Premises Liability & Negligent Security in Pasadena

Property owners in Pasadena have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they fail to do so, accidents and injuries can occur, leading to premises liability claims. Additionally, if a property owner neglects to provide adequate security, victims of criminal acts may have grounds for a negligent security lawsuit.

Understanding your rights under California’s premises liability laws is crucial if you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions or security failures. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about premises liability and negligent security in Pasadena, including common scenarios, legal responsibilities, and steps to take if you’ve been injured.

Understanding Premises Liability in Pasadena

Premises liability holds property owners accountable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their property. Whether the injury occurs at a store, apartment complex, hotel, or parking lot, victims may have legal options to seek compensation.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s duty of care to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If they fail to address hazards and someone is injured, they may be held legally responsible.

Common locations for premises liability accidents include:

Shopping centers and grocery stores
Hotels, motels, and Airbnb rentals
Office buildings and apartment complexes
Parking lots and garages
Public spaces like parks and sidewalks

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability covers a range of hazardous conditions that can cause harm, such as:

Slip and fall accidents – Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, and loose carpeting.
Poor maintenance – Broken stairs, missing handrails, or malfunctioning elevators.
Dog bites – Unrestrained or aggressive dogs attacking visitors.
Swimming pool accidents – Lack of fencing, supervision, or proper safety equipment.
Falling objects – Items falling from shelves in stores or construction sites.
Negligent security – Insufficient safety measures leading to assaults, robberies, or other crimes.

Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners in California

Under California Civil Code Section 1714, property owners must exercise ordinary care to prevent injuries on their premises. If they fail to fix hazards or warn visitors of dangers, they may be liable for damages.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting regular property inspections to identify hazards.
Fixing unsafe conditions promptly.
Posting clear warning signs when hazards exist.
Providing adequate security in high-risk areas.

Negligent Security: When Property Owners Fail to Prevent Crime

Negligent security is a specific type of premises liability where a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. If you are attacked or assaulted due to inadequate security, you may have a claim.

What Is Considered Negligent Security?

Negligent security applies when a property owner ignores known security risks and fails to implement reasonable safety measures such as:

Poor lighting in parking lots or hallways
No security cameras or broken surveillance systems
Unsecured entrances allowing unauthorized access
Lack of security guards in high-crime areas
Failure to warn guests about past criminal activity

Examples of Negligent Security in Pasadena

A hotel fails to install security cameras, and a guest is attacked in the parking lot.
A shopping mall has a history of muggings, but no security patrol is present.
An apartment complex leaves gates unlocked, leading to a break-in and assault.

If a property owner knows their premises have been targeted by criminals in the past but fails to improve security, they may be held liable.

How to Prove a Premises Liability or Negligent Security Claim

To win a premises liability or negligent security case, the victim must prove the property owner was negligent.

Elements of a Premises Liability Claim

A successful premises liability lawsuit must establish:

Ownership or Control – The defendant owns, leases, or controls the property.
Negligence – The property owner failed to maintain safe conditions.
Injury – The plaintiff suffered injuries due to the hazard.
Causation – The owner’s negligence directly caused the injuries.

How to Establish Negligence in a Security Case

For negligent security claims, victims must prove:

The crime was foreseeable (prior incidents occurred).
The property owner failed to take proper security measures.
This failure led to the plaintiff’s harm.

Example: If a parking garage has had multiple robberies and the owner fails to install security cameras, they may be liable for a new attack.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Different parties may be responsible for injuries under California’s premises liability laws.

Liable Parties in a Premises Liability Case

Property Owners – Responsible for keeping premises safe.
Business Owners – Liable for hazards in stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Landlords & Apartment Managers – Must ensure safe common areas (hallways, stairwells, etc.).

Liability in a Negligent Security Case

Hotels & Resorts – Must protect guests from criminal activity.
Shopping Centers – Responsible for security in parking lots and walkways.
Bars & Nightclubs – Liable for failing to prevent fights or assaults.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured Due to Premises Liability or Negligent Security

If you were hurt due to dangerous conditions or poor security, take these steps:

Seek medical attention – Document your injuries immediately.
Report the incident – Notify the property manager or police.
Gather evidence – Take photos, videos, and witness statements.
Request security footage – If available, obtain camera recordings of the incident.
Contact a premises liability lawyer – A legal expert can evaluate your case.

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

California law imposes strict deadlines for filing premises liability lawsuits:

Two years from the date of injury for personal injury cases.
Six months if filing against a government entity (e.g., public parks, city buildings).

Failing to file within these deadlines may bar you from recovering compensation.

How a Pasadena Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help

An experienced premises liability attorney can:

Investigate your case and gather evidence.
Prove the property owner’s negligence.
Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
Represent you in court if needed.

Conclusion

Premises liability and negligent security laws protect visitors from avoidable hazards and preventable crimes. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions in Pasadena, you may have legal options to pursue compensation.

Consulting a premises liability attorney can help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward recovering damages. Schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer today to discuss your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe property conditions or inadequate security in Pasadena, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your rights. At Tedford & Associates, our experienced attorneys have been advocating for clients in personal injury and premises liability cases for over 30 years.

Why Choose Tedford & Associates?

Extensive Experience: Over three decades of legal practice in personal injury law.
Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your well-being and tailor our strategies to your unique situation.
Proven Track Record: A history of successful case outcomes and satisfied clients.

Contact us today at (626) 790-1066 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the guidance and representation you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.