Negligent Security Attorney in Las Vegas
When Property Owners Are Responsible for Inadequate Security
In Nevada, property owners are required to ensure the safety of those who visit their properties. In many settings, from nightclubs to mall parking lots, this includes making sure there is adequate security to protect patrons from potential harm due to assaults, robberies, or other criminal activities. When property owners fall short, and someone is injured or, worse, killed in a situation with inadequate security, those property owners can be held liable.
These are complex cases involving nuanced laws. If you or someone you love was harmed due to inadequate or negligent security on public or private property, it's important that you work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you seek the justice you deserve. At Cohan PLLC, we know how to navigate these cases and how to hold negligent property owners responsible. Our team is ready to answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Get started with a free consultation today; there are no costs for you unless we win your case.
Contact us online or call (702) 623-3579 to talk to a negligent security lawyer in Las Vegas today.
When Is Security Considered “Negligent?”
In Nevada, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This responsibility extends beyond repairing broken stairs or clearing walkways—it also includes taking steps to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. When property owners fail to provide adequate security, and someone is harmed as a result, they may be held liable under the state’s premises liability laws.
In Las Vegas, negligent security claims frequently arise in places where large crowds gather or where alcohol and cash are common, such as nightclubs or casinos. But these cases can arise anywhere, from apartment complexes to parking garages to local businesses. If a property owner knows—or should reasonably know—that there is a risk of criminal activity on their premises, they’re expected to take precautions.
Examples of inadequate security in Las Vegas include:
- Dim or broken lighting in casino parking garages, hotel corridors, or stairwells
- Inattentive or understaffed security personnel in nightclubs or resorts
- Failure to address repeated reports of assaults or theft
- Broken or missing locks in apartment complexes
- Failure to use or monitor security cameras, even in high-crime neighborhoods
Las Vegas’s hospitality and entertainment industry thrives on attracting visitors from around the world. That makes it all the more critical for property owners and businesses to take security seriously. When they fail to do so, and someone is hurt, they must be held accountable.
Proving Your Negligent Security Case
In personal injury cases, including those involving negligent security, the injured person has the “burden of proof.” This means that you are the one responsible for proving your case against the defendant, not the other way around.
To bring a successful negligent security claim in Las Vegas, a victim must show:
- Duty of Care – The property owner owed a legal duty to provide reasonable security measures.
- Breach of Duty – The owner failed to meet that duty by providing inadequate or negligent security.
- Foreseeability – The criminal act that caused harm was reasonably foreseeable, based on prior incidents or the nature of the property.
- Causation – The lack of security directly contributed to the victim’s injuries.
- Damages – The victim suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
In practice, these cases often hinge on whether the crime was “foreseeable.” For example, if a casino knew about repeated robberies in its parking structure but failed to install cameras or improve lighting, it may be found liable for future incidents. Similarly, if an apartment complex near the Strip had a history of break-ins but ignored tenant complaints about broken gates, that neglect could support a strong negligent security claim.
How Negligent Security Cases Work in Vegas
Las Vegas is a 24-hour city, and crime can happen at any time of day or night. Bars, resorts, and casinos operate around the clock, which means owners are expected to provide adequate staffing and safeguards at all times, not just during “peak hours.”
Most negligent security claims start with a detailed investigation into the property’s crime history and security measures. This often involves:
- Reviewing Metro Police Department or other official crime reports for the area
- Examining hotel, casino, or other surveillance footage
- Interviewing witnesses, staff, or security personnel
- Checking whether the property complied with local safety ordinances or industry standards
Once a case is filed, negotiations with large hospitality corporations, apartment management companies, businesses, and insurers often follow. While some cases resolve in settlements, others may require going before a Clark County jury. In a city where powerful companies like casinos and resorts have significant resources, having a trial attorney who can stand up to them is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security in Las Vegas
What types of damages can I recover in a negligent security case?
Victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages if the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless. Each case is unique, so the exact damages, as well as the overall value of your claim, may vary. Talk to our Las Vegas negligent security attorney to discuss the potential damages in your case.
Do I have to prove the property owner knew about the risk?
Yes, foreseeability is a key element of a negligent security case. You must show that the property owner either knew, or should have known, about the likelihood of crime on their property, yet failed to take reasonable steps to prevent incidents.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Nevada?
Generally, Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident. Waiting too long can prevent you from bringing a claim.
Are casinos and hotels in Las Vegas commonly sued for negligent security?
Because of the city’s size, nightlife, and tourism, negligent security cases involving casinos, resorts, and hotels are among the most common. These businesses have a duty to protect guests from potential assaults and other violent acts, and they can be held accountable when they fail.
Do I need a trial attorney for a negligent security case in Las Vegas?
While it is not required, it is absolutely recommended that you not only hire a negligent security lawyer but also one that has experience going to trial. Many property owners in Las Vegas are large corporations with powerful legal teams. Having a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to court can make the difference between an inadequate settlement and full compensation.
