Seattle Negligent Security Lawyer

If you’ve been injured due to inadequate security in Seattle, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced negligent security lawyers today for a free consultation at 206-447-1425 to discuss your case.

We understand the trauma and fear that comes with being a victim of crime due to negligent security. At Elsner Law Firm, we have decades of combined experience representing victims of inadequate security throughout Seattle and Washington State. Our team specializes in holding property owners accountable when their failure to provide reasonable security measures leads to preventable crimes and injuries.

As a trusted Seattle personal injury lawyer, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover.

Property owners have a legal duty to protect visitors, tenants, and customers from foreseeable criminal acts. When they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and trauma. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

What Is Negligent Security and When Property Owners Are Liable

Negligent security occurs when property owners fail to implement reasonable security measures to protect people on their premises from foreseeable criminal acts. Under Washington state law, property owners can be held legally responsible when their inadequate security allows preventable crimes to occur.

Negligent security cases arise when there is a duty of care, a breach of that duty, foreseeability of criminal activity, and resulting injuries. Property owners must provide security measures that match the risk level of their location and the crime history in the area.

Legal Definition of Negligent Security Under Washington Law

Under Washington premises liability law, property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care to protect lawful visitors from criminal acts by third parties. This duty applies when criminal activity is foreseeable based on prior incidents, the nature of the business, or the crime rate in the area.

The legal standard requires property owners to take precautions that a reasonable person would take under similar circumstances. Foreseeability is a key element – if criminal activity could reasonably be predicted, the property owner had a duty to prevent it through adequate security measures.

Common Types of Inadequate Security That Lead to Liability

Security failures that commonly lead to liability include:

• Poor or broken lighting in parking areas and walkways
• Faulty or missing locks on doors and windows
• Non-functioning security cameras or lack of surveillance systems
• Absence of security guards in high-risk areas
• Failure to repair broken fences or gates
• Inadequate access control measures
• Missing or broken emergency call boxes
• Lack of security protocols and procedures

These security measure failures create opportunities for criminals and can make property owners liable when crimes occur as a result.

Properties Where Negligent Security Claims Most Often Occur

Negligent security cases frequently arise at:

• Apartment complexes and residential buildings
• Hotels and motels
• Shopping centers and retail stores
• Parking lots and garages
• Banks and financial institutions
• Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
• Office buildings and business premises
• Gas stations and convenience stores

These properties often have higher crime risks and require specific security measures to protect visitors and tenants.

Types of Crimes and Injuries in Seattle Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security face both physical injuries and psychological trauma from preventable crimes. Common crimes that occur due to inadequate security include assault, robbery, sexual assault, and other violent attacks that could have been prevented with proper security measures.

The injuries from these incidents range from cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring long-term medical care. Many victims also suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and other forms of emotional distress that can last for years after the incident.

Violent Crimes That Result From Inadequate Security

Criminal acts that commonly occur due to security failures include:

• Physical assault and battery
• Sexual assault and rape
• Armed robbery and theft
• Carjacking in parking areas
• Home invasion in residential buildings
• Gang violence and shootings

These violent crimes often result in serious physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma for victims. The perpetrators target locations with known security weaknesses.

Physical Injuries From Security-Related Incidents

Common injuries from negligent security incidents include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injury
• Cuts, lacerations, and stab wounds
• Gunshot wounds
• Bruises and contusions
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries

These injuries often require emergency medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma From Security Failures

The psychological impact of crime-related injuries includes:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression and mood disorders
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares
• Fear of returning to similar locations
• Relationship difficulties and social isolation

This emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and requires professional mental health treatment.

What To Do Immediately After a Negligent Security Incident in Seattle

Your first priority after a security-related incident is to get medical care and preserve evidence. The steps you take immediately after an incident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation later.

Contact emergency services right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Many injuries from violent crimes don’t show symptoms immediately. Getting medical care creates a record of your injuries and ensures you receive proper treatment.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries

Get emergency medical care at the nearest hospital or call 911 if you’re seriously injured. Seattle has several trauma centers that can provide immediate care:

• Harborview Medical Center (trauma center)
• Swedish Medical Center
• UW Medical Center
• Virginia Mason Medical Center

Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your treatment. Take photographs of visible injuries and follow up with your doctor regularly.

Report the Crime to Seattle Police and Preserve Evidence

File a police report with the Seattle Police Department immediately. This creates an official record of the incident and begins the criminal investigation. Get a copy of the police report for your records.

Preserve evidence at the crime scene if it’s safe to do so. This includes taking photographs of the area, noting security failures like broken lights or missing cameras, and identifying any witnesses.

Gather Witness Information and Document the Scene

Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the incident or the security conditions. Witnesses can provide crucial testimony about what happened and the adequacy of security measures.

Document the security failures that contributed to the incident. Take photographs showing poor lighting, broken security cameras, missing locks, or other security deficiencies. This evidence helps establish the property owner’s negligence.

Proving Your Negligent Security Case in Washington State

To win a negligent security case, you must prove that the property owner had a duty to provide security, breached that duty, and that the breach caused your injuries. The strength of your case depends on establishing these key legal elements with solid evidence.

Successful negligent security cases require showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk of criminal activity and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. This often involves examining the crime history in the area and the specific security measures in place.

