Negligent Security Lawyers in New York

If you were hurt in an assault, shooting, or attack that a property owner should have prevented, you may have a negligent security claim. The question is whether the harm was foreseeable and reasonable security was missing.

Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Last updated June 2026

The bottom line: A negligent security claim holds a property owner responsible when inadequate security (lighting, locks, cameras, guards) allows a foreseeable assault, shooting, or attack to harm a lawful visitor.

When is a property owner liable?

Owners owe lawful visitors a duty to take reasonable security measures against foreseeable crime. Prior incidents, a high-crime area, or known hazards can make an attack foreseeable. Liability turns on what was foreseeable and what reasonable steps were skipped.

Common negligent security cases

Assaults and shootings at bars, nightclubs, apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, and concerts or venues — where broken locks, no cameras, poor lighting, or absent security contributed.

Deadlines

Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years (CPLR §214).

Frequently asked questions

When can I sue a property owner for an assault?

When the attack was foreseeable (for example, prior incidents or a known risk) and the owner failed to provide reasonable security like lighting, locks, cameras, or guards.

Can I sue a bar or club where I was attacked?

Possibly, if inadequate security contributed to a foreseeable attack. Alcohol-service liability (Dram Shop) may also apply in some cases.

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