Holding Property Owners Accountable When Safety Is Neglected
When you visit a business, hotel, apartment complex, or entertainment venue, you have the right to expect that basic safety measures are in place. But when property owners cut corners on security, the consequences can be devastating. Assaults, robberies, shootings, and other violent crimes often occur because of inadequate security measures that could—and should—have been prevented.
At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we represent victims of violent crimes who were injured because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep them safe. Whether it’s a poorly lit parking lot, broken locks, lack of security personnel, or a history of criminal activity being ignored, we fight to hold negligent property owners accountable.
Negligent Security in South Carolina’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry
South Carolina’s thriving tourism industry brings millions of visitors to our state every year. From historic Charleston to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, our hotels, resorts, and attractions are always busy.
But with this growth comes responsibility. Hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues must take reasonable precautions to protect their guests. Unfortunately, not all property owners live up to that duty.
In Charleston and other popular tourist destinations, we frequently see negligent security cases arising from:
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots and garages
- Broken locks, gates, or fencing
- Lack of security cameras or non-functioning surveillance systems
- Failure to provide trained security personnel
- Ignoring a history of violent incidents or criminal activity on the property
- Poorly managed access points in hotels, apartment complexes, and event venues
These failures often create conditions that allow assaults, robberies, and other violent crimes to happen—putting innocent people in harm’s way.
What is a Negligent Security Claim?
A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability case. It holds property owners legally responsible when their failure to provide adequate security leads to foreseeable criminal acts and injuries.
To prove a negligent security case, we work to show:
- The property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security measures.
- The owner failed to take those reasonable precautions.
- A criminal act occurred that was foreseeable based on past incidents or known risks.
- That failure was a direct cause of your injuries and damages.
It’s not enough to simply say, “It was a dangerous area.” These cases require a skilled attorney who knows how to prove negligence, foreseeability, and causation through evidence, expert testimony, and thorough investigation.
Common Injuries & Losses in Negligent Security Cases
Victims of negligent security incidents often suffer:
- Physical injuries from assaults, stabbings, or shootings
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
We ensure these losses are fully documented and fought for, so you can begin to heal and rebuild.
Why Choose Palmetto State Injury Lawyers?
At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges victims of violent crimes face—especially when their injuries were preventable. We take the time to investigate the property owner’s history, uncover patterns of neglect, and build a case that demands accountability.
Unlike high-volume billboard firms, we offer personal, hands-on representation, ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves. We know the local landscape, from Charleston’s bustling historic district to the growing number of commercial properties across South Carolina. We don’t shy away from difficult cases or powerful property owners.
When safety is sacrificed for profit, we make sure they answer for it.