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Violent crime in Memphis is an unfortunate reality that affects residents, visitors, and businesses alike. While criminal behavior cannot always be predicted or prevented, property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people on their premises. They may be liable under Tennessee’s premises liability laws when they fail to do so by ignoring known risks or failing to provide basic security measures.
At The Gold Law Firm, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers help victims of violent acts caused or worsened by negligent security take legal action and seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Where Negligent Security Often Occurs in Memphis
Negligent security incidents can happen anywhere, but specific properties are more vulnerable to criminal activity due to limited lighting, poor visibility, a lack of surveillance, or absent security personnel. In Memphis, the following locations are widespread sites for violent encounters:
- Apartment Complexes
Many apartment buildings, especially those with previous incidents of violence, must maintain security features like gates, surveillance cameras, and working locks. When landlords or property managers fail to uphold these standards, residents and guests become easy targets for assaults, robberies, and home invasions.
- Hotels and Motels
Travelers and out-of-town guests often stay at hotels with little neighborhood knowledge. In high-crime areas, hotels must have keycard access, well-lit parking lots, and adequate staff to protect guests. Inadequate precautions can lead to serious incidents such as theft, assault, or worse.
- Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
These businesses, especially those open 24 hours, are frequent locations for armed robberies, carjackings, and physical confrontations. Owners are responsible for providing sufficient lighting, working security cameras, and sometimes even security guards.
- Bars and Nightclubs
Alcohol, crowd size, and late hours create a volatile mix. Property owners must provide adequate staff, control entrances, and respond to altercations quickly. Failing to prevent or de-escalate dangerous situations may amount to negligence.
- Shopping Centers and Parking Lots
Large commercial areas often have expansive parking lots that can become dangerous after dark. Customers are more susceptible to attacks or theft when these areas are poorly lit, unmonitored, or lack security patrols.
What Victims of Negligent Security Can Do
If you were injured or assaulted on another person’s property due to a lack of security, you may be eligible to file a negligent security claim.
In Tennessee, victims must show that:
- The crime was foreseeable, based on prior incidents in the area.
- The property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
- That failure contributed to your injury or loss.
Taking legal action not only helps victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma, but also puts pressure on negligent property owners to implement proper safety measures, reducing the risk for others.
How The Gold Law Firm Can Help
Our Memphis premises liability attorneys are experienced in handling complex negligent security cases. We investigate the property’s history, gather police reports and surveillance footage, and build a strong case to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was hurt due to negligent security in Memphis, don’t wait. Contact The Gold Law Firm by calling or texting (901) 244-5003 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
