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Sep 11, 2026
You may have a premises liability claim if you were assaulted on private property because property owners or managers may be responsible for failing to provide adequate security. Businesses such as hotels, apartment complexes, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, gas stations, and healthcare facilities may need adequate lighting, security, surveillance, and employee training. If inadequate security contributed to an assault, you may pursue a claim for injuries and other losses against the property owner or manager.
Property owners and managers have a duty to ensure their properties are reasonably safe and properly maintained to ensure individuals are not at risk for assault or injury. If you were assaulted on private property, such as a bus station, a university campus, or at a night club, it is possible that you have a viable premises liability claim against the owner of the property or the manager.
Key Takeaways
- Premises liability may apply: If an assault occurs on private property, the property owner or manager may be responsible when inadequate security contributed to the incident.
- Property owners have safety duties: Owners and managers should maintain reasonably safe properties and take steps to deter criminal activity.
- Adequate security matters: Proper lighting, security, surveillance systems, and employee training can help protect visitors from assaults.
- Businesses may face greater duties: Hotels, apartment complexes, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, gas stations, public parks, beaches, and healthcare facilities are among establishments expected to provide adequate security.
- Compensation may be available: Victims may pursue a claim against a property owner or manager for injuries and other losses caused by inadequate security.
Inadequate Security
In addition to maintaining a property’s grounds to prevent injuries from occurring, property owners and managers are obligated to deter criminals from committing crimes against visitors. This means owners must provide adequate lighting, security, surveillance systems, and ensure that all employees are properly trained. Although private property can be residential or commercial, more often than not, business owners are held to much higher standards when it comes to fulfilling this duty of care.
Some examples of establishments that must provide adequate security include:
- Hotels
- Apartment complexes
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants and bars
- Gas stations
- Public parks and beaches
- Healthcare facilities
When these types of establishments do not have sufficient security, visitors become vulnerable to crime, including assault. The criminal justice system will address the actions of the perpetrator, but you can also pursue a claim against the property owner or manager for the injuries and other losses you might have suffered as a result of their failure to provide adequate security.
Premises Liability Attorney in Austin
If you were assaulted on private property due to the owner or manager’s failure to provide adequate security, you will need a skilled premises liability attorney on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve. At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, our seasoned legal team in Austin is dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable for the harm their negligence causes. We also accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us any legal fees unless we are able to recover compensation on your behalf. Reach out to us today to take action and ensure your voice is heard.
Call our office at (512) 326-3200 to schedule your free initial consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
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