When a violent crime happens at your apartment complex—whether it’s an assault, shooting, or break-in—you may be left with not only physical and emotional trauma, but also a mountain of legal and financial concerns. If the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect residents, you may have grounds to file a negligent security claim.
But in Texas, time is not on your side. Strict legal deadlines apply, and missing them could mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether. Here’s what you need to know about the time limits to sue after an apartment crime in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Is There a Time Limit to File an Apartment Crime Lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This includes claims involving:
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Armed robbery
- Stabbings or shootings
- Wrongful death related to apartment violence
If you don’t file within this two-year window (known as the statute of limitations), the court will likely dismiss your case—even if the evidence strongly supports your claim.
When Does the Clock Start Running?
In a typical apartment crime case, the statute of limitations begins on the date the crime occurred. However, there are a few exceptions and nuances that could affect the timeline:
- Delayed discovery: If your injuries or the cause of the harm weren’t immediately apparent (e.g., emotional trauma or suppressed memories in abuse cases), the clock may start when you discovered the harm.
- Wrongful death claims: The clock starts on the date of the person’s death, not necessarily the date of the crime.
- Minor victims: If the victim is under 18, the statute of limitations usually doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday.
Because these rules can vary, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your deadlines.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss—and the court is likely to grant it. This means:
- You lose your chance to pursue compensation
- Your injuries, even if severe, will go legally uncompensated
- The property owner or management company may escape accountability]
That’s why even if you’re unsure about suing, it’s worth getting legal guidance early so you don’t accidentally forfeit your rights.
Why Acting Quickly Helps Your Case
Waiting too long to take legal action doesn’t just risk missing deadlines—it also makes it harder to build a strong case. Evidence may be lost or destroyed over time, such as:
- Security camera footage being overwritten
- Witnesses moving away or forgetting key details
- Property conditions being repaired or altered
- Maintenance records and internal complaints being discarded
Early legal intervention can help preserve this evidence and strengthen your claim.
Who Can Be Sued in an Apartment Crime Lawsuit?
Civil lawsuits related to apartment crimes typically fall under premises liability or negligent security law. You may be able to sue:
- The apartment complex or building owner
- The property management company
- Private security companies or maintenance providers
- In rare cases, third parties responsible for enabling the crime
Our attorneys will investigate whether the property owner failed to provide reasonable security measures, such as working locks, adequate lighting, or failing to respond to prior criminal activity.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’re successful in a negligent security lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Mental health treatment
- Lost wages or diminished earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss or damage
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and the strength of the evidence showing that the property owner failed to act responsibly.
Talk to a Dallas–Fort Worth Attorney About Your Legal Deadline
You don’t have to carry the burden of what happened alone—and you don’t have to guess whether you have a case. If you were harmed due to a violent crime at an apartment complex in Dallas–Fort Worth, talking with a lawyer now can help you understand your legal options before it’s too late.
At Rochelle McCullough, we help victims of negligent security pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and case review.