When you visit a hotel near the Pennsylvania State Capitol, grab dinner along Restaurant Row on Second Street, or walk through a parking garage after an event at the Farm Show Complex, you have every right to feel safe. If a property owner's failure to provide reasonable security led to you being harmed by a criminal act, the Harrisburg negligent security lawyer team at Wapner Newman is here to fight for you.
As a trusted personal injury law firm, we have spent more than 40 years standing up for people across Pennsylvania who were hurt because someone else failed to do their job. We have recovered millions for our clients, and we are ready to put that same dedication to work for you.
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. In simple terms, it means a property owner did not take the steps a reasonable person would take to keep visitors safe from foreseeable crime. If that failure led to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
You do not have to face this alone. Call us today at (215) 569-0900 for a free consultation, and let us show you what our team can do.
Speak to a Lawyer TodayWhy Choose Wapner Newman as Your Harrisburg Negligent Security Lawyer?
We understand that after a violent or traumatic incident on someone else's property, the last thing you want to do is figure out the legal system by yourself. That is exactly why our team exists. Here is what sets us apart:
- Proven results. We have secured landmark recoveries, including a $227 million result in the Market Street building collapse, a $45 million recovery for an abuse survivor, and a $16 million result for a pedestrian struck by an impaired driver. We bring that same level of commitment to every negligent security case we handle.
- We come to you. If you are unable to travel to our office because of your injuries, we will come to you. We can even arrange to pick you up if that is what you need. Your recovery comes first.
- Compassionate, client-focused service. When you work with us, you become part of our extended family. We keep you informed at every step, answer your questions, and make sure you understand the process from start to finish.
- Aggressive advocacy. We know the tactics insurance companies use to pay you less than you deserve. We push back hard, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial.
You deserve a legal team that treats you like a person, not a case number. Reach out to Wapner Newman today and let us get started on your path forward.
What Is Negligent Security Under Pennsylvania Law?
Negligent security falls under a broader area of law called premises liability. Under Pennsylvania law, property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect people who are lawfully on their property. This duty of care means they need to be aware of foreseeable dangers and act to prevent harm.
When it comes to security, this duty can include things like:
- Installing and maintaining working surveillance cameras
- Providing adequate lighting in parking lots, hallways, and stairwells
- Hiring trained security guards for higher-risk properties
- Repairing broken locks, gates, and access-control systems
- Addressing known criminal activity in or around the property
If a property owner ignores these responsibilities and someone is injured as a result of a criminal act, that property owner may be held liable. The key question is whether the crime was foreseeable and whether the owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent it.
Where Does Negligent Security Happen in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg is Pennsylvania's capital city, and its mix of government offices, entertainment venues, residential neighborhoods, and commercial districts means that people are moving through all kinds of properties every day. Negligent security incidents can happen virtually anywhere, but some locations see these claims more often than others:
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Parking garages and lots
- Hotels and motels
- Bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Office buildings and workplaces
These are just a few examples. If you were hurt because of a lack of security at any type of property in the Harrisburg area, our negligent security attorneys want to hear from you.
What Types of Crimes Lead to Negligent Security Claims?
A negligent security claim does not mean every crime that happens on a property is the owner's fault. It means the crime was foreseeable and could have been prevented or reduced with proper safety measures. Common crimes associated with negligent security cases include:
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault
- Armed robbery or mugging
- Shootings and stabbings
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
The presence of past criminal activity on or near the property is a strong indicator that the owner should have known the risk existed. For example, if a Harrisburg apartment complex has had multiple break-ins over the past year and the landlord still has not fixed broken locks or added security lighting, that pattern shows foreseeability.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you have been injured because of negligent security, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for the full impact the incident has had on your life. This may include:
- Medical expenses. Hospital stays, surgeries, emergency room visits, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and any future medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injuries have kept you from working or have reduced your ability to earn a living in the future, you can seek compensation for that lost income.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement. Visible injuries that affect your appearance and self-confidence.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts involved. When you meet with our negligent security lawyers, we will assess the details of your situation and give you a clear picture of what your case may be worth.
How Do We Prove a Negligent Security Case?
