If you were injured during a crime at your apartment building, whether it was a mugging in the parking lot, an assault in the stairwell, or a break-in through a broken door, you might be wondering if you can sue for negligent security at an apartment complex in PA. The short answer? Yes, under the right circumstances, you may have the legal right to hold the property owner accountable.
In Pennsylvania, apartment complex owners and property managers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for tenants and guests. That includes making sure lighting works, doors lock, surveillance systems function, and prior criminal activity isn’t ignored. When that duty is breached and someone gets hurt, it’s more than just a bad break, it’s grounds for a civil lawsuit.
Let’s break down how negligent security claims work, what your rights are, and how you can pursue justice.
What Is Considered Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a legal claim that falls under the broader umbrella of premises liability. It involves situations where a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures, and that failure leads to a preventable crime or injury.
Examples of negligent security include:
- Broken or missing locks on apartment doors
- Inadequate lighting in hallways or parking lots
- Non-functioning or absent security cameras
- Untrained or absent security personnel
- Failure to respond to repeated criminal activity
- Broken entry gates or unsecured access points
In apartment complexes, these types of security lapses can create dangerous conditions, especially in areas such as Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Upper Darby, where apartment living is common and foot traffic is high. If you were the victim of a violent crime and there’s reason to believe it could have been prevented with better security, you may have a valid claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
In most cases, the property owner, landlord, or management company can be held legally responsible for failing to take reasonable precautions. But depending on the specifics of your case, other parties may also share liability, such as:
- Private security companies
- Maintenance contractors
- Third-party property managers
- Building developers or construction companies (in new complexes with code violations)
To succeed in a negligent security claim, you need to show that the defendant had a duty to protect you, failed to do so, and that failure directly caused your injuries. In other words, if the apartment complex had taken reasonable steps like fixing a broken lock or hiring security after multiple break-ins, your injury might have been avoided.
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What Must Be Proven in a PA Negligent Security Claim?
Winning a negligent security lawsuit in Pennsylvania isn’t automatic. It requires building a strong case. Your personal injury attorney will work to prove:
- Duty of Care: The apartment complex had a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to keep their tenants and visitors safe.
- Breach of Duty: The property owner failed to meet this duty by neglecting a known danger or failing to implement adequate security measures.
- Foreseeability: The crime or injury that occurred was reasonably foreseeable, especially if similar incidents had happened before.
- Causation: The lack of security was a direct factor in causing your injury.
- Damages: You suffered real harm (physical, emotional, or financial) as a result of the incident.
Evidence is crucial in moving forward with a negligent security claim. Photos of the crime scene, witness statements, police reports, prior complaints from tenants, maintenance logs, and expert opinions on proper security standards all play a role. Your attorney can help you collect this evidence.
What Types of Crimes Could Trigger a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
Negligent security claims typically arise after serious criminal acts such as:
- Robbery
- Assault or battery
- Sexual assault
- Home invasion
- Homicide
In many cases, tenants have previously reported suspicious activity, break-ins, or security concerns only to have their warnings ignored. That failure to act can be a major liability for the property owner. And if the apartment complex is located in a high-crime area or has a history of incidents, the responsibility to maintain proper security is even greater.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive in a Negligent Security Case?
If your case is successful, you may be entitled to damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Property damage
- Relocation costs (if you had to move)
In rare but egregious cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the property owner for gross negligence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Negligent Security Case
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit against an apartment complex in PA for negligent security, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Waiting too long to take legal action. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury is two years.
- Failing to report the incident to police or building management.Posting about the incident on social media without legal guidance.
- Handling the case without a skilled attorney.
These cases are complex and often involve going up against powerful property management companies and their insurers. Having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.
In Apartment-Heavy PA Cities, Landlords Can’t Claim Ignorance
Cities like Philadelphia, Reading, Bethlehem, and Quakertown are filled with high-occupancy apartment buildings. That density means more foot traffic, more shared access points, and more risk if security isn't maintained.
Property owners in these cities know, (or should know) that safety is a critical concern. When they choose to cut corners, delay maintenance, or ignore tenant warnings, they put real lives at risk. Holding them accountable isn't just your right, it's a way to protect other residents, too.
Don’t Let Your Voice Go Unheard
Being the victim of a violent crime is traumatizing enough. You shouldn’t also have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Whether your apartment complex was in North Philadelphia or downtown Allentown, your landlord had a duty to protect you.
If they failed in that duty, you deserve answers. Furthermore, you may be entitled to compensation that helps you rebuild your life.
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim for Help With Your Negligent Security Case in Pennsylvania
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we don’t back down from difficult cases. Our attorneys understand how devastating negligent security incidents can be, and we have the resources and courtroom experience to uncover the truth and hold negligent property owners accountable.
We serve clients across Pennsylvania and are deeply familiar with the security challenges that affect apartment residents in cities like Philadelphia, Reading, and Allentown. From securing critical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to standing up in court, we fight aggressively for our clients every step of the way.
Your safety should never be optional. Let us help you protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Call 215-486-0123 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. There is no cost to speak with a lawyer, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.