Property owners in Harris County often rely on security guards to help protect visitors, tenants, and customers. Whether at apartment complexes, shopping centers, or office buildings, security personnel are meant to deter crime. However, when a security guard fails to act appropriately or acts improperly, questions may arise about whether the property owner can be held responsible.
Under Texas law, these situations often fall under premises liability, particularly negligent security claims.
What Is Negligent Security Under Texas Law?
Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable harm. In Harris County, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises.
If a property owner hires security guards, that duty may include ensuring that those guards are properly trained and capable of responding to potential threats.
Can a Property Owner Be Responsible for a Security Guard’s Actions?
Yes, in certain situations, a property owner may be held responsible for the actions of a security guard.
If the guard is an employee, the property owner may be responsible for actions taken within the scope of employment. Even when a third-party security company is involved, liability may arise if the property owner failed to provide adequate security.
What About a Security Guard’s Failure to Act?
Liability is not limited to what a security guard does. It can also arise from what a guard fails to do. If a guard ignores suspicious activity or fails to respond, this inaction may contribute to harm.
Courts may examine whether a reasonable security presence would have reduced the risk of the incident.
What Do Courts Consider in Negligent Security Cases?
Courts in Texas often evaluate whether a harmful event was foreseeable. This may involve looking at prior incidents on or near the property.
If a property owner knew or should have known about potential dangers, they may be expected to take precautions such as hiring trained security personnel or improving safety measures.
Can Poor Training or Supervision Lead to Liability?
Yes, inadequate training or supervision can play a role in negligent security claims. Property owners are expected to ensure that guards are prepared for their duties.
If a guard is not properly trained or supervised, this may increase the risk of harm.
How Does Texas Law Handle Third-Party Criminal Acts?
In many cases, the harm is caused by a third party. Property owners are not automatically responsible for criminal acts.
However, if the risk was foreseeable and reasonable steps were not taken to prevent it, liability may arise.
What Types of Incidents Can Lead to These Claims?
Negligent security claims may arise from incidents such as assaults or robberies occurring on a property.
If a security guard’s actions or inactions contributed to the circumstances, both the guard and the property owner may be evaluated.
Harris County Negligent Security Lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb Helps Clients Understand Liability
The actions or inactions of a security guard may play a role in determining whether a property owner can be held responsible under Texas law. Understanding how negligent security claims work can help individuals evaluate their situation. Speaking with the Harris County negligent security lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb can provide guidance on how liability may apply after an incident. Call us today at 713-529-4400 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our office is in Houston, Texas.