Negligent Security Lawyers in Milwaukee & Beyond
When a Property Owner Fails to Keep People Safe
No one expects to be assaulted or harmed while visiting a business, apartment building, parking lot, or event space. When a property owner fails to provide reasonable safety measures-like adequate lighting, working locks, or security staff-victims may have a civil claim through negligent security law. Our Milwaukee negligent security attorneys help clients and families understand whether a lawsuit is possible and what steps to take next. We handle these matters with discretion, compassion, and trial-ready advocacy across Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.
What Is a Negligent Security Case?
A negligent security case is a type of premises liability claim where a property owner's failure to take reasonable precautions contributes to a foreseeable crime or injury. These cases often involve "third-party liability," meaning the person who caused harm may not be the only responsible party.
Common negligent security scenarios include:
- Assaults in parking lots or parking garages with poor lighting
- Apartment complex incidents involving broken locks or unsecured entrances
- Hotel or short-term rental safety failures
- Bar or nightclub violence with inadequate staffing or oversight
- Retail store incidents with known safety risks and no reasonable precautions
- Repeated crime activity with no response from management
What to Expect From Our Team
We begin with a confidential consultation to understand what happened and where the incident occurred. Our team works to preserve evidence such as surveillance video, incident reports, and prior crime history-records that can disappear quickly. We evaluate whether the harm was foreseeable and whether reasonable security measures were missing. From there, we pursue compensation through negotiation or litigation with a careful, victim-centered approach.
Optional steps:
- Evidence preservation (video, reports, 911 logs)
- Site evaluation and prior incident research
- Damages documentation (medical, wage loss, counseling)
- Negotiation or lawsuit when needed
How Negligent Security Liability Is Evaluated
Negligent security claims often come down to what the property owner knew (or should have known) and what reasonable steps should have been taken.
| Legal Factor | What It Means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Foreseeability | Crime risk was known or predictable | Prior assaults, repeated police calls, known problem areas |
| Duty of Care | Owner must provide reasonable safety | Lighting, locks, cameras, staffing, policies |
| Breach | Safety measures were missing or inadequate | Broken gates, no lighting, no security in high-risk area |
| Causation & Damages | Failure contributed to harm and losses | Medical bills, wage loss, trauma, long-term effects |
If you're unsure whether you have a case, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Common Questions About Negligent Security
Can I sue a business for not having security in Wisconsin?
Potentially, yes-especially if the risk was foreseeable and reasonable safety measures weren't taken. Each case depends on the location, prior incidents, and what precautions were appropriate.
What is a negligent security case?
It's a premises liability claim alleging a property owner failed to provide reasonable safety measures, leading to injury from a foreseeable crime.
What evidence matters most?
Video footage, incident reports, witness statements, police call history, and building maintenance/security records are often critical.
What damages can be recovered?
Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costs related to counseling or long-term trauma impacts.
Should I contact a lawyer quickly?
Yes. Surveillance footage and records can be overwritten or lost, and early action can be key.
You Deserve a Safe Environment - Let's Talk
If you were harmed due to inadequate security, you may have options beyond the criminal case. Levine Law is here to help you understand your rights and pursue accountability through a civil claim.