable for failing to provide reasonable safety measures and can help victims recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
LFK Law Practice, P.C. stands with victims seeking justice, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Why Negligent Security Matters in New York
Negligent security claims arise when a property owner’s failure directly contributes to criminal incidents. Common scenarios include:
- Poor lighting in parking lots, hallways, or entrances.
- Absence of security personnel or malfunctioning surveillance cameras.
- Ignoring prior incidents of criminal activity on the property.
By understanding your rights, you can take immediate action to protect yourself and pursue legal remedies if unsafe conditions lead to injury.
Key Elements of a Negligent Security Claim
Duty of Care: Property owners in New York have a legal responsibility to provide reasonable security for their premises. This can include proper lighting in public and common areas, functional security systems such as cameras, alarms, and locks, and the presence of security staff or patrols in high-risk areas.
Breach of Duty: A property owner breaches this duty when they fail to take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable harm. Examples include leaving broken locks or gates unrepaired, ignoring previous criminal incidents on the property, or failing to provide adequate security for events or high-risk areas.
Causation: Victims must show that the lack of proper security directly contributed to the crime or injury. Courts typically evaluate whether a reasonable property owner could have taken steps to prevent the incident from occurring.
Damages: Victims of negligent security may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, lost wages or reduced earning capacity, and emotional distress, trauma, or pain and suffering resulting from the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises.
- Failure to provide adequate security can lead to negligent security liability.
- Victims should document evidence, seek medical attention, and report unsafe conditions immediately
- Legal guidance is crucial to navigate the complexities of these claims effectively.
Why You Should Speak to a New York Lawyer for Negligent Security Cases
Even though New York is a “no-fault” state, insurance companies often limit or deny claims, especially when serious injuries occur. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:
File your no-fault claim properly
Challenge unfair denials or underpayments
Determine if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold
Pursue full compensation for pain, suffering, and future losses
At LFK Law Practice, P.C., we help New York drivers navigate the no-fault system and fight for the compensation they deserve after a crash.
Contact us today for a free consultation — and let us handle the insurance while you focus on recovery.
Bottom Line
Negligent security is more than an oversight — it can result in serious injuries or even life-threatening incidents. In New York, victims of assaults, shootings, or robberies caused by inadequate security may have legal grounds to seek compensation and justice.
By understanding your rights, taking prompt action, and consulting an experienced attorney, you can hold negligent property owners accountable and protect yourself from further harm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a negligent security claim?
A negligent security claim occurs when a property owner fails to maintain reasonable safety measures, and this failure leads to injury.
Q2: What incidents qualify for negligent security claims?
Assaults, shootings, robberies, or other violent crimes that happen because the property lacked adequate security measures.
Q3: How can I prove negligence?
Evidence like photos of unsafe conditions, prior crime reports, and witness statements can demonstrate a property owner’s breach of duty.
Q4: Can I file a claim if the crime happened on public property?
Negligent security claims usually involve private property. Claims against public property may be limited due to government immunity.
Q5: What compensation can I pursue?
Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress are commonly recoverable damages.
References
- Premises Liability & Negligent Security. NY.gov. Retrieved January 1, 2026, from https://www.ny.gov/premises-liability
- Negligent Security Law — New York State Bar Association. Retrieved January 1, 2026, from https://www.nysba.org/negligent-security
- Safety Standards for Property Owners — NY Department of State. Retrieved January 1, 2026, from https://www.dos.ny.gov/property-safety