Your landlord may be legally responsible for a violent attack in your apartment

There was a stranger at your door. Then he was inside your home.

The person who attacked you caused your injuries.

But Could Your Landlord Also Be at Fault?

Your landlord may also be responsible for the injuries that you suffered in an attack or sexual assault if there was inadequate or negligent security on the property that made the crime possible. Some of the things that you and your attorney might consider when looking into a possible negligent security claim include whether:

  • Any doors, windows, or locks were broken in your specific apartment.
  • Any doors, windows, or locks were broken in other parts of the building.
  • Access to the building was limited by a locked door, security guard, or other safety feature.
  • There was adequate lighting in the common areas of the building.

Additionally, it will be important to consider whether other apartment buildings in similar locations had similar security measures in place.

What to Do If You Were Attacked

As you consider how to move on from this traumatic event, you should…

  • Report the incident to the police, if you have not already done so.
  • Get medical care for any injuries you suffered.
  • Tell the property manager or owner what happened. Do not be accusatory or list the reasons why you feel it could be the property manager’s or owner’s fault. Instead, simply give the date, time, and location of your attack.
  • Keep notes of the incident, pictures of your injuries, photos of the area where the incident occurred, and an inventory of the property taken from you.
  • Call a negligent security lawyer for a free consultation. You want to know if you have any legal rights against the property owner or manager.

You shouldn’t have to pay for the significant harm that you’ve suffered as a result of your landlord’s negligent security. Instead, if you have been hurt because of negligent security in your apartment building—or in any other common location for negligent security incidents—then we encourage you to contact us at any time via this website or by phone at 1-800-800-5678, so that we can provide you with a free, confidential consultation about your rights and potential recovery.

Jason F. Abraham
Connect with me
Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.