How Does Negligent Apartment Security Cause Injuries?

 Posted on June 24, 2024 in Premises Liability

When you live in an apartment complex, you expect the area to be safe and to be able to spend time inside and outside of your unit without worrying about your personal safety. However, a lack of apartment security caused by negligent or reckless landlords or property owners can encourage crime, which can lead to tenants sustaining serious injuries or even being killed.

If you have been injured at your apartment complex and negligent apartment security is a factor, you should contact an experienced Illinois apartment injuries lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Negligent Apartment Security?

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property and building owners have a duty to ensure that safety and care standards are met for people who are legally on the property. With apartment complexes, this means that landlords and property owners have a duty to ensure that tenants are safe and aware of any areas of hazard.

If landlords or property owners neglect security around the apartment complex, they are not upholding their duty to prevent and deter crime around the property, something that keeps tenants safe. A lack of security can result in injury to tenants.

Examples of negligent apartment security include:

• Neglecting to install or maintain lighting in common areas, stairwells, or around parking lots
• Neglecting or failing to maintain security equipment around the property, such as security cameras, alarms, and locks
• Failing to hire security guards and personnel as needed
• Neglecting to investigate or address reports of crimes on the property
• Failing to fix any broken locks or gates around the property
• Neglecting to properly screen tenants or visitors
• Neglecting to keep bushes, trees, and landscaping trimmed and away from buildings where they could potentially create hiding spots

Consequences of Negligent Apartment Security

Negligent apartment security can result in many serious issues, with crime and violent crime being the biggest consequences. Low lighting, broken locks and gates, ample hiding places around a parking lot, and a lack of security guards or security cameras can all encourage crime to take place.

Negligent apartment security can lead to any of the following:

• Assault
• Rape
• Shootings
• Robberies
• Personal property damage
• Car theft

Victims of these crimes may sustain catastrophic injuries, not to mention emotional and psychological trauma. In severe cases, negligent apartment security can lead to wrongful death for the victim.

Contact a Chicago, IL Apartment Injury Attorney

Sustaining an injury around your apartment after negligent security led to an assault or other crime is traumatic. With the help of a Chicago, IL apartment injury lawyer, you may be able to pursue a claim against the landlord or building owner to recover compensation.

Our attorneys at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC will provide you with dedicated representation throughout your claim as we advocate for the compensation you deserve. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.