When you live in or visit an apartment complex in Mississippi, you expect a reasonable level of safety—especially when there’s a private security company hired to protect residents. But when violent crimes happen anyway—shootings, assaults, robberies, or worse—many victims are left asking the same question: “If the security company didn’t do its job, can I sue them?”
The short answer is: yes, in some cases, you can sue a private security company if their negligence contributed to your injuries or the death of a loved one. These claims can be complex and require strong legal support, but under Mississippi law, security firms can be held liable for failing to prevent foreseeable harm when they breach their duties.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we help crime victims across Mississippi file lawsuits against apartment complexes and private security companies when their negligence leads to tragedy. Attorney Jonathan Barrett is a Mississippi apartment injury lawyer with decades of experience representing victims and their families in civil lawsuits after violent crimes on rental properties.
When Security Fails at Mississippi Apartment Complexes
Many Mississippi apartment complexes—especially those in high-crime areas—hire private security companies to patrol the property, monitor access points, and respond to suspicious activity. These companies often promote themselves as a visible deterrent to crime. But too often, they fail to meet even the most basic expectations.
Examples of security company failures that may lead to a lawsuit include:
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Failing to patrol regularly or skipping assigned rounds
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Ignoring prior complaints of criminal activity or threats
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Sleeping on duty or abandoning posts
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Failing to intervene during an active situation
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Hiring untrained, unlicensed, or unqualified guards
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Not responding to calls for help or emergency situations
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Turning off surveillance systems or leaving gates unlocked
When a crime occurs and it becomes clear that the security company’s negligence allowed or worsened the event, they may be held civilly liable under Mississippi law.
Can You Sue a Security Company After a Crime at an Apartment Complex in Mississippi?
Yes. Under Mississippi premises liability and negligent security laws, a private security company can be held legally responsible if it owed a duty to protect you and failed to act with reasonable care—and that failure contributed to your injury or loss.
To bring a successful lawsuit against a private security company, you generally must prove:
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The company had a legal duty to provide protection or respond to security threats.
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The company breached that duty by acting negligently or carelessly.
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That breach directly contributed to your injuries or a loved one’s death.
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You suffered damages as a result.
These lawsuits are often filed alongside claims against the apartment complex or property owner, who may also share responsibility for hiring an unqualified company or failing to oversee their performance.
Who Is Affected and Why It Matters
Victims of crimes at Mississippi apartment complexes often include:
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Residents who are assaulted in stairwells or parking lots
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Visitors or delivery drivers who are robbed at gunpoint
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Children harmed due to security gate failures or lack of supervision
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Families of tenants who were shot or killed in preventable attacks
When security companies fail to protect these individuals despite having the authority, training, and contractual obligation to act, the consequences are often tragic—and preventable.
These cases often result in:
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Emergency medical expenses
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Hospitalization or long-term treatment
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Permanent disability or emotional trauma
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Lost wages and future income
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Funeral expenses and wrongful death claims
Barrett Law, PLLC works with victims and their families to hold every responsible party accountable and pursue full compensation.
Legal Obligations & Statutes: Security Company Liability in Mississippi
Under Mississippi law, a private security company can be sued under general negligence principles and under the doctrine of premises liability.
Duties of Security Companies
A security company has a legal duty to:
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Provide competent and trained staff
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Respond appropriately to foreseeable dangers
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Follow written protocols and patrol schedules
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Intervene when a threat is identified (if safe and within legal bounds)
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Notify law enforcement when appropriate
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Avoid actions or omissions that increase the risk of harm
These duties are based on common law negligence and any contractual obligations set by the apartment complex or property manager.
Breach of Contract vs. Negligence
Even if you weren’t a party to the security contract (for example, you’re a tenant or guest), you may still sue the security company for negligence, even if you can’t sue for breach of contract.
Mississippi courts recognize that contractors like security companies can be liable to third parties if their negligence causes foreseeable harm.
Practical Tips if You Believe a Security Company Failed You
If you were injured or lost a loved one during a crime at a Mississippi apartment complex where a security company was on duty:
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Get a copy of the police report
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This establishes key details and documents the crime scene.
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Identify the security company involved
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Look for logos, guard names, vehicles, or security signs.
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Preserve any security footage
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Ask management or neighbors about cameras and request access or preservation.
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Get names of any witnesses
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Fellow tenants, delivery drivers, or maintenance workers may have seen key moments.
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Photograph security conditions
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Show broken gates, poor lighting, or empty guard booths.
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Request a copy of the incident report from the apartment management or the security company (if available).
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Contact a Mississippi apartment injury attorney
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These cases are complex and require investigation, legal discovery, and expert testimony.
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Apartment Assault Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the security company even if I don’t live at the apartment complex?
Yes. If you were legally on the property—such as a visitor, guest, or delivery driver—and the company had a duty to protect all people on site, you may have a valid claim.
What if the security guard saw the crime and did nothing?
If a security guard failed to act, didn’t call for help, or walked away from an active crime scene, the company could be liable for that inaction—especially if they were trained to intervene or report.
Can the apartment complex and security company both be sued?
Yes. In many cases, the property owner, manager, and security firm all share blame. A lawsuit may name multiple parties who had overlapping responsibilities.
Do security companies have insurance for these claims?
Most reputable security firms carry commercial general liability insurance, which may cover negligent acts by guards or corporate negligence.
What if the security guard was not licensed or trained?
This is often a sign of company-wide negligence. Hiring untrained or unlicensed guards is a breach of duty and could strengthen your claim.
How much is my claim worth?
Every case is different. Factors include the severity of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, emotional harm, and in fatal cases, wrongful death compensation.
Do I have to wait for a criminal case to finish before suing the security company?
No. A civil lawsuit can proceed independently of a criminal investigation or trial. However, information from the criminal case can support your civil claim.
What is the statute of limitations for suing a security company in Mississippi?
Typically, you have three years from the date of injury to file a civil lawsuit, but earlier action helps preserve critical evidence.
Do I need a lawyer to file this kind of lawsuit?
Yes. Suing a corporate security provider involves investigating contracts, personnel records, patrol logs, training materials, and other legal complexities that require experienced representation.
Can I sue for emotional trauma even if I wasn’t physically injured?
Possibly. If you witnessed a violent crime or were directly threatened, you may be able to recover compensation for emotional distress, especially with a psychological diagnosis.
Harmed on an Apartment Complex in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Apartment Injury Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a violent crime at a Mississippi apartment complex where a security company failed to protect you, you may have the legal right to sue the security firm for negligence. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we hold security companies and apartment owners accountable for preventable crimes and serious injuries caused by inadequate protection.
We represent apartment injury victims and grieving families across Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Southaven, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Oxford, Clinton, Pearl, Madison, and every county in Mississippi.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 now for a free consultation—available 24/7/365. Let attorney Jonathan Barrett fight for justice and full financial compensation on your behalf.
