Negligent Security

Schuylkill County Negligent Security Attorney

Pennsylvania Premises Liability Representation Since 1962

Negligent security claims arise when a victim is harmed by a third-party criminal act that adequate security measures could have prevented. Unlike a standard slip-and-fall premises case, these claims require showing that the property owner knew or should have known that criminal activity was foreseeable at that location. Property owners, building management companies, and third-party security contractors can all be named as defendants in a single claim. At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., we handle negligent security cases as part of our premises liability practice, representing clients throughout Schuylkill County from our Pottsville and Mahanoy City offices.

Our firm has been handling personal injury claims in Pennsylvania since 1962, bringing over six decades of Pennsylvania-specific premises liability experience to every case we take. Crime types commonly underlying these claims include assault, robbery, sexual assault, shooting, and carjacking. We examine the details of each situation, assessing whether the property owner knew or should have known about potential threats and whether they took reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Contact our Schuylkill County negligent security lawyers by calling (888) 268-0023 today.

Pennsylvania’s Legal Framework for Negligent Security Claims

Pennsylvania law requires property owners to assess the risk of criminal acts on their premises and take reasonable steps to mitigate those risks. That includes adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, trained security personnel, and secured entryways. When owners fall short of that standard and a visitor is harmed as a result, a negligent security claim may follow. Our attorneys are knowledgeable about Pennsylvania’s statutes and legal timelines governing these claims.

Foreseeability is the central liability test. Prior criminal incidents on or near the property, police reports for the area, and the property’s history of similar events are all evidence courts consider when evaluating whether a property owner should have anticipated the risk. In more serious cases, gross negligence may apply: a deliberate disregard for a known security risk that courts apply when a property owner was clearly aware of a threat and chose not to act.

Pennsylvania applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If a court finds that a plaintiff bears more than 50 percent of responsibility for their own harm, they cannot recover any damages. This makes careful documentation of the incident essential, and working with an attorney who understands how this rule may affect a claim is equally important. A civil negligent security case also proceeds independently of any criminal prosecution. A property owner can be held liable even if the assailant is never charged or convicted.

Negligent security incidents in Schuylkill County and across Pennsylvania occur at a wide range of property types, and owners of each carry a duty of care to visitors and occupants.

Shopping centers and retail plazas: Insufficient lighting or absent security personnel create conditions for theft and assault.
Apartment complexes and residential buildings: Unsecured entrances, broken locks, and absent surveillance invite unauthorized access.
Hotels and motels: Poorly maintained keycard systems or unsecured ground-floor access expose guests to harm.
Parking lots and garages: Low lighting and no camera coverage make these high-risk locations for carjacking and assault.
Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues: Failure to remove intoxicated patrons or provide adequate door security frequently underlies assault claims.
ATM locations and transit stops: Inadequate security at high-traffic public locations contributes to criminal harm.

Property managers must act proactively to safeguard visitors, whether through enhanced patrols, effective surveillance systems, or timely maintenance of safety features. We conduct a detailed analysis of the security measures in place at the incident site, examining whether all reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm.

How We Build a Negligent Security Case

Clients recovering from a violent incident need direct access to the attorneys handling their case, not a rotating cast of support staff. At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., clients communicate directly with an attorney at each stage. We also make home and hospital visits for clients who can’t travel, a practical accommodation that matters when someone is still recovering from serious injuries.

Building a negligent security claim involves more than reviewing the incident itself. Our investigation typically includes:

Site inspections: Evaluating what security measures were and were not in place at the time of the incident.
Prior crime history review: Examining whether the property had a documented pattern of criminal incidents that made the harm foreseeable.
Evidence gathering: Securing surveillance camera footage, police reports, and witness statements before they are lost or overwritten.
Expert consultation: Working with security professionals to assess whether the owner’s measures met a reasonable standard.
Defendant identification: Determining whether the property owner, a management company, or a third-party security contractor shares liability.

Damages that may be recovered include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Each requires detailed documentation, and our attorneys work carefully to substantiate every element of a claim. We represent clients through settlement negotiations or trial, and we charge no legal fees unless we win.

Continue Reading Read Less

The Urban Law Difference

Let Our Family Help Yours

60+ Years of Experience
No Legal Fees Unless We Win Your Personal Injury Case
Individualized Attention

Home And Hospital Visits Available
Available Around The Clock To Help
Personalized Legal Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can a Negligent Security Lawyer in Schuylkill County Help?

