When you visit a business—a hotel, apartment complex, shopping mall, or parking garage—you expect to be safe. However, when companies fail to provide adequate security, patrons and employees can become victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault. Sometimes, businesses can be held liable for failing to prevent these attacks.
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted on a business property in Dallas, you have legal options. Under Texas premises liability laws, you can pursue a negligent security claim to hold the business accountable and obtain just compensation.
When Can a Business Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault?
A business is not automatically responsible for a crime committed on its premises. However, under Texas premises liability laws, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment. If a business fails to take reasonable security measures and that failure contributes to a sexual assault, it may be held liable.
Circumstances Where a Business May Be Liable:
- Lack of Security Measures – The business failed to install proper lighting, surveillance cameras, or security personnel.
- History of Criminal Activity – The property had prior incidents of assaults or violent crimes, and the business did not take action to improve security.
- Negligent Hiring Practices – The business employed individuals with known violent histories or failed to conduct background checks.
- Failure to Respond to Threats – The business ignored reports of suspicious activity or previous threats of violence.
Businesses that invite customers, tenants, or employees onto their property must take reasonable steps to protect them from foreseeable harm. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible.
What is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for not taking adequate safety measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. In the context of sexual assault cases, negligent security can include:
- Poor lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways.
- Broken or missing locks on hotel rooms, apartments, or restricted areas.
- Untrained or absent security personnel in high-risk areas.
- Lack of security cameras or malfunctioning surveillance equipment.
- Failure to warn visitors about known dangers on the property.
If a business is aware that its property poses security risks and does nothing to fix them, it may be liable for assaults that result from those risks.
How To Prove a Business is Liable?
To hold a business accountable for sexual assault under premises liability laws, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence directly contributed to the crime. This typically requires evidence showing:
- The business had a duty to provide a safe environment.
- The business failed to take reasonable security measures.
- A lack of security contributed to the assault.
- The victim suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.
Evidence such as security footage, incident reports, police records, and witness testimony can help build a strong claim against the business.
How Rochelle McCullough Can Help
At Rochelle McCullough, we are dedicated to fighting for survivors of sexual assault who have suffered due to negligent security. Pursuing a premises liability claim against a business can be complex. Our experienced legal team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and is committed to providing compassionate, aggressive representation for survivors of sexual assault in Dallas.
When you work with Rochelle McCullough, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the business’s security failures.
- Gather evidence, including security footage, witness statements, and crime reports.
- Work with security experts to prove negligence.
- Fight for maximum compensation through negotiation or litigation.
Our firm has a track record of successfully representing victims in Dallas and throughout Texas. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses for treatment and therapy.
- Lost wages due to time away from work.
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma.
- Punitive damages to hold negligent businesses accountable.
No amount of money can undo the harm you’ve suffered, but financial compensation can help you move forward and access the support you need.
Representing Survivors of Sexual Assault in Dallas, Texas
If you were attacked on a business property in Dallas due to negligent security, turn to Rochelle McCollough. We will provide compassionate, effective representation and protect your rights at every step. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.