Establishing the Property Owner’s Duty of Care

Property owners owe different levels of duty depending on your legal status on the property. Business customers and tenants are owed the highest duty of reasonable care to protect against foreseeable criminal acts.

The duty of care includes providing adequate security lighting, functional locks, working surveillance systems, and other security measures appropriate for the location and crime risk. Property owners must also maintain these security systems properly.

Proving Foreseeability and Notice of Criminal Activity

Foreseeability is established by showing:

• Prior crimes on or near the property
• Crime statistics for the neighborhood
• Police reports documenting criminal activity
• Complaints from tenants or customers about security concerns
• The nature of the business and typical crime risks

If similar crimes occurred previously, the property owner was on notice that additional security measures were needed.

Demonstrating Inadequate Security Measures

Evidence of inadequate security includes:

• Broken or insufficient lighting
• Missing or non-functional locks
• Lack of security cameras or guards
• Failure to maintain security systems
• Absence of access control measures
• Poor visibility due to landscaping or structural issues

Expert witnesses can testify about industry security standards and what reasonable security measures should have been in place.

Damages and Compensation Available in Seattle Security Cases

Victims of negligent security can recover both economic and non-economic damages for their losses. Compensation covers medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the incident.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and work, and the degree of the property owner’s negligence. Our attorneys work to recover the full value of your losses.

Economic Damages for Medical Bills and Lost Income

Economic damages include:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgery and medical treatment costs
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages during recovery
• Future medical expenses
• Reduced earning capacity

Keep detailed records of all medical expenses and income losses to support your claim.

Non-Economic Damages for Pain and Emotional Trauma

Non-economic damages compensate for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• PTSD and anxiety disorders
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and permanent disability
• Relationship impacts and social isolation

These damages recognize that the impact of violent crime extends far beyond medical bills and lost wages.

Washington State Laws and Deadlines for Negligent Security Claims

You have three years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit in Washington state. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act quickly.

Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the incident. However, you can still recover damages even if you bear some responsibility.

Three-Year Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

The statute of limitations for negligent security claims in Washington is three years from the date of the incident. In some cases involving delayed discovery of injuries, the deadline may be extended, but you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Waiting too long to file your claim can result in lost evidence, missing witnesses, and difficulty proving your case.

Comparative Negligence Laws in Washington State

Washington uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages even if you’re mostly at fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for not being aware of your surroundings, your damages would be reduced by 20%. The property owner would still be responsible for the remaining 80%.

Filing Your Case in Seattle Courts

Negligent security cases in Seattle are typically filed in King County Superior Court. Your attorney will handle all court filings and ensure your case moves through the legal system efficiently.

The court process includes discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial if your case doesn’t settle through negotiations.

How Our Seattle Negligent Security Lawyers Can Help You

Our experienced negligent security attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation to help you recover full compensation for your injuries. We handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing and recovery.

With decades of combined experience in personal injury law, our team understands the complexities of negligent security cases and how to build strong claims against property owners and their insurance companies.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection

We conduct comprehensive investigations to build your case, including:

• Obtaining surveillance footage before it’s deleted
• Interviewing witnesses and documenting their statements
• Gathering police reports and crime statistics
• Consulting with security experts about industry standards
• Reviewing property maintenance records
• Analyzing the crime history for the area

Our investigation uncovers all evidence supporting your claim and establishes the property owner’s liability.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies and Property Owners

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to secure fair settlements that reflect the full value of your losses.

We understand insurance company tactics and know how to counter their arguments. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome without the stress and uncertainty of a trial.

Trial Experience in Seattle Negligent Security Cases

When settlement negotiations fail, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and know how to present compelling arguments to juries.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers from insurance companies who know we’re ready to fight for you in court.

The Legal Process for Negligent Security Claims in Seattle

The legal process begins with a free consultation to evaluate your case and continues through investigation, negotiation, and potentially trial. Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Most negligent security cases settle out of court, but the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the willingness of the other side to negotiate fairly.

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

During your free consultation, we:

• Review the details of your incident
• Assess the strength of your case
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Discuss potential compensation
• Answer all your questions

This consultation helps us determine the best strategy for your case and gives you the information needed to make informed decisions.

Investigation and Discovery Phase

The investigation phase involves:

• Gathering evidence and documentation
• Interviewing witnesses and experts
• Reviewing security policies and procedures
• Obtaining relevant records through discovery
• Taking depositions from key witnesses

This phase can take several months but is crucial for building a strong case.

Settlement Negotiations and Trial Preparation

We pursue settlement negotiations while preparing for trial. This dual approach often leads to better settlements because insurance companies know we’re ready to go to court.

If your case goes to trial, we present compelling evidence to the jury and argue for full compensation for your losses.

Seattle Medical and Support Resources for Negligent Security Victims

Emergency Medical Care

• Harborview Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• UW Medical Center

Mental Health Support

• Crisis Clinic of King County
• Seattle Counseling Service
• Victim Support Services

Law Enforcement

• Seattle Police Department
• King County Sheriff

Victim Services

• King County Prosecuting Attorney Victim Services
• Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program

Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Cases

Contact Elsner Law Firm today at 206-447-1425 for your free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve after a negligent security incident in Seattle. Our experienced team will fight for your rights while you focus on recovery and healing.