An Alabama negligent security lawyer will fight aggressively to hold negligent property owners accountable and to recover maximum compensation for the client.
Property owners in Alabama have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for tenants, customers, and visitors. This duty includes taking reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable crimes such as assaults, shootings, or robberies.
When a property owner does not provide enough security, someone can get hurt. In this case, the victim can file a negligent security lawsuit. These claims fall under Alabama’s premises liability laws.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or wrongful death due to inadequate security, the Alabama negligent security lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are here to help.
Call 205-407-6009 today or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Choose Fob James Law Firm for a Negligent Security Case?
For more than 40 years, Fob James Law Firm has been representing victims of serious injury across Alabama.
Here’s why clients trust us with their negligent security cases:
- Personalized attention – You work directly with your lawyer, not just staff.
- Aggressive representation – We act quickly to preserve critical evidence, including surveillance.
- Access to Top Experts – We retain top security experts to prove the business had inadequate security and that dangerous conditions were foreseeable.
- Trial-ready attorneys – Experience trying cases in state and federal courts across Alabama.
- Proven results – Multiple six and seven figure settlements.
- No upfront fees – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
What is Negligent Security in Alabama?
Negligent security means a property owner does not provide enough safety measures. This puts people at risk when they are on the property legally.
For example, if an apartment complex has a history of assaults, drug activity, or gun violence, a subsquent crime taking place is foreseeable. In that instance, the landlord must take reasonable steps such as hiring security guards, installing cameras, or fixing broken locks.
How To Prove a Negligent Security Claim in Alabama
To prove a negligent security claim in Alabama, you must show:
- You were lawfully on the property;
- The property owner owed you a duty to maintain a safe environment;
- The property owner breached that duty by failing to take reasonable security precautions;
- That breach allowed a crime to occur that caused your injuries; and
- You suffered damages because of those injuries.
Recent Gas Station Shooting Settlement
THE CASE: Attorney Fob James, IV represented a father after his son was shot and tragically killed at a convenience store on South Blvd in Montgomery, AL. The shooter was a known drug dealer. Fob argued that the c-store had negligently allowed the shooter on the premises and provided inadequate security. The case was fraught with legal and insurance coverage issues.
CASE RESULT: Confidential Policy Limits Settlement
Why Negligent Security Cases Can Be Challenging
Proving negligent security in Alabama can be complex. The plaintiff must prove the property owner knew, or should have known, about dangerous conditions and failed to act. The danger (e.g., criminal activity on a propery) must be foreseeable. Proving prior knowledge and foreseeability often requires:
- Evidence of prior crimes on or near the property
- Testimony from expert witnesses
- Police reports and security records
Just because someone was injured on another person’s property does not automatically mean there was negligent security.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover From Negligent Security?
In Alabama, victims of negligent security can pursue both compensatory damages and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct.
In Alabama, punitive damages in personal injury cases are generally capped at three times compensatory damages or $1.5 million, whichever is greater.
However, in wrongful death cases or where there was intentional harm, punitive damages are not capped.
Every case is unique, so there is no set “average settlement.” Speak with an experienced Alabama negligent security attorney to learn what your case may be worth.
What Are Common Examples of Negligent Security
Negligent security often happens in public spaces, businesses, and residential complexes where crime is foreseeable.
From our experience, the most common negligent security cases come from crime and gun violence. This happens for several reasons:
- Poor or no lighting
- Broken locks or doors
- No security guards or inadequate training
- Failure to monitor surveillance cameras
- Lack of emergency response or failure to call 911
- Inadequate screening at entrances
- History of crime on the property
Places where negligent security commonly occurs:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and motels
- Bars, nightclubs, and concert venues
- Shopping malls and retail centers (e.g., Walmart)
- Parking garages and lots
- Gas stations
- Campuses and schools
- Theaters, bowling alleys, and fairgrounds
If you were hurt in one of these places, an Alabama negligent security lawyer can help you look into it and file a claim.
How Long Do I Have To File A Negligent Security Case in Alabama
The time to file a lawsuit is called “the statute of limitations”. Alabama has strict deadlines for filing negligent security claims:
- Personal Injury Claims – 2 years from the date of the incident
- Wrongful Death Claims – 2 years from the date of the victim’s death
- Claims Against a City Government – 6 months
- Claims Against a County Government – 12 months
Missing the deadline means losing your right to recover damages. Contacting a negligent security attorney near you quickly ensures your rights are protected.
Birmingham Truck Stop Shooting Settlement
THE CASE: Fob James Law Firm represented a client who was shot at a truck stop in Birmingham, AL. The shooter walked into the store and began shooting his firearm while the client was in the checkout line. Several of the bullets hit the client in the ankle and foot. The truck stop’s security company failed to prevent the shooter from entering the store, despite their prior knowledge that the shooter would likely be violent.
CASE RESULT: $825,000.00 Settlement
Contact An Alabama Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me
If you or a loved one has been injured due to inadequate security in Alabama, don’t wait to seek help.
The Birmingham, AL negligent security attorneys at Fob James Law Firm are ready to fight for your rights.
📞 Call us at 205-407-6009 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Visit Our Birmingham Negligent Security Law Office
Fob James Law Firm represents victims of negligent security and premises liability across Alabama. If you or a loved one were attacked or injured due to inadequate security at an apartment complex, hotel, or business, our Birmingham negligent security lawyers are here to help you recover full compensation.
Our office is conveniently located downtown:
Fob James Law Firm
2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35233
📞 (205) 407-6009
We handle negligent security cases across Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Auburn, and throughout Alabama. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Alabama negligent security attorney.