It Was Not Your Fault: When a Property Owner Shares the Blame
If you were assaulted or robbed on someone else's property, please hear this first: it was not your fault. And in many cases, the harm was not inevitable — a property owner who ignored known dangers may share responsibility.
The crime was not inevitable
Owners of apartments, stores, garages, and venues are expected to provide reasonable security where crime is foreseeable. When they ignore obvious dangers — broken locks, dead lighting, no cameras, or a history of crime — a preventable harm can follow.
Two kinds of responsibility
The attacker is responsible for the crime, but a negligent owner may share responsibility for allowing it to happen. A civil claim against the owner is separate from any criminal case and does not depend on charges or a conviction.
Insurance, not the attacker, often provides support
An individual attacker usually cannot compensate you, and a criminal case does not pay your bills. A property owner typically carries insurance, which is often the realistic source of support for your recovery.
A confidential conversation
If you are wondering whether the harm could have been prevented, a free and confidential conversation can walk you through it, with care and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
I keep blaming myself for what happened. Is that fair?
No — being the victim of a crime is never your fault. The real question is whether a property owner failed to provide reasonable security against a foreseeable danger, which is worth a confidential conversation.
Keep reading
This article is general information about Negligent Security injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
The law depends on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to negligent security.
Bitten by someone else's dog?
A quick, confidential review can tell you where you stand — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.