Several different parties can be held liable for a negligent security incident in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a civil claim against the property owner, the landlord, the business operating on the premises, a property management company, and a third-party security firm. Per the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130), anyone responsible for maintaining the safety of a property can face legal consequences if their failure to provide adequate security leads to a foreseeable crime that injures you.
Our Chicago premises liability lawyers at Meyers & Flowers can help you identify every liable party and pursue the full compensation you are owed. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (630) 576-9696 or reaching out online.
What Makes a Security Failure “Negligent” Under Illinois Law?
To hold a property owner or operator liable, you generally need to show that the criminal act was foreseeable and that the responsible party failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
Foreseeability is the most important factor in these cases. If a property has a documented history of criminal activity or is located in an area known for safety concerns, the owner is expected to respond with appropriate precautions. Ignoring that risk is what makes the security failure negligent.
Common examples of security failures that may support a claim include:
- Broken locks on doors and access points
- Poorly lit parking areas and stairwells
- No security cameras in high-traffic locations
- Absent trained security guards
- Malfunctioning entry systems that allow unauthorized access
In cases where one or more of these conditions contributes to a violent crime, the party responsible for maintaining the property may share liability for the resulting injuries.
Does It Matter Where the Incident Took Place?
Negligent security claims can arise in virtually any setting where the public is expected to be present. Apartment complexes are among the most common locations for these cases, particularly when landlords neglect basic safety measures in shared spaces. Retail stores, hotels, parking garages, nightclubs, and college campuses are also frequent settings for this type of litigation.
The type of property can influence what security measures are considered reasonable. A large entertainment venue, for example, may be expected to employ trained security personnel. A residential building, on the other hand, may only need functioning locks and adequate lighting. The standard depends on what a reasonable property owner would have done given the known risks.
Contact Meyers & Flowers To Learn More About Your Negligent Security Claim
If you were injured during a crime on someone else’s property in Illinois, you may have a negligent security claim on your hands worth pursuing.
Meyers & Flowers is here to help you work toward putting maximum compensation into your pocket when it’s all said and done. Call us today at (630) 576-9696 for a free case review. We’re ready to get started on your claim immediately.