Williford Law | Holding Property Owners Accountable for Preventable Violence and Inadequate Security
If They Failed to Protect You — We’ll Make Sure They Answer for It
No one expects to be attacked at their apartment, parking lot, hotel, or place of work. But when landlords, property managers, or businesses ignore crime risks or refuse to invest in basic safety, innocent people get hurt — or killed.
At Williford Law, we represent individuals and families across Texas who were victims of shootings, assaults, sexual violence, robberies, or other crimes that occurred due to negligent security. When a property owner knew the danger and chose profits over people, we pursued justice in court.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a form of premises liability that applies when a property owner fails to take reasonable safety measures, such as:
- Ignoring reports of crime in the area
- Failing to fix broken locks, gates, or lighting
- Refusing to hire security personnel or install cameras
- Allowing unauthorized access to tenants or guests
- Failing to respond to known threats or violence
- Leaving parking garages, stairwells, or pathways unsecured
- Ignoring prior incidents of assault or theft
If the crime was foreseeable, and the property owner could have prevented it with basic precautions, they may be legally liable.
Common Locations Where Negligent Security Happens
| Location | Common Failures |
| Apartment complexes | Broken gates, lack of cameras, no patrols, open access after hours |
| Hotels and motels | No keycard access, poor lighting, failure to screen guests |
| Nightclubs and bars | Inadequate bouncers, overcrowding, no response to escalating conflict |
| Inadequate bouncers, overcrowding, and no response to escalating conflict | No lighting, no cameras, no attendants |
| Gas stations and convenience stores | Known robbery zones, no glass barriers, minimal staffing |
| Schools and daycare centers | Lax check-in procedures, unlocked doors |
| Parking garages/lots | Understaffed security, lack of crowd control |
We work with crime mapping experts, security consultants, and surveillance analysts to build your case.
Types of Violent Incidents We Handle
- Shootings on commercial or residential property
- Stabbings or physical assaults in common areas
- Sexual assaults in poorly secured buildings
- Robberies due to a lack of lighting or staff
- Child abuse or attacks at daycares or schools
- Kidnappings or abductions from unsecured premises
- Wrongful death from preventable criminal acts
Even if the attacker is unknown, you can still file a civil lawsuit against the property owner if their security failures contributed to the attack.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
We pursue full compensation for negligent security victims, including:
- Medical bills and long-term care
- Mental health treatment, therapy, and PTSD care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages or future earnings
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Emotional trauma and fear of public spaces
- Relocation costs (e.g., breaking a lease to escape dangerous conditions)
- Wrongful death damages for the surviving family
- Punitive damages if the owner ignored repeated warnings or incidents
Who Can Be Held Liable?
| Party | Legal Responsibility |
| Hotel/business operator | Failed to provide basic, reasonable security measures |
| Apartment complex or HOA | Ignored known crime patterns, failed to repair gates, lighting, cameras |
| Hotel/business operator | Lacked security protocol, allowed unsafe conditions |
| Venue / event organizer | Understaffed or failed to plan for security needs |
| Security company | Negligently trained or supervised guards, or didn’t respond appropriately |
In many cases, we file against multiple defendants to ensure your case is fully funded and supported by insurance.
Why Choose Williford Law?
- Proven success in premises liability and violent crime injury cases
- We treat your story with compassion, privacy, and power
- Experienced in cases involving apartment shootings, nightclub assaults, and wrongful death
- Access to experts in security protocols, criminal justice, and trauma care
- No fee unless we win — you only pay if we recover for you
We are here to help victims feel safe, seen, and supported — while fighting for the justice that negligence tried to deny you.
FAQs: Texas Negligent Security Lawsuits
Can I still sue if the criminal hasn’t been caught?
Yes. Your civil case focuses on the property owner’s negligence, not the criminal’s identity.
What if I were attacked at my apartment complex?
Apartment owners must provide reasonably safe premises, especially if crime is known in the area. You may have a strong claim for failing to act.
Can I sue if my child was attacked at school or daycare?
Yes — schools and daycare centers have a heightened duty of care. We pursue claims against the institution, not just individuals.
How long do I have to file?
Texas law generally gives you 2 years from the date of the injury or assault, but we recommend acting fast to preserve video, police reports, and security logs.
