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Violent crimes can leave victims throughout Tennessee with lasting physical and emotional scars, but when these crimes occur on someone else’s property, the property owner may also share responsibility. In Memphis, where violent crime rates are higher than the national average, property owners have a legal duty to keep visitors, tenants, and customers reasonably safe from harm. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable under premises liability law.
At The Gold Law Firm, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers help victims of shootings, assaults, robberies, and other violent crimes pursue compensation when property owners knew—or should have known—about potential risks and failed to act.
Understanding Premises Liability in Violent Crime Cases
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment for lawful visitors. While this often applies to slips and falls or dog bites, it also includes protection from foreseeable criminal acts. If a violent crime happens on a commercial or residential property, the question becomes: Could the owner have prevented it?
You may have a valid premises liability claim if:
- The property is in a high-crime area and lacked adequate security.
- There were prior incidents of similar crimes on or near the premises.
- Lighting, fencing, cameras, or security staff were insufficient or non-existent.
- Locks, alarms, or controlled access systems were broken or poorly maintained.
These failures can increase the likelihood of a crime occurring, and property owners may be held liable for not taking reasonable steps to protect visitors.
Common Locations Where Violent Crimes May Trigger Liability
Some Memphis properties are more susceptible to criminal activity, and owners of these spaces should be especially vigilant.
Examples include:
- Apartment complexes with poor lighting or broken gates.
- Parking garages and lots lacking surveillance or security patrols.
- Hotels or motels that fail to vet guests or monitor activity.
- Nightclubs, bars, or convenience stores in known high-risk areas.
- College housing and dormitories with inadequate entry control.
Just because a crime happened doesn’t automatically mean the owner is responsible. However, if it can be proven that the crime was foreseeable and preventable with the use of reasonable measures, the victim may have grounds for a lawsuit.
What Victims of Violent Crimes Can Recover
Being the victim of a violent crime is traumatic.
Beyond criminal prosecution of the attacker, civil litigation allows you to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs.
- Property damage or loss.
- In some cases, punitive damages.
At The Gold Law Firm, we work to uncover all liable parties, especially negligent property owners who failed in their duty to keep you safe.
Contact a Memphis Premises Liability Lawyer for Help Today
If you were injured in a violent crime on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal advice. You may have the right to hold the property owner accountable for their negligence, and we can help.
Contact our Memphis personal injury attorneys today by calling or texting (901) 244-5003 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
