To succeed in a negligent security claim in Texas, you need evidence that shows a property owner failed to provide reasonable safety measures, and that failure contributed to your harm. Strong evidence may include prior incident reports, broken lighting or security cameras, maintenance logs, or witness testimony. The more clearly you can connect your injury to the property owner’s negligence, the stronger your claim becomes under Texas premises liability law.
Why Is Evidence So Important in a Negligent Security Case?
Negligent security claims fall under Texas premises liability law. This means you must prove:
- The property owner had a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe
- They failed to take action to prevent foreseeable crimes or hazards
- That failure caused your injuries
Because security-related claims often involve third-party criminal acts, it is essential to demonstrate that the property owner’s inaction created an environment in which the crime could occur. The proper evidence helps bridge that gap.
What Types of Evidence Help Prove Property Owner Negligence?
To build a compelling claim, your attorney will look for evidence that shows the owner or manager either knew—or should have known—about prior safety issues. Common examples include:
1. Prior Incident Reports or Crime Data
- Previous assaults, robberies, or break-ins at the same location
- 911 call logs or police reports showing repeated criminal activity
- Crime statistics for the surrounding neighborhood
- Internal security complaints from tenants, guests, or employees
This type of evidence helps prove foreseeability, a key element in Texas negligent security claims.
2. Broken or Inadequate Security Features
- Non-functioning surveillance cameras
- Burned-out lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Broken gates, locks, or doors
- Lack of access control for apartment complexes or hotels
Photos or repair records documenting these hazards, taken before or shortly after the incident, can be powerful evidence of negligence.
3. Maintenance Logs and Repair Requests
- Records showing delays in fixing known security risks
- Ignored maintenance tickets related to lighting, locks, or alarms
- Emails or texts from tenants reporting unsafe conditions
If the property owner was aware of the danger and did nothing, it significantly strengthens your case.
4. Witness Statements and Video Footage
- Witnesses who saw the condition of the property or the crime itself
- Testimony from others who previously complained about safety
- Security camera footage that captured the crime or surrounding events
Eyewitness accounts, even if not recorded, can provide context that supports your version of events—especially when paired with other documentation.
Can You Still File a Claim Without Direct Security Footage?
Yes. While video footage is helpful, it’s not required to win a negligent security case. Many successful claims rely on:
- Testimony from other tenants or neighbors
- Police reports and crime mapping
- Expert opinions on reasonable security practices
- Photographs of unsafe conditions
A lack of video may even strengthen your case if you can show the property should have had working cameras but failed to install or maintain them.
What Should You Do to Preserve Evidence After an Attack?
If you’ve been injured in a crime on someone else’s property—whether at an apartment complex, hotel, parking garage, or event venue—take the following steps as soon as you are able:
- Call 911 and get a police report
- Document the scene (photos, videos, lighting conditions, broken locks)
- Preserve clothing, personal items, or damaged property
- Request a copy of any incident report from property management
- Ask neighbors or other witnesses if they’ve experienced similar safety issues
- Consult a negligent security attorney quickly to begin the investigation
Delays can result in key evidence being lost—especially surveillance footage that may be erased within days or weeks.
How Can an Attorney Help Gather Negligent Security Evidence?
Experienced attorneys know where to look, who to subpoena, and how to frame your case around Texas premises liability law. Your legal team can:
- Send preservation letters to prevent deletion of video footage
- Subpoena maintenance records and staff communications
- Retain security experts to evaluate what reasonable safety measures were lacking
- Interview past tenants, employees, or witnesses
- Handle all communications with insurers and property owners
The earlier you involve a lawyer at Rochelle McCullough, the more evidence they can preserve before it disappears.
Talk to a Texas Negligent Security Lawyer About Your Case
If you were attacked or injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a valid negligent security claim—but time and evidence are critical. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact Rochelle McCullough now for a free case evaluation.