A robbery on someone else’s property isn’t just the result of a criminal act, it may signal that a property owner failed to do what was necessary to keep you, the visitor or customer, truly safe. In Maryland, the law expects property owners and managers to implement reasonable security measures, such as working locks, proper lighting, surveillance, and professional security personnel, especially in areas where the risk of crime is known. When these precautions are ignored or halfhearted, and you suffer a robbery as a result, the property owner may be legally responsible under premises liability and negligent security laws.
At SBWD Law, we are dedicated to standing up for victims of robberies caused by negligent security. Our team will carefully investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence to prove the property owner’s responsibility, and build a strong claim designed to pursue the full compensation you deserve. This can include reimbursement for the value of stolen items, coverage for medical bills, lost income from missed work, and damages for the emotional and psychological trauma you’ve endured. By working with SBWD Law, you gain a committed legal ally focused on holding negligent parties accountable and helping you recover the resources and compensation you need for your life.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security falls under premises liability law, which states that those in control of a property must take steps to make that property safe. If an owner or manager neglects this duty and a robbery or other crime occurs as a result, victims may have grounds to pursue legal action, claiming that security failures directly led to their harm.
When Does a Property Owner Become Liable?
Property owners can become liable when it’s proven they failed to provide reasonable security for their invitees, guests, or customers. Liability hinges on four main elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation (showing lack of security led directly to harm), and demonstrable damages.
Common Locations Where Negligent Security Occurs
- Apartment buildings
- Parking garages and parking lots
- Hotels
- Nightclubs or bars
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals
- Parks and playgrounds
How Robbery Cases Tie into Negligent Security
Robbery incidents frequently reveal shortcomings in a property’s security measures—such as broken locks, lack of surveillance, or poor lighting—that create opportunities for criminal activity. When these security gaps are identified, they often serve as the foundation for negligent security claims, holding property owners accountable for failing to protect their visitors or tenants.
What Constitutes a “Foreseeable Crime”?
A “foreseeable crime” is one that a property owner should have anticipated due to the nature of the property, past criminal activity in the area, or well-known risks specific to the location. If robberies or similar incidents have occurred before, or if the neighborhood has a documented crime rate, the property owner is expected to implement reasonable safeguards—like hiring security personnel or upgrading lighting—to deter such crimes.
Difference Between Robbery and Burglary in These Claims
While both robbery and burglary can be at the center of negligent security cases, they are distinct crimes:
- Robbery involves confronting a person and using force, threats, or intimidation to steal property directly from them.
- Burglary is typically unauthorized entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, often when no one is present.
In negligent security claims, demonstrating that a robbery was a foreseeable result of inadequate security is crucial for establishing the property owner’s liability. This shows not only that the crime could have been anticipated, but also that proper security measures could have prevented it—strengthening the victim’s right to seek compensation.
Legal Rights for Victims of Robbery Due to Negligent Security
If you were robbed because a property owner or manager failed to provide adequate security, you have important legal rights. Multiple parties may be held accountable in these situations, such as property owners, property managers, operators, or even third-party security companies who neglected reasonable precautions. The team at SBWD Law will conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case—carefully reviewing security policies, maintenance records, and any history of criminal activity—to clearly establish which parties’ negligence directly contributed to the robbery.
Can You Sue for Negligent Security After a Robbery?
Victims have the right to file a negligent security claim against any responsible party if their lack of proper security measures led to the robbery. Pursuing a claim is often the only way to hold negligent parties accountable and secure financial recovery for your losses.
Types of Compensation Victims May Recover
Potential compensation includes:
- Medical expenses for injuries
- Reimbursement for stolen or damaged property
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on your situation, these parties could be named in your claim:
- Property owners
- Property managers or operators
- Security companies
- Any other party responsible for maintaining or enforcing safety measures
The SBWD Law team is committed to maximizing your financial recovery by building a case that addresses the specific facts of your robbery. While the compensation process can vary in length due to negotiations and legal proceedings, you can rely on SBWD Law for consistent updates and steadfast support, ensuring you are guided clearly through each stage.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim in Maryland
To prove a negligent security claim in Maryland, your attorney will establish that the property owner or manager owed you a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe premises and that they breached this duty by failing to provide adequate security. This breach must be shown to have directly caused the robbery or personal injury you suffered. Key indicators of negligent security include:
- Poor or inadequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways
- Broken or missing locks on doors, windows, and gates
- Lack of surveillance cameras or malfunctioning security systems
- Absence of security personnel in high-risk areas
- Failure to address known risks, such as prior criminal incidents or reports
- Neglecting to warn visitors about potential dangers on the property
Your attorney will gather evidence such as maintenance records, security camera footage, witness statements, and crime reports to build a strong case proving the property owner’s negligence. By meticulously documenting these breaches and linking them to your damages, SBWD Law will work to maximize your compensation, including medical expenses, lost property, emotional distress, and more, while guiding you through the legal process until a fair resolution is reached.
How SBWD Law Can Help You Seek Justice
SBWD Law takes a careful, thorough approach to every negligent security case. We collect and analyze all available evidence, document where property owners failed to provide adequate security, and clearly connect those failures to your losses. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your medical bills, lost property, emotional suffering, and other damages. Throughout your claim, we keep you informed and support you at every step to ensure a fair and favorable outcome.
Contact SBWD Law for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been the victim of a robbery caused by negligent security, you don’t have to navigate the legal process without the right advocate in your corner. SBWD Law combines legal experience with a relentless commitment to protecting victims’ rights, ensuring that those responsible for failing to keep you safe are held to the standards the law demands.
We offer free, no-obligation case reviews so you can understand your legal options before making any decisions. Whether it’s securing compensation for your losses, pursuing justice against those who neglected your safety, or pushing for safer conditions to protect others in the future, we’re ready to fight for the outcome you deserve. Contact SBWD Law today to take the first step toward justice and reclaim control after what you’ve experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do immediately after a robbery on someone else's property?
Right after a robbery, prioritize your safety and call 911 to report the crime and get medical help if needed. Try to preserve any evidence, such as damaged property or surveillance footage, and avoid tampering with the scene. Document the incident with as much detail as possible, including times, descriptions, and any witnesses. Then, contact SBWD Law to discuss your rights and legal options regarding negligent security. Acting promptly helps protect your ability to recover compensation.
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for filing a negligent security (premises liability) claim is generally three years from the date of the robbery or injury. Filing a claim after this period may bar you from seeking compensation. Because these deadlines are strict, it’s crucial to contact SBWD Law as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure timely filing.
Do I need to press criminal charges before filing a civil lawsuit?
No, you do not need to press criminal charges or wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing a civil lawsuit for negligent security. Criminal proceedings are separate from civil claims, which focus on recovering compensation for your damages. Your SBWD Law attorney can guide you on how to pursue a civil claim while cooperating with law enforcement investigations.
How much is my negligent security case worth?
The value of a negligent security case depends on factors like the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, stolen or damaged property, and the circumstances of the incident. Your attorney will evaluate the specifics and work to maximize your compensation, which can include reimbursement for medical bills, property losses, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
Who can be held responsible in a negligent security case?
Property owners, managers, or operators can be held responsible if they failed to provide reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. This may include businesses, landlords, apartment complexes, retail stores, parking facilities, and other property controllers. SBWD Law will investigate to identify all liable parties and build a strong claim on your behalf.
How long does it take to receive compensation?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, negotiations with insurers, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take longer. SBWD Law will keep you informed throughout the process and work diligently to achieve a fair resolution as efficiently as possible.
