Roanoke Negligent Security Attorney

Injured Because Property Was Not Kept Safe?

Being attacked, robbed, or hurt on someone else’s property is frightening and confusing. You may be asking why the property owner did not do more to keep you safe and whether you have any rights beyond the criminal case. This is where a negligent security attorney in Roanoke can help you understand your options.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we help people throughout Virginia who have been harmed when businesses, landlords, or property managers failed to provide reasonable security. Our firm has represented injured people and their families since 1979, and we have successfully handled thousands of cases resulting in millions and millions of dollars recovered. We want you to be able to focus on healing while we handle the legal issues.

We offer free consultations, and there is no upfront cost to talk with us about what happened. Our attorneys in the Roanoke office and across the state work to provide personal guidance, clear answers, and strong representation when negligent security has changed your life.

Call (855) 880-8163 today to schedule your free consultation.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security refers to situations where a property owner or operator fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal activity. While no one can prevent every crime, property owners must address known dangers and implement security measures appropriate to their location and circumstances.

For example, a shopping center in an area with prior criminal activity may need lighting, cameras, or security personnel. If the owner ignores these risks and someone is harmed, they may be liable for negligent security.

Various Forms of Security

Adequate security depends on the type of property, its location, and its history. Measures commonly expected in many Roanoke properties include:

• Functional surveillance cameras
• Adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways
• Secure locks on doors and windows
• Controlled access systems for apartment buildings
• Alarm systems
• On-site security personnel or patrols
• Emergency response protocols

The absence or failure of these protections can increase the likelihood of crimes such as assaults, robberies, or break-ins. When a property owner fails to implement or maintain reasonable safeguards, injured victims may have grounds for a legal claim.

When is Security Required?

Security is required when criminal activity is reasonably foreseeable. This often depends on factors such as:

• Prior criminal incidents on or near the property
• The type of property (e.g., bars, hotels, apartment complexes, parking garages)
• The time of day the property is used
• The presence of valuable assets or large crowds
• Local crime statistics

Virginia law does not require property owners to guarantee safety, but they must take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors. If a business or landlord knows—or should know—about potential dangers and does nothing, they may be considered negligent.

Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms. Some common examples include:

• Broken locks in apartment complexes leading to unauthorized entry
• Poor lighting in parking areas where assaults occur
• Failure to address repeated criminal incidents on the property
• Lack of trained security personnel at high-risk venues
• Malfunctioning surveillance cameras that go unrepaired
• Failure to remove trespassers or suspicious individuals

These situations can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term consequences for victims. A Roanoke negligent security lawyer can investigate the circumstances and determine whether the property owner failed in their duty.

Who is Liable for Inadequate Security?

Liability in negligent security cases depends on who controlled and maintained the property. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• Property owners
• Landlords
• Property management companies
• Business operators or tenants
• Security companies contracted to protect the premises

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, a landlord may be responsible for lighting and structural safety, while a business tenant may be responsible for on-site security staff.

An attorney can examine lease agreements, maintenance records, and security policies to identify all liable parties and build a strong claim.

Injuries in Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security incidents may suffer serious physical and emotional harm, including:

• Assault-related injuries
• Gunshot or stabbing wounds
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Long-term disability

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing care. Legal action can help victims recover the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Compensation Available in Negligent Security Claims

A successful negligent security claim may allow victims to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Property damage

Every case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries and the circumstances involved. A Roanoke negligent security lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand what compensation may be available.

Negligent Security FAQs

What should I do after an incident caused by poor security?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to authorities, and document everything you can. Photos, witness information, and written details can help support your claim.

How do I prove negligent security in Virginia?

You must show that the property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security, failed to do so, and that this failure contributed to your injuries. Evidence may include prior crime reports, maintenance records, and expert testimony.

Can a business be responsible for crimes committed by someone else?

Yes. If the crime was foreseeable and the business failed to take reasonable precautions, it may be held liable.

Is there a time limit to file a claim?

Virginia law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

What if I was partially at fault?

Virginia follows strict contributory negligence rules. If you are found even partially at fault, it may affect your ability to recover compensation. An attorney can assess your situation and explain your options.

Why People Choose Our Firm

After a violent incident or serious injury on unsafe property, you want a legal team that understands complex injury law and also understands what you are going through. Since 1979, our firm has focused on helping people with personal injury, workers’ compensation, and disability claims across Virginia. That long history gives us perspective on how to build strong arguments in cases involving property owner responsibility.

We know that no two negligent security cases are alike. Our goal is to listen to your story, understand how the incident has affected your health, work, and family, and then develop a strategy tailored to your needs. Clients choose us because we combine this personal approach with significant resources. We handle all parts of a case, including filing lawsuits and taking cases to trial when that is the best path forward.

Over the decades, we have recovered millions and millions of dollars for injured clients. Our attorneys have received recognitions such as inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, and our firm has been honored in community-based awards like Best of Coastal Virginia. These independent honors reflect the respect we have earned for our trial work and client service.

Negligent security claims often require detailed investigation and technical evidence. We work with outside professionals, such as doctors and other appropriate experts, to understand the full impact of your injuries and to evaluate what reasonable security would have looked like. Because we are a full-service firm with substantial financial resources, we are prepared to invest in building the strongest case we can while you concentrate on recovery.

To get started on your claim, contact us today.