Negligent Security Lawyer Maryland, MD

When a property owner fails to provide reasonable security, and someone is injured as a result, the legal theory of negligent security may allow the injured person to seek compensation. In Maryland, these claims arise from assaults, robberies, or other criminal acts that occur on someone else’s premises—apartment complexes, shopping centers, parking garages, hotels, or office buildings—where the owner knew or should have known about a risk of crime and did not take adequate steps to protect visitors. Maryland law imposes a duty on property owners to exercise reasonable care to maintain safe premises, and that duty can extend to providing adequate lighting, functioning locks, security personnel, and surveillance where the circumstances warrant it. If you were harmed because a property owner failed to take those steps, you may have a negligent security claim. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents injured people throughout Maryland in these matters. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Negligent Security Means in Maryland

Negligent security is a form of premises liability. A plaintiff must show that the property owner owed a duty of care, that the owner breached that duty by failing to provide reasonable security, and that the breach proximately caused an injury. Maryland courts examine whether the criminal act that caused the injury was foreseeable. Foreseeability can be established by evidence of prior similar crimes on or near the property, by the nature of the business, or by the condition of the premises. For example, a landlord who knows of repeated break-ins and does nothing to repair broken locks or improve lighting may be found liable if a tenant is later attacked. Because Maryland follows the strict rule of contributory negligence—even one percent of fault on the part of the injured person can bar all recovery—negligent security claims require careful preparation. The defendant’s insurance company will often argue the injured person was careless or somehow contributed to the incident. Experienced legal representation is critical to preserving the claim from the earliest stages.

Personal injury claims in Maryland, including negligent security claims, are generally subject to a three-year statute of limitations under Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5‑101. That means a lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of injury. Missing that deadline usually results in a complete loss of the right to recover. The claim must be filed in the appropriate court based on the amount in controversy: the District Court of Maryland handles civil claims up to a certain monetary threshold, while claims exceeding that threshold are filed in the Circuit Court. For claims falling within a range of concurrent jurisdiction, both courts may hear the case. In addition to the statute of limitations, Maryland’s contributory negligence rule makes evidence preservation, witness statements, and prompt investigation essential. An attorney can help secure surveillance footage, incident reports, and other evidence before it disappears.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Negligent Security Cases

Negligent security claims begin with a thorough investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to determine the history of crime at the property, examine police reports and security records, and identify the individuals or entities responsible. Often there may be several parties: the property owner, the property management company, a security contractor, or a tenant. Each may have its own insurance coverage. The team evaluates whether the security measures in place were reasonable under the circumstances, whether there were known hazards that went unaddressed, and whether the property’s design or maintenance contributed to the danger. The goal is to build a clear, well-documented record that shows the chain of causation between the inadequate security and the injury. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel communicate directly with insurance adjusters and, when necessary, prepare the case for trial. While many matters are resolved through negotiated settlements, the team is prepared to litigate when a fair resolution cannot be reached. Results may vary.

Once representation begins, the legal team gathers medical records, economic-loss documentation, and evidence of pain and suffering and other non-economic harm. Maryland does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, so each case is evaluated on its own facts. The team may consult with accident reconstruction attorneys, security industry attorney, and medical professionals to strengthen the claim. Because Maryland is one of the few states that applies pure contributory negligence, the defense will likely scrutinize the plaintiff’s conduct. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel anticipate those arguments and develop the case accordingly, always with the understanding that a well-prepared case puts the injured person in the strong $1 to seek a full and fair recovery. The firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury matters, meaning no payment is required unless a recovery is obtained.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who now concentrates his practice on representing individuals in personal injury and other civil matters across Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background gives him insight into how evidence is evaluated and how cases are built from both sides of the courtroom. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys, each with significant litigation experience. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by the firm’s track record of over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The firm’s Rockville location serves clients throughout Maryland, and consultations are available by appointment. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a negligent security claim?

A negligent security claim arises when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect people on the premises from foreseeable criminal acts, and someone is injured as a result. In Maryland, the claim is a form of premises liability. To succeed, the injured person must prove that the owner had a duty to provide adequate security, that the duty was breached, and that the breach caused the harm. Evidence of prior crimes in the area, inadequate lighting, broken locks, or missing security personnel can support the claim. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the specific facts meet the legal standard for negligent security under Maryland law. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule affect a negligent security case?

Maryland is one of only a few states that still applies the rule of pure contributory negligence, meaning that if the injured person is found to be even one percent at fault, they may be completely barred from recovering any compensation. In a negligent security case, the defense may argue that the plaintiff was careless—for example, by being in a dangerous area at night or ignoring warning signs. That is why it is critical to work with an attorney who understands how to anticipate and counter contributory negligence arguments. Prompt investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the scene can help minimize the risk that a contributory negligence defense will succeed. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What types of damages can I recover in a negligent security case in Maryland?

If you prove your case, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses. Maryland does not impose a statutory cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. In the tragic event of a death, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which has its own three-year statute of limitations. Every case is different, and the value depends on the severity of the injuries, the extent of the negligence, and the insurance coverage available. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Maryland?

The statute of limitations for a negligent security claim in Maryland is three years from the date of injury, as set out in Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5‑101. If the lawsuit is not filed within that three-year window, the court will almost certainly dismiss the case, regardless of how strong the evidence might be. There are very limited exceptions that can extend or pause the clock, but they are rare and fact-specific. Because building a strong negligent security claim takes time—investigating the property’s crime history, consulting attorneys, and gathering evidence—it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a negligent security claim in Maryland?

While no law requires you to have a lawyer, pursuing a negligent security claim without one is extremely difficult because of Maryland’s contributory negligence rule and the need to prove what the property owner knew or should have known. A lawyer can help identify all potentially responsible parties, obtain and preserve critical evidence such as surveillance video and 911 call logs, and deal with insurance companies that often try to settle claims for less than they are worth. Most personal injury lawyers, including Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, handle these cases on a contingency fee arrangement, which means you pay nothing unless a recovery is obtained. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Primary sources:
Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5‑101 — Statute of limitations |
Maryland Judiciary

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