When a violent crime happens at an apartment complex, most people assume the criminal alone is responsible. But in many Mississippi cases, a deeper issue lies beneath the surface—a property owner or manager who failed to take basic steps to keep people safe. That’s where a negligent security lawsuit comes into play.
In Mississippi, property owners—including apartment complexes—have a legal duty to provide reasonably safe conditions for residents, guests, and others lawfully on the property. When they fail to install proper lighting, fix broken locks, ignore prior crime reports, or otherwise create unsafe conditions, they may be held legally accountablewhen someone is injured or killed.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, Mississippi apartment injury lawyer Jonathan Barrett helps crime victims and families pursue justice and compensation when apartment complexes fail to prevent foreseeable harm. If you or someone you love has been hurt due to negligent security, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and recover for medical bills, pain, emotional suffering, and more.
Understanding Negligent Security at Mississippi Apartment Complexes
Negligent security lawsuits are a specific type of premises liability claim. In simple terms, they arise when a landlord or property manager fails to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts.
Common examples of negligent security include:
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Apartment shootings in poorly lit parking lots
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Sexual assaults due to broken locks or unsecured entrances
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Stabbings or robberies in common areas with no surveillance
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Domestic violence incidents ignored by management despite warnings
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Crimes that follow a clear pattern the owner failed to address
These types of incidents often result in serious injury or death, and property owners can be held financially responsible for failing to take reasonable steps to prevent them.
Who Can File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Mississippi?
You may be able to file a claim if:
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You were injured during a criminal act that occurred on or near an apartment complex
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The apartment owner knew or should have known of the danger
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They failed to take action (e.g., ignored security complaints, failed to fix gates or lighting)
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Their negligence directly led to your injuries
Negligent security lawsuits are often filed by:
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Tenants hurt on the property
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Visitors or guests of tenants
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Delivery drivers or maintenance workers attacked on the premises
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Surviving family members of murder victims (wrongful death claims)
Barrett Law, PLLC represents victims throughout Mississippi who were injured due to avoidable violence caused by poor or nonexistent security measures.
How Do You Prove a Negligent Security Claim?
To successfully bring a negligent security lawsuit in Mississippi, your attorney will need to show:
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The property owner owed you a duty of care
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The crime or injury was foreseeable
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The owner failed to act reasonably in preventing that harm
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That failure directly caused your injury or loss
This often requires gathering:
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Police reports showing a pattern of similar crimes
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911 call logs or incident reports
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Witness statements from neighbors or security staff
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Lease agreements and maintenance logs
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Photos or videos showing lack of lighting, broken locks, or open access points
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Crime statistics for the area
Attorney Jonathan Barrett works with investigators, former law enforcement officers, and security experts to gather the evidence needed to prove these claims.
Who Is Affected and Why It Matters
Victims of negligent security are often everyday residents just trying to live safely. Some are targeted by random violence. Others are caught in the crossfire or harmed after property owners ignore repeated warnings.
Many clients of Barrett Law, PLLC come to us after:
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A family member was murdered during a robbery
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A loved one was shot while walking to their car
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A tenant was assaulted in a hallway that had no working lights or cameras
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The complex refused to remove a known dangerous tenant or trespasser
These aren’t just crimes—they are tragedies that could have been prevented had the property owner taken reasonable precautions. Our firm works to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Mississippi’s Legal Standard for Negligent Security
Under Mississippi premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, including criminal acts. They must maintain safe conditions not only inside apartments but also in:
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Parking lots
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Breezeways and stairwells
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Elevators
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Entrances and exits
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Mailrooms and laundry facilities
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Leasing offices and fitness centers
Key Legal Elements
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Foreseeability: If similar crimes have occurred on or near the property, the landlord is expected to respond.
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Negligence: If the owner knew about a risk and ignored it, or failed to correct dangerous conditions, they may be held liable.
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Causation: There must be a link between the security failure and your injury.
Examples of Negligent Security Cases in Apartment Complexes
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A woman is sexually assaulted in a hallway where the lock on the exterior door has been broken for months.
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A resident is shot during a robbery in a complex with a long history of similar crimes and no security cameras or patrols.
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A child is abducted due to a broken gate allowing public access to the playground.
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A delivery driver is attacked in a dimly lit parking lot after management removed lights to save money.
These aren’t just unfortunate events—they are failures of responsibility that Mississippi courts have found actionable under negligent security law.
Practical Tips If You Believe You Have a Negligent Security Claim
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Call the Police
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Ensure a police report is filed and request a copy.
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Seek Medical Attention
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Document all injuries with medical professionals.
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Take Photographs
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Capture the location, lighting conditions, broken locks, or other hazards.
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Get Witness Information
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Neighbors, employees, and other tenants may be key to your case.
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Don’t Wait
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Evidence disappears quickly. Call a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered negligent security at an apartment complex?
Negligent security occurs when the apartment owner or manager fails to take reasonable safety measures—like installing lights, fixing broken locks, or hiring security—in areas where crime is foreseeable. If that failure leads to someone getting injured, the victim may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Can I still file a lawsuit if the attacker has not been identified?
Yes. A negligent security claim is a civil matter. You are suing the apartment complex—not the criminal. The focus is on what the property owner failed to do, not the identity of the criminal.
How do I know if the crime was “foreseeable”?
Your attorney will review crime statistics, police records, and prior complaints from tenants. If there were similar past crimes, the court may consider the incident foreseeable.
Does my lease agreement affect my right to sue?
Not usually. Most lease clauses do not protect a landlord from liability for negligence. Mississippi courts generally allow tenants to pursue compensation if a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions.
Can visitors sue for negligent security injuries?
Yes. You do not have to be a tenant to bring a claim. If you were lawfully on the property and injured due to poor security, you may file a lawsuit.
What damages can I recover in a negligent security case?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and wrongful death-related damages for a lost loved one.
What if I was partially at fault?
Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you were partially responsible (e.g., not reporting suspicious activity), you can still recover damages—your award will simply be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Mississippi?
Generally, you have three years from the date of injury. However, don’t wait. Evidence like surveillance footage and witness memories can fade fast.
Do I need a police report to sue?
While not legally required, having a police report strengthens your case. It provides documentation that a crime occurred and may include evidence linking the crime to negligent conditions.
Can I sue for wrongful death due to negligent security?
Yes. If a family member was murdered or died due to criminal violence that could have been prevented, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the apartment complex or its owners.
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 someone you love was the victim of a violent crime at a Mississippi apartment complex and you believe it was due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper security, you may have a legal case.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we represent victims across Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Southaven, Olive Branch, Meridian, Oxford, Madison, Pearl, Tupelo, Clinton, Horn Lake, and every county in Mississippi. We fight for full compensation and justice for those hurt by property owners who failed in their duty to protect others.
📞 Call us anytime, 24/7/365, at (601) 790-1505 for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and accountability.
