Southaven Negligent Security Attorney

Holding Property Owners Accountable for Preventable Crimes

When you step onto someone else’s property—a shopping mall, apartment complex, hotel, or even a hospital—you expect a reasonable level of safety. Unfortunately, too many property owners in Southaven and across Mississippi cut corners on security. The result? Innocent people suffer assaults, robberies, and other violent crimes that could have been prevented with proper precautions.

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, our attorneys have spent decades standing up for victims of negligent security. If you or a loved one were injured because a property owner failed to provide adequate safety measures, we are here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one was harmed because of inadequate security in Southaven, contact Stroud, Flechas & Dalton at (662) 371-6580 for a free and confidential consultation.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It arises when a property owner, landlord, or business fails to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe from foreseeable criminal acts.

This might include:

• Failing to install or maintain working locks
• Not providing sufficient lighting in parking lots or hallways
• Ignoring repeated criminal activity in the area
• Failing to hire or properly train security personnel
• Neglecting to install security cameras or alarms

When a property owner’s negligence creates unsafe conditions, and you are harmed in a preventable crime, you may have a valid legal claim under Mississippi law.

Mississippi Law on Negligent Security

Mississippi property owners owe a duty of care to tenants, customers, and guests. That duty extends not only to slip-and-fall hazards but also to foreseeable criminal activity.

Key elements of a negligent security claim include:

1. Duty of Care: The property owner had a responsibility to keep the premises reasonably safe.
2. Breach of Duty: The owner failed to provide adequate security measures.
3. Foreseeability: The risk of crime was known or should have been known based on prior incidents or neighborhood conditions.
4. Causation and Damages: The lack of security directly led to your injuries and losses.

For example, if an apartment complex in Southaven has a history of break-ins but management refuses to install proper locks or cameras, and you are attacked, the landlord may be liable for failing to act.

What Makes a Crime "Foreseeable"?

A central element in Mississippi negligent security claims is foreseeability. A property owner or business may be held liable if it’s shown that they "knew or should have known" about the potential risk of criminal activity, and failed to act.

Foreseeability can be proven by:

• Evidence of previous crimes or security complaints at the location
• High crime rates in the surrounding area or neighborhood
• Specific threats made to tenants, employees, or patrons
• Inadequate response to vandalism or minor incidents
• Consultation with security experts about what reasonable steps should have been taken

If the potential for harm was predictable, and no action was taken, this can form the basis for a strong negligent security lawsuit.

Common Locations for Negligent Security

Negligent security can occur almost anywhere. Some of the most common settings include:

• Apartment Complexes: Tenants rely on property managers to provide functioning locks, secure entrances, and well-lit parking lots.
• Shopping Malls & Retail Stores: Parking lots without surveillance cameras or security patrols are prime targets for muggings.
• Hotels & Motels: Guests can fall victim to crimes if room locks are faulty or staff fail to monitor suspicious activity.
• Hospitals & Medical Facilities: Vulnerable patients and visitors need safe access points and security personnel.
• Gas Stations & ATMs: Poor lighting and lack of surveillance often contribute to assaults and robberies.
• Entertainment Venues & Sports Complexes: Large crowds can attract criminal activity if owners don’t provide adequate staff or crowd control.

Wherever the crime happens, if inadequate security played a role, you may have grounds for a claim.

Examples of Negligent Security Cases We Handle

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, our Southaven negligent security attorneys have represented victims in a wide range of cases, including:

• Assaults in poorly lit parking garages
• Robberies at gas stations with no cameras
• Sexual assaults in hotels with broken locks
• Attacks in apartment complexes without security patrols
• Muggings outside retail stores in high-crime areas

Each case is unique, but the underlying principle remains the same: property owners must take reasonable steps to keep people safe.

Proving Negligence in Court

Negligent security cases are often complex. Property owners and their insurance companies will fight hard to avoid liability. To build a strong case, our attorneys gather evidence such as:

• Police reports documenting the crime
• Crime statistics from the neighborhood
• Prior incident reports at the same property
• Expert testimony on proper security standards
• Surveillance footage (or proof that it was missing)
• Witness statements confirming unsafe conditions

Our team works meticulously to connect the dots between the lack of security and the harm you suffered.

Compensation in Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security crimes often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and lasting trauma. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and future care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Property loss (e.g., stolen items)
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we fight to maximize compensation so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Why Foreseeability Matters

A central issue in negligent security claims is whether the crime was foreseeable. Courts look at whether the property owner knew—or reasonably should have known—that the risk existed.

Examples of foreseeability include:

• Multiple prior assaults in the same apartment complex
• A gas station located in a high-crime area with repeated robberies
• Threats or warnings reported to property management but ignored

If the property owner failed to act despite warning signs, they can be held responsible.

Why Choose Stroud, Flechas & Dalton?

With over four decades of combined experience, our attorneys are known for their dedication, compassion, and results. We understand the emotional toll violent crimes take on victims and families. That’s why we provide not only aggressive legal representation but also the support and guidance you need throughout the process.

When you hire us, you get:

• Personalized attention from experienced Southaven attorneys
• Thorough investigation of your case
• Strong negotiation with insurance companies
• Trial-ready representation if necessary

We are proud to serve clients in Southaven and throughout DeSoto County, ensuring that negligent property owners are held accountable.

Contact a Southaven Negligent Security Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime caused by inadequate security, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Contact Stroud, Flechas & Dalton today for a free consultation. Call us at (662) 371-6580 or reach out online. Let us fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.