Negligent Security Lawyers in New Orleans

Property owners in New Orleans have a legal duty to protect tenants, visitors, and customers from foreseeable harm. That includes maintaining safe conditions, installing working locks and lights, and taking reasonable steps to prevent crime. When those precautions are ignored, people can suffer serious physical and emotional injuries.

If you were attacked, assaulted, or hurt on someone else’s property because it lacked proper security, you may have the right to seek compensation. Douglas & London represents injury victims across Louisiana who were harmed by unsafe conditions and negligent property management. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Understanding Negligent Security in Louisiana

Negligent security falls under Louisiana’s premises liability laws. These cases arise when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable precautions to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal acts. Reasonable precautions might include working security cameras, proper lighting, secure entrances, and trained staff.

Louisiana law requires property owners to exercise “reasonable care” for people on their premises. When they neglect this duty and someone is injured, they may be held financially responsible.

A recent New Orleans tragedy that made national headlines demonstrates how overlooked safety measures can lead to deadly consequences. In January 2025, victims of the Bourbon Street New Year’s Day truck attack filed a lawsuit alleging that preventable security failures and missing protective barriers allowed the incident to occur during the crowded holiday event. The case highlights how lapses in basic security planning can endanger the public in areas where large crowds are expected.

Common Examples of Negligent Security in New Orleans

Negligent security can happen anywhere in the city, from hotels in the French Quarter to apartment complexes in Mid-City. Common examples include:

  • Poor or broken lighting in stairwells, parking areas, or hallways
  • Inactive or poorly maintained surveillance cameras
  • Unlocked or unsecured building entrances
  • Lack of security guards or untrained personnel at bars, venues, or shopping centers
  • Failure to respond to prior crimes or public complaints

When property owners ignore known risks, they put guests and residents in harm’s way. Our team investigates these cases to determine what went wrong and who is legally responsible.

Who May Be Liable for Negligent Security

In Louisiana, liability can extend to several parties depending on who controlled or operated the property:

  • Residential landlords and property owners
  • Management companies responsible for maintenance or safety systems
  • Commercial businesses such as hotels, nightclubs, and retailers
  • Parking garage or lot operators
  • Hospitals, schools, or public agencies overseeing public spaces
  • Security contractors who failed to perform their duties

Our attorneys identify all potentially liable parties to maximize available recovery options.

How to Prove a Negligent Security Claim

A successful negligent security claim typically requires proving four elements:

  • Duty of Care: The property owner owed a duty to take reasonable precautions to protect lawful visitors.
  • Breach of Duty: The owner or manager failed to meet that duty—for example, leaving a parking garage unlit despite prior thefts.
  • Causation: The lack of security directly caused or contributed to the injury or assault.
  • Damages: The victim suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress.

Each case is built on evidence, including police reports, surveillance footage, and witness testimony. Our attorneys work closely with local law enforcement and investigators to gather the facts needed to prove fault.

Common Injuries in Negligent Security Incidents

Negligent security incidents can cause devastating injuries, both physical and emotional. Victims may suffer:

Physical Injuries

  • Fractures and head trauma
  • Gunshot or stab wounds
  • Soft-tissue injuries and nerve damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Disfigurement or long-term disability

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

  • Anxiety, fear, and depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Difficulty returning to public places
  • Sleep disruption and flashbacks

Many victims require long-term care, therapy, and rehabilitation. Douglas & London helps document these effects to ensure they are fully reflected in your claim.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Under Louisiana law, victims of negligent security can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

  • Emergency medical care and hospitalization
  • Physical therapy and psychological counseling
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

Our goal is to recover compensation that covers your immediate needs and your future recovery.

Steps to Take After a Negligent Security Incident

Taking the right steps immediately after an attack or assault can protect both your health and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911 and request immediate assistance from the New Orleans Police Department. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
  2. Get medical attention at a nearby hospital, such as University Medical Center New Orleans or Ochsner Medical Center.
  3. Document the area. Take photos or videos of lighting, entrances, or any broken security equipment.
  4. Collect witness details and contact information.
  5. Preserve any evidence, such as clothing or personal items.
  6. Avoid discussing the event publicly or online until you’ve spoken with your attorney.
  7. Contact Douglas & London to discuss your case and begin protecting your claim.

Local Support and Safety Resources in New Orleans

After a negligent security incident, several local organizations and agencies can assist with recovery and safety planning:

These resources can help you access support and report unsafe property conditions across the city.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Louisiana

Louisiana law now gives victims two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury or negligent security lawsuit. This period, known as “liberative prescription,” is established under the newly enacted Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.11, which became effective July 1, 2024.

This new two-year deadline applies to incidents that occur on or after that date. Claims arising before July 1, 2024, remain subject to the former one-year limitation.

Failing to act within the correct timeframe can permanently bar your right to compensation. Because some claims involving public or government-owned properties have shorter notice requirements, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

How Douglas & London Can Help

Our team has extensive experience handling premises liability and negligent security cases throughout Louisiana. When you hire Douglas & London, we will:

  • Investigate the property’s security measures and maintenance records
  • Review surveillance footage and incident reports
  • Consult with safety and law-enforcement experts to evaluate what went wrong
  • Calculate the full financial and emotional impact of your injuries
  • Negotiate directly with insurers and, when necessary, represent you in court

Our firm works on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact a New Orleans Negligent Security Lawyer

If you or a loved one was hurt because a property owner failed to provide adequate security, you deserve experienced legal help. The attorneys at Douglas & London can explain your rights, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Schedule your free consultation today. Call or contact Douglas & London to speak with a New Orleans negligent-security lawyer.