A negligent security lawyer investigates the circumstances leading to your injury, identifies liable parties, and builds a case to pursue compensation. We guide clients through the legal process, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania law and advocating for their rights at every stage.

That work includes conducting site inspections, reviewing witness statements, and consulting with security professionals to evaluate whether the property owner’s measures fell short of a reasonable standard. We provide representation through settlement negotiations or trial, working to present evidence that reflects the full impact of the security failure on your life.

Can I File a Civil Claim If the Attacker Was Never Charged or Convicted?

Yes. A negligent security civil claim is entirely independent of any criminal case. The criminal case is brought by the government against the perpetrator, and the civil claim is brought by you against the property owner or other responsible parties. A property owner can be held liable in a civil proceeding regardless of whether the attacker is arrested, charged, or convicted. What matters in the civil case is whether the property owner failed to provide adequate security, not whether a prosecutor obtained a conviction.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in Negligent Security Cases?

Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Specific amounts depend on the facts of the case and the severity of the harm. Substantiating these claims requires detailed documentation, from medical records and billing statements to wage-loss verification and, where applicable, psychological evaluations. Our attorneys work carefully to build that record for each client.

How Long Do I Have to File a Negligent Security Claim in Pennsylvania?

Under 42 Pa. Con. Stat. Ann. § 5524, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including negligent security, is two years from the date of the incident. Missing that deadline can forfeit the right to recover. Acting early also protects the strength of a claim: surveillance footage is often overwritten within days, witnesses’ memories fade, and prior incident records become harder to obtain over time. Filing promptly allows us to preserve critical evidence and assess whether additional defendants, such as a management company or security contractor, should be named.

Why Do Schuylkill County Clients Choose The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C.?

We have represented personal injury clients in Schuylkill County since 1962, giving us over six decades of local Pennsylvania practice. That history means we understand the courts, the legal standards, and the community where your case will be handled. Every client speaks directly with an attorney throughout their case, not a paralegal or case manager. We make home and hospital visits for clients who can’t come to us, and there are no legal fees unless we win. We start every new case with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Continue Reading Read Less

"Awesome law office"
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for personal injury lawyers

- Justin V.
"A caring warrior for his clients."
He made the lawsuit a big success. I consider him aces, better yet, a royal flush in poker. Thanks Brian for everything.

- Paul L.
"On my word if anyone ever finds themselves needing a lawyer I couldn't recommend you enough . I truly mean that. I will never forget this."
On my word if anyone ever finds themselves needing a lawyer I couldn't recommend you enough . I truly mean that. I will never forget this.

- D.L.
"Thank you so much for all that you did for me. Thank you for always being available and answering all my questions."
Thank you so much for all that you did for me. Thank you for always being available and answering all my questions.

- M.C.
"I was more than happy with your service and definitely would recommend"
I was more than happy with your service and definitely would recommend your law firm in the future to anyone needing assistance.

- Donna F.
"Love this law firm A++ job"
I wanna start by saying thank you to anthony you helped me through my workers comp claim. And you made it to where I can take care of my family and get us cought back up on all our bills that fell behind since I was injured. If I ever need another attorney you will be my first choice,you treated me as family not just a client like others would have. And if anyone I know would ever ask me for a great attorney I will tell them to call your law firm. Thanks again Tony P.s this man got me a bigger settelment than I though was possible Robert K.

- Robert K.
"Tom Einsigs accident."
I am pleased with the settlement Attorney Urban was able to get for my car accident. Thank you.

- Tom Einsig
"Happy Ending"
I was awarded a settlement that I am very happy with. Thank You Urban Law. Highly recommend it to everyone needing an Attorney.

- David Wetzel

View All Reviews

Start with a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know was harmed due to inadequate security on another’s property in Schuylkill County, we’re ready to evaluate your claim at no cost and with no obligation. Our firm has been serving Pennsylvania injury victims since 1962, and we handle every case with direct attorney involvement from the first call through resolution. There are no legal fees unless we win.

Call The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C. at (888) 268-0023 to take the first step toward pursuing justice.

The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C.

Serving Pottsville, PA Since 1962

Contact Us
Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
City/County
Please enter your city or county.
Zip Code
Please enter your zip code.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
Please provide as many factual details as possible in your message so it can be promptly reviewed by our legal staff.
Please enter a message.
🛡️ Please enter the above verification code:
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy