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Buffalo Negligent Security Lawyer
Hands-on legal support for clients pursuing negligent security cases in Buffalo and throughout Western New York
According to data published by the Buffalo Police Department, our city saw an average of 1,377 assaults reported each year between 2021 and 2025. Violent crimes of any sort can be incredibly traumatic for victims and their loved ones. Between the physical pain and emotional distress associated with these cases, many survivors feel the impact of their assault across nearly every facet of their lives.
When an attack occurs in a place a victim previously believed to be safe, there are important questions that must be asked about whether more could or should have been done to safeguard against foreseeable safety risks. Property owners can’t automatically be held accountable for every violent crime that takes place on their property, but their actions and decisions can be scrutinized in the days and weeks following an attack. If a property owner or business manager failed to keep locks in working order or chose not to install security cameras in a location that posed known safety risks, they may become the subject of a negligent security claim.
At O’Brien & Ford, PC, we believe that survivors of violent crimes deserve accountability in all its forms. While we can’t prosecute your attacker criminally, we can advocate for your rights in the event that negligent security contributed to the harm you suffered. We’ll look into all potential sources of liability and help you build a strong claim for the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal options. You’ll be connected with a lawyer within two minutes of your call, and you’ll never be required to pay any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation in your case.
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More than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for those injured in New York.
What is negligent security?
People who own or manage certain properties are required to take reasonable steps to address foreseeable safety risks. When someone fails to uphold this responsibility, they may be deemed to have provided negligent security. What, precisely, constitutes a foreseeable safety risk can be a bit nuanced and may depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the case.
For example, if a property owner was made aware of a broken lock on a tenant’s apartment but chose not to repair or replace it, they may be deemed to have provided negligent security. If the tenant is subsequently injured in a violent home invasion, the landlord’s failure to address the broken lock may become a major consideration in a civil claim for compensation.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
“I cannot say enough good things about Chris Pannozzo and this law firm! From start to finish, the professionalism, communication, and dedication was exceptional. I always felt supported, comfortable, listened to, and confident that I was in good hands. My case was handled with the utmost care and attention, and I couldn’t be happier with the way everything was resolved. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone.”
“The professionalism I received from the entire staff was great. Christopher Pannozzo, Annat and John worked tirelessly to get me the justice I deserve. Even Patrice the receptionist was professional and always a joy to talk to. Thank you guys for the hard work and taking my case.”
“I highly recommend O'Brien & Ford, P.C. to anyone who has been injured and needs someone they can trust. I’m extremely thankful for everything Anant and his team did for me and for the way I was treated throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain things clearly and answer my questions. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
When can a property owner be held responsible?
Property owners can’t see the future, of course, and trying to plan around every possible safety risk would be more or less impossible for the average person. When we handle negligent security cases, the question we typically ask is whether another reasonable property owner would have responded differently under similar circumstances.
While reviewing the facts of your case, our team will work to establish whether:
The alleged at-fault party owned, occupied, managed or controlled the property where the crime took place
The at-fault party knew or reasonably should have known about a foreseeable safety risk and failed to reasonably respond to that risk
The at-fault party’s failure to respond to the risk contributed to the incident that injured the victim
The incident resulted in the victim suffering identifiable losses
Because, once again, humans can’t predict the future, the question of whether or not a safety risk was foreseeable is usually settled based on the broader context of the crime. The judge or jury in a New York negligent security case will look at past incidents, known threats, property conditions and other circumstances to determine what the property owner knew, when they knew it and whether another reasonable property owner would have responded differently under similar circumstances.
For example, if another property owner was informed of a recent string of break-ins in the area, would they have chosen to fix their tenant’s broken lock or install security cameras in a vulnerable area? If so, a property owner who failed to take those steps may face claims of liability for harm suffered by the victim of a violent robbery.
What constitutes inadequate security measures?
Not every property requires the same security measures. What’s deemed appropriate for one business might be considered overkill for another. While every case may involve different kinds of security failures, some of the issues we encounter most often in negligent security cases include:
- Broken locks
- Malfunctioning security gates
- Doors left propped open
- Non-working electronic access systems
- Insufficient or poorly maintained lighting
- Inadequate surveillance technology/missing security cameras
- Absence of required security staff
- Understaffing
- Inconsistent enforcement of safety standards
Just because a property lacked a particular security measure doesn’t automatically mean that the owner or operator can be held liable. Instead, these cases come down to reasonableness and risk. If the property owner failed to implement a reasonable safety measure consistent with recognized risks, then you may be within your rights to pursue a claim against them.
Who can I sue for negligent security?
Before taking any legal action, it’s important to consider all potential sources of liability involved in your case. Depending on the relevant facts, you may be within your rights to file a claim against a property owner, tenant, sublessor, management company, security company, event organizer or other entity whose actions directly contributed to the harm you suffered.
In addition to pursuing a negligent security claim based on documented security failures, survivors may also be able to take action against a property or business owner who intentionally ignored or covered up known safety issues. For example, if a business owner received multiple threats from a disgruntled customer and failed to warn people on the property about the safety risk posed by that person, they may face claims of liability if the disgruntled customer enters the property and assaults an unsuspecting visitor.
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are cases in which liability is shared between multiple parties. If a property owner contracted with a security provider who was known for providing subpar services, the property owner may bear responsibility, and the security company may also face liability if it owed the victim a legal duty and a security guard failed to intervene in an assault.
Evidence like internal communications, employment records, surveillance footage, memos and other documentation can help our team put the puzzle pieces together so we can build claims against any and all parties who may have contributed to your assault.
Why work with O’Brien & Ford, PC?
At O’Brien & Ford, PC, we understand that victims of violent crimes experience many conflicting emotions in the weeks, months and even years following an assault. Participating in a criminal case against an assailant comes with its own set of stressors, and pursuing a civil claim for negligent security may seem like more trouble than it’s worth to some survivors. In our experience, however, taking action against negligent property owners can provide survivors with the vital resources they need to support their recovery efforts.
Nevertheless, we understand that the legal system can be both intimidating and impersonal at times. That’s why our firm is dedicated to providing clients with the hands-on, individualized representation they deserve during an already difficult time. When you work with O’Brien & Ford, PC, you can expect:
Direct access to a lawyer
When you call our office, you’ll be connected to one of our lawyers within two minutes, guaranteed. We know that your time is valuable, and we want you to feel respected and cared for from day one.
Trial readiness
Our team has a track record that includes seven- and eight-figure verdicts for clients who sustained injuries in a variety of personal injury scenarios. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our previous experiences speak to our willingness to meet clients where they are and see their cases through to the fullest extent of our capabilities.
No upfront fees
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to prospective clients and don’t charge any upfront retainers to those who choose to work with us. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t be required to pay any attorneys’ fees unless we manage to recover compensation in your case.
Community connections
O’Brien & Ford, PC is proud to serve the people of Western New York, and we do so by supporting local organizations in addition to individual clients. We support the Irish Classical Theatre Company, Taste of Country, the Clarence Soccer Club and other local organizations because we believe that our local community is worth fighting for in more ways than one.
You deserve to work with a legal team that knows your name and cares about your story. We intentionally limit our caseloads to ensure that every client we take on can receive our full, no-holds-barred support. The clients we represent in negligent security cases often feel overlooked and betrayed by the people who were supposed to care about them. While we cannot undo the harm you endured, we would love the opportunity to show you that there are people out there who will fight to make sure your voice is heard.
Frequently asked questions about Buffalo negligent security cases
Can I file a civil claim while a criminal case is still pending?
Civil and criminal cases function independently of one another, so you may still be within your rights to take action against a negligent property owner while a criminal case is in progress. In fact, you may still be able to pursue a civil claim even if your assailant was never identified.
What compensation may be available in a negligent security case?
What evidence can be used in a negligent security case?
Can I recover compensation if I knew the person who attacked me?
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim?
Speak with a Buffalo negligent security lawyer
If you were the victim of a crime on a poorly secured property, the team at O’Brien & Ford, PC may be able to help you pursue the accountability you deserve. Our team prides itself on providing trauma-informed legal support to victims of violent crimes, and we would be honored to hold space for you and your story.
Give us a call today at 716-222-2222 or visit one of our Buffalo offices at 4549 Main Street, Suite 201, or 701 Seneca Street, Suite 208, to speak to one of our negligent security lawyers. We offer free initial consultations so prospective clients can get a sense for their legal options without feeling pressured to make any major decisions before they’re ready to do so.