Building a strong negligent security claim requires thorough investigation and careful legal strategy. At Wapner Newman, we work to establish the following key elements:
- Duty of care. We show that the property owner had a legal obligation to provide reasonable security to protect you and other visitors.
- Breach of duty. We gather evidence proving the property owner failed to meet that obligation. This can include a history of crime reports in the area, evidence of broken or absent security equipment, testimony from security professionals about what a reasonable property owner should have done, and records showing the owner was aware of risks but chose to ignore them.
- Causation. We connect the property owner's security failures directly to the harm you suffered. In other words, we demonstrate that the crime could have been prevented or reduced if proper security had been in place.
- Damages. We document every way the incident has affected your life, from medical records and bills to testimony about emotional trauma and lost opportunities.
We work with security consultants, law enforcement professionals, and other resources to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Evidence in these cases can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses may become harder to locate, and physical conditions at the property may be altered. That is why it is so important to contact a Harrisburg negligent security attorney as soon as possible.
Pennsylvania's Filing Deadline for Negligent Security Claims
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524, Pennsylvania gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, no matter how strong the evidence is.
Two years may sound like a long time, but it goes by quickly. Medical treatment, recovery, and the stress of daily life can make the months fly by. Starting the legal process early gives our team the best chance to preserve critical evidence and build a compelling case.
If you are unsure whether you still have time to file, call us right away, and we will review your situation.
Shared Fault in Negligent Security Cases
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102, which can come into play in negligent security cases.
Insurance companies and property owners may try to argue that you were partially responsible for your own injuries. For example, they might claim you were in an area you should not have been, or that you ignored warning signs.
Even if they succeed in assigning you some portion of fault, you can still recover compensation as long as your share does not exceed 50%. Our attorneys are skilled at countering these tactics and fighting to make sure the blame falls where it belongs: on the property owner who failed to keep you safe.
Speak to a Lawyer TodayFAQs Answered by Our Harrisburg Negligent Security Lawyers
Here are answers to some common questions we hear from people considering a negligent security claim.
Can I file a claim if I was a trespasser on the property?
Pennsylvania law generally limits a property owner's duty to trespassers. However, there are exceptions, particularly when children are involved or when the owner created an intentional hazard. The specific facts of your situation matter, so it is worth discussing your case with an attorney even if you are unsure about your legal status on the property.
What if the person who attacked me has not been caught or charged?
You do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil negligent security claim. Your case is against the property owner, not the person who committed the crime. Even if law enforcement has not identified or arrested the attacker, you can still hold the property owner accountable for failing to provide adequate security.
How long do negligent security cases typically take to resolve?
Every case is different. Some claims settle through negotiation within several months, while others may require litigation and take a year or longer. The complexity of your case, the willingness of the property owner's insurance company to negotiate fairly, and whether a trial is necessary all play a role in the timeline.
Does it matter if the property had some security measures in place?
Yes. Having some security does not automatically protect a property owner from liability. If cameras were present but not working, if security guards were untrained or absent during critical hours, or if lighting was installed but burned out and never replaced, the property owner may still be found negligent.
The question is whether the security measures in place were reasonable given the known risks.
What should I do immediately after being attacked on someone else's property?
Your safety and health come first. Call 911 to report the incident and get medical attention. A police report creates an important official record. Seek medical care even if your injuries seem minor, because some symptoms may appear later.
Save any evidence you can, such as photos of the scene, your injuries, and any contact information from witnesses. Then reach out to a negligent security attorney as soon as you are able.
Can I sue a government-owned property for negligent security?
Claims against government entities in Pennsylvania involve special rules, including a requirement to provide written notice within six months of your injury. These claims are more complex, but they are possible. Speaking with an attorney early is critical so you do not miss any deadlines.
Contact a Harrisburg Negligent Security Attorney at Wapner Newman Today
If you or someone you love was harmed because a property owner in Harrisburg failed to provide reasonable security, you deserve answers and accountability. At Wapner Newman, we have more than four decades of experience fighting for injury victims across Pennsylvania, and we are ready to fight for you.
Call us at (215) 569-0900 for your free consultation. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your options clearly and honestly.
There is no cost to speak with us, and you pay nothing unless we win. Your fight is our fight, and we are here for you, no matter what.
Speak to a Lawyer Today