Norfolk Negligent Security Attorney

Legal Help After A Crime On Unsafe Property

If you were attacked, robbed, or assaulted because a property was not reasonably secure in Norfolk, you may be wondering what you can do next. As a negligent security attorney that Norfolk victims turn to for guidance, Kalfus & Nachman PC helps people who are hurt when businesses or property owners fail to take basic safety steps.

We understand that you may be dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and growing medical bills. You may also be angry that the crime happened at all, especially if there had been warnings or problems at that property before. Our role is to explain your options, help you pursue compensation from those who failed to protect you, and take on the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.

Our firm has represented injured people across Virginia since 1979. From our Norfolk office, we meet with victims and families, review what happened, and work to hold property owners accountable when their security failures contribute to violent crime.

To talk with our team and schedule your free consultation, call (855) 880-8163.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that arises when a property owner fails to implement reasonable safety measures to protect guests, customers, tenants, or visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. While property owners are not responsible for every criminal act that occurs on their premises, they are required to take steps to reduce risks when dangers are known or should reasonably be anticipated.

In many cases, negligent security claims involve violent crimes such as assault, robbery, sexual assault, or shootings. However, they can also involve other incidents where proper safety measures could have prevented harm.

A Norfolk negligent security lawyer can evaluate whether the property owner breached their duty of care and whether that breach contributed to your injuries.

Various Forms of Security

Security measures vary depending on the type of property, its location, and prior criminal activity in the area. Reasonable security is not one-size-fits-all; it should be tailored to foreseeable risks.

Common forms of security include:

• Surveillance cameras and monitoring systems
• Adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and entryways
• Security guards or patrols
• Controlled access systems such as keycards or coded gates
• Alarm systems
• Proper locks on doors and windows
• Emergency call boxes
• Security signage and warnings

When these measures are missing, poorly maintained, or improperly implemented, property owners may be exposing visitors to unnecessary danger.

When Is Security Required?

Security is required when a property owner knows—or should reasonably know—that criminal activity is likely to occur. Several factors can establish this obligation, including:

• Prior criminal incidents on the property
• Crime rates in the surrounding neighborhood
• The nature of the business or property
• The presence of vulnerable populations (such as hotel guests or tenants)
• The time of day or operating hours

For example, a nightclub in Norfolk with a history of altercations may be expected to provide trained security personnel. Similarly, an apartment complex located in an area with frequent break-ins may need controlled entry points and proper lighting.

Failure to implement appropriate precautions can lead to legal liability if someone is harmed.

Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms, and each situation depends on its specific facts. Common examples include:

• Broken or non-functioning locks in apartment buildings
• Inadequate lighting in parking garages or stairwells
• Lack of security personnel at high-risk venues
• Failure to repair damaged fencing or gates
• Non-operational surveillance cameras
• Ignoring reports of suspicious activity or prior crimes
• Failure to conduct background checks for employees or security staff
• Poor emergency response procedures

These failures can create environments where criminal behavior is more likely to occur. A Norfolk negligent security lawyer can investigate whether the property owner’s actions—or inaction—played a role in the incident.

Who Is Liable for Inadequate Security?

Several parties may be responsible for negligent security depending on the circumstances. Liability may fall on:

• Property owners
• Landlords and apartment complex managers
• Commercial property management companies
• Business owners
• Event organizers
• Security companies

In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility. For example, a property owner may be liable for failing to maintain lighting, while a security company could be responsible for inadequate staffing or training.

Our experienced legal team can identify all liable parties and build a case that reflects the full scope of responsibility.

Injuries and Damages in Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security incidents may suffer serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Head and brain injuries
• Stab or gunshot wounds
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD
• Long-term disability

Compensation in a negligent security claim may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs

Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.

Proving a Negligent Security Claim in Norfolk, VA

To succeed in a negligent security claim, several elements must be established:

1. The property owner owed a duty of care
2. The owner failed to provide reasonable security
3. The failure made the incident foreseeable
4. The victim suffered injuries as a direct result

Evidence often includes:

Crime reports and statistics

• Surveillance footage
• Maintenance records
• Witness testimony
• Incident reports
• Expert analysis

Our Norfolk negligent security lawyer can gather and present this evidence to strengthen your claim.

Negligent Security FAQs

What types of properties are most often involved in negligent security cases?

Apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, bars, nightclubs, shopping centers, and office buildings are among the most common locations.

Do I have a case if the attacker was a third party?

Possibly. Property owners may still be liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.

How long do I have to file a claim in Virginia?

Virginia generally has strict deadlines for personal injury claims. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the property had some security but it wasn’t enough?

Partial security does not automatically eliminate liability. If measures were inadequate given the risks, the owner may still be responsible.

Can I file a claim if I was a tenant or guest?

Yes. Tenants, customers, visitors, and guests may all be eligible to pursue claims depending on the circumstances.

How much is my negligent security case worth?

The value depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact.

Why People Choose Our Firm

Negligent security cases are often complex. Property owners, management companies, and insurers may deny responsibility and argue that the crime was not predictable. In this situation, you need a team that knows how to investigate serious injury cases, explain your rights clearly, and stand up to well-funded defendants in Norfolk and throughout Virginia.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we have been fighting for injured people since 1979. Over the decades, we have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases and obtained millions and millions of dollars for clients. This depth of experience matters when you are facing a property owner or insurance company that is determined to avoid paying for the harm you suffered.

Our attorneys create a personalized legal strategy for every client instead of treating your case like a file number. We draw on significant financial resources to litigate when needed, and we work with outside professionals, such as doctors and accident reconstruction professionals, to better understand how your injuries occurred and how they affect your life. This approach helps us present a clear, well-supported claim in negotiations and, when necessary, in court.

People in this part of Virginia also choose us because we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Our firm has brick and mortar offices in Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, and we are proud to be recognized by local readers and media. Our accolades include the 2025 Best Of Norfolk award from Virginia Media and recognition in the Best of Coastal Virginia Reader's Choice Award. We are also members of organizations such as the American Association for Justice, and attorneys at our firm have been listed among The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers.

Contact our firm today to discuss your case.