Apartment parking lots should be safe places for residents to come and go. Unfortunately, robberies and assaults happen far too often in Texas, especially in areas where property owners fail to take reasonable security measures. If you were attacked or robbed in your apartment’s parking lot, you may be able to hold the property owner accountable through a civil lawsuit. Here‘s what you need to know.
Property Owners Have a Duty to Provide Reasonable Security
Under Texas premises liability law, property owners are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that tenants and their guests are safe from foreseeable harm. This duty includes apartment complexes and their parking lots.
When owners or management companies ignore warning signs of criminal activity or fail to implement proper safety measures, they may be held responsible for crimes that occur on their property.
Reasonable security can include:
- Adequate lighting in parking lots and stairwells
- Security cameras that are monitored or maintained
- Gates or controlled access points
- Security patrols when crime risks are high
- Prompt response to prior incidents or tenant complaints
When these protections are absent or poorly maintained, criminals are more likely to target residents.
When a Robbery Leads to Injury
Robberies in apartment parking lots often involve physical violence. Victims may suffer broken bones, concussions, lacerations, or even gunshot wounds. Beyond the physical harm, the trauma of such an event can cause anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you’ve been injured in a robbery, you may have grounds for a civil claim against the property owner in addition to any criminal charges against the attacker.
Suing the Criminal vs. Suing the Property Owner
The person who committed the robbery can, in theory, be sued directly. However, many criminals do not have the financial resources to pay a judgment. That’s why most victims pursue claims against the property owner or management company.
The key legal question is whether the crime was foreseeable and whether the owner took reasonable measures to prevent it from occurring. For example, if the apartment complex had a history of robberies or violent incidents but failed to improve lighting or security, a jury may find the owner liable for negligence.
Types of Compensation Available
If you pursue a civil lawsuit after a robbery in your apartment’s parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, therapy, and follow-up treatment
Lost wages: Income lost while you recover, plus any reduced earning ability in the future - Pain and suffering: Both physical pain and the emotional distress caused by the crime
- Property losses: Replacement of stolen items or damaged personal property
- Wrongful death damages: If the robbery resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship
In rare cases, Texas courts may also award punitive damages if the property owner’s conduct was grossly negligent.
How an Apartment Crimes Attorney Can Help
Apartment owners and their insurance companies often argue that a robbery is the sole fault of the criminal. While the attacker bears responsibility, that does not absolve the property owner if unsafe conditions contributed to the crime.
At Rochelle McCullough LLP, we represent victims of apartment crimes across Texas. Our attorneys investigate whether property owners failed to provide adequate security and fight to hold them accountable. We understand the devastating toll these crimes take and work tirelessly to pursue justice and fair compensation for our clients.
Legal Help for Dallas Apartment Parking Lot Robbery Victims
If you were injured during a robbery in your apartment’s parking lot in Texas, you may have the right to sue the property owner in addition to seeking justice through the criminal system. These claims can provide much-needed financial relief and send a message that apartment complexes must take safety seriously.
Contact Rochelle McCullough today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Robberies in Apartment Parking Lots
Can I sue my apartment complex if I was robbed in the parking lot?
Yes, you may have a claim if the property owner or management company failed to provide reasonable security and the robbery was foreseeable.
What if the robber was arrested—do I still have a case?
Yes. Criminal charges against the attacker are separate from your right to pursue a civil claim against the property owner for negligent security.
What damages can I recover in a lawsuit?
Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, stolen property, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral costs and loss of support.