Newport News Negligent Security Lawyer

Different Forms of Security

Adequate security varies depending on the type of property, its location, and its history of criminal activity. Common forms of security that property owners may be required to provide include:

• Security guards or patrol services
• Surveillance cameras (CCTV systems)
• Adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways
• Controlled access systems (key cards, gates, intercoms)
• Functional locks on doors and windows
• Alarm systems
• On-site management or security desks
• Fencing or barriers to limit unauthorized entry

Failure to install, maintain, or properly operate these measures can form the basis of a negligent security claim.

When Is Security Necessary?

Not every property requires armed guards or extensive surveillance, but security becomes legally necessary when criminal activity is foreseeable. Factors that may trigger a duty to increase security include:

• Prior criminal incidents on or near the property
• High-crime neighborhoods in Newport News
• The nature of the business (bars, nightclubs, hotels, apartment complexes)
• Late-night operations or large crowds
• Poor lighting or hidden areas that facilitate crime

For example, an apartment complex with repeated break-ins may be required to add lighting, repair broken gates, or hire security patrols. A parking garage near a nightlife area may need cameras and visible security personnel.

Examples of Inadequate Security

Negligent security can take many forms. Common examples include:

• Broken or nonfunctional security cameras
• Burned-out or insufficient lighting
• Unlocked or broken doors and gates
• Lack of security personnel despite prior violent incidents
• Failure to respond to known safety complaints
• Poorly trained or unlicensed security guards
• Inadequate crowd control at events or venues
• Failure to evict or restrict dangerous individuals

When these failures lead to assaults, robberies, shootings, stabbings, or sexual assaults, the property owner may be held financially accountable.

Who Is Liable for Negligent Security?

Liability in negligent security cases often extends beyond a single party. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• Property owners
• Landlords and apartment complex owners
• Property management companies
• Business owners and operators
• Hotels and motels
• Shopping centers and malls
• Parking garage operators
• Event organizers
• Security companies

Our Newport News negligent security attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman PC will identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

Compensation Available to Negligent Security Victims

Victims of negligent security may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Virginia law allows injured victims to pursue full compensation when a property owner’s negligence contributes to a violent crime.

Why Choose Our Newport News Firm

When you are deciding who to trust with a negligent security claim, experience and stability matter. Our firm was founded in 1979 and has successfully handled thousands of personal injury and disability cases for people throughout Virginia. Over the years, we have recovered millions and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.

We are a full-service law firm that handles every phase of a case, including litigation. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file suit and pursue your claim in court when that step is appropriate. Our attorneys have received honors such as inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and recognition in Best of Coastal Virginia and 2025 Best Of Norfolk.