When you rent an apartment in Dallas or Fort Worth, you expect the property to offer a reasonable level of safety. However, when landlords or property owners fail to provide basic security measures, such as working locks, adequate lighting, or surveillance cameras, they may be putting residents at serious risk. If you or a loved one has been harmed during a crime in a DFW apartment complex, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit.
At Rochelle McCullough LLP, we represent individuals throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area who have suffered injuries or trauma after crimes that could have been prevented. We know to hold negligent property owners accountable when their inaction leads to harm. Trust us to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a legal term used to describe situations where a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect tenants or guests from foreseeable criminal acts or incidents. In apartment complexes across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, this often includes:
- Broken or missing locks on unit or common area doors
Inadequate lighting in parking lots or hallways - No security cameras or malfunctioning systems
- Lack of fencing or unsecured entrances
- Failure to address repeated criminal activity on the property
If the landlord knew, or should have known, there was a risk of crime on the property and failed to act, they may be held liable.
Legal Duties of Landlords in Dallas–Fort Worth
Under Texas law, property owners and landlords are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that common areas are safe. That obligation is fundamental in apartment complexes, where tenants have little control over security features.
In Dallas and Fort Worth, that means owners should be aware of local crime rates and take action when their property becomes a target. For example, suppose a complex in Oak Cliff, Arlington, or East Dallas has experienced multiple break-ins or assaults. In that case, the property manager has a legal duty to respond by improving lighting, repairing gates, or hiring security personnel.
When landlords ignore these warning signs, it takes an experienced premises liability attorney to hold them accountable.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim in DFW
To succeed in a negligent security lawsuit, you must prove the following elements:
1. The property owner owed you a duty of care—If you were lawfully on the premises, whether as a resident, visitor, shopper, or worker, the owner was obligated to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable dangers.
2. They breached that duty—This may involve things like ignoring past complaints, failing to repair broken locks or lighting, or neglecting to provide security in areas with a known history of criminal activity.
3. That breach caused your injury—You must be able to show that the owner’s inaction played a direct role in what happened. If the property had been secured, for example, with a functioning gate or better lighting, the crime might have been avoided.
4. You suffered damages—This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, or other consequences tied to the incident.
Our attorneys have the skills and experience to demonstrate negligent security in apartment crime cases and will work to get you just compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful negligent security claim can provide compensation for the full range of damages caused by the crime, including:
- Emergency care and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical treatment or therapy
- Lost wages or reduced future earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Damaged personal property
- In wrongful death cases: funeral costs and loss of companionship
We know how devastating it can be to suffer a violent crime in your own home. Our goal is to help you recover the financial resources you need to heal and move forward.
Why Work With Rochelle McCullough LLP?
Our firm has proudly served clients in Dallas–Fort Worth and across Texas for decades. We are well-versed in the legal standards that apply to apartment complexes throughout the region—from Fort Worth’s Historic Southside to Uptown Dallas, Plano, and Irving. We take a personalized approach to every case, offering confidential consultations and aggressive advocacy. You’ll work directly with our experienced attorneys—never just support staff—and we’ll fight to hold negligent landlords accountable for the harm they allowed to happen.
Contact a Dallas–Fort Worth Negligent Security Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been harmed due to poor security at an apartment complex in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, turn to Rochelle McCulloug.We’re here to protect your rights and help you pursue justice. Call our Dallas office today to get started. We offer free consultations, and there is never a fee until we recover for you.