Living in an apartment or rental property in Dallas-Fort Worth should not involve fear of violent crime. Landlords have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for their tenants and visitors. When tenants or visitors are attacked due to negligent security, landlords can be held liable for failing to prevent violence on their property.
When Can a Landlord Be Held Liable for Tenant Injuries?
Landlords are not automatically responsible for every crime that happens on their property. However, if a violent act occurs due to inadequate security measures or known safety risks that a landlord failed to address, they may be held liable under Texas premises liability laws. A landlord may be considered negligent if:
- The property had a history of violent crime, but no safety improvements were made.
- There was inadequate security, such as broken locks, poor lighting, or lack of security cameras.
- The landlord failed to warn tenants about known risks in the area.
- The property lacked proper access control, allowing intruders easy entry.
- Security personnel were negligent or unqualified, leading to a breach in safety.
If a landlord knew or should have known that their property was unsafe but failed to act, they may be held liable for injuries resulting from violent acts.
Types of Violent Acts That May Lead to a Lawsuit
Violent crimes in rental properties can take many forms, including:
- Assault and battery – Physical attacks by intruders or other tenants
- Robbery – When a tenant is injured during a forced theft
- Sexual assault – Attacks that occur due to lack of security measures
- Homicide – Fatal violent crimes that could have been prevented with proper precautions
If a tenant suffers an injury due to any of these violent acts and believes the landlord’s negligence played a role, they may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim Against a Landlord
To successfully sue a landlord for injuries resulting from a violent act, a tenant must prove that:
- The landlord had a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment.
- The landlord was negligent in maintaining security or addressing known risks.
- The lack of security directly contributed to the violent act.
- The tenant suffered damages, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, or emotional trauma.
Evidence that can help support a claim includes:
- Police reports documenting past crimes at the property
- Witness statements from other tenants
- Photos or videos showing security failures (broken locks, lack of lighting, etc.)
- Communication records with the landlord about security concerns
What Compensation Can Injured Tenants Seek?
If a tenant is successful in proving their case, they may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Costs for treatment, hospitalization, or therapy
- Lost wages – Income lost due to time off work after the attack
- Pain and suffering – Emotional trauma, PTSD, or physical pain from injuries
- Relocation costs – If the tenant no longer feels safe living at the property
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the landlord’s negligence was particularly reckless.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Violent Act at a Rental Property
If you have been injured in a violent act at your rental property, taking the following steps can protect your legal rights:
- Call 911 – Report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, getting medical care is essential for your health and legal case.
- Document everything – Take pictures of the scene, report security failures, and keep a record of any landlord communications.
- Speak with a Dallas-Fort Worth premises liability attorney – A lawyer can help determine whether your landlord’s negligence played a role and what legal steps to take.
How Rochelle McCullough Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a violent act at a rental property in Dallas-Fort Worth, Rochelle McCullough is here to help. Our legal team has extensive experience handling negligent security and premises liability cases. We will:
- Investigate the conditions that led to the attack
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies and landlords on your behalf
- Fight for the compensation you deserve in court if necessary
You shouldn’t have to suffer because of a landlord’s negligence. Trust our team to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.