Negligent Security Lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
When a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment and a visitor is injured by a crime that could have been prevented, the legal remedy may lie in a negligent security claim. In Prince George’s County, Maryland, these claims demand a clear understanding of the state’s strict liability rules and the factual threshold required to prove a property owner’s awareness of prior criminal activity. Maryland applies the doctrine of contributory negligence, meaning that if an injured party is found even one percent at fault for the incident, they may recover nothing. For a negligent security action, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and families in Prince George’s County who have suffered harm because of inadequate security. Request a consultation by calling (888) 437-7747.
What Negligent Security Means in Prince George’s County
A negligent security claim arises when a property owner, landlord, business operator, or manager knows or should have known about criminal activity on the premises—or in the immediate area—and fails to take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors. The theory is grounded in premises liability: the person or entity in control of the property owes a duty of care to invitees, tenants, and customers, and that duty includes implementing security measures that a reasonably prudent property owner would adopt under similar circumstances.
In Prince George’s County, these claims often involve apartment complexes that lack working locks, bars and nightclubs with insufficient lighting and untrained security staff, parking lots at shopping centers where prior robberies have been documented, or hotels that ignore repeated requests for additional patrols. The common thread is that the criminal act itself—an assault, a shooting, a robbery—was foreseeable, and the property owner’s inaction was a substantial factor in allowing the harm to occur.
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule raises the stakes significantly. Even a minor degree of fault attributed to the injured person—such as being in a restricted area or failing to heed posted warnings—can bar recovery entirely. For that reason, building a negligent security case requires gathering detailed evidence about the property’s history, the owner’s knowledge of past incidents, the security measures that were in place, and the steps that a reasonable property owner in the Prince George’s County area would have taken.
Civil claims arising in Prince George’s County are filed in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County when the amount in controversy is within the court’s monetary limit; claims above that threshold proceed in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. Both courts are located at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The procedural rules of each court influence how discovery is conducted and what evidence must be disclosed early in the litigation.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Negligent Security Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a possible negligent security claim, the first step is a thorough evaluation of the incident and the property’s background. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work with investigators to identify prior criminal incidents at the same location or in the immediate vicinity, review police reports and 911 call logs, and examine the property owner’s maintenance and security records. The goal is to determine whether the harm was foreseeable and whether reasonable security measures—such as adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, security guards, or controlled access—could have prevented the injury.
Throughout the process, the team focuses on preserving evidence that can withstand Maryland’s contributory negligence scrutiny. This means documenting the scene, gathering witness statements promptly, obtaining experienced attorney opinions about security-industry standards, and assessing the full scope of the client’s damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the property owner’s insurer, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to litigate the case in the appropriate Prince George’s County court. They present a case that demonstrates not only the property owner’s breach of duty but also the absence of any fault by the injured party.
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 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He is a former prosecutor whose experience includes criminal trial work, which gives him a commanding perspective on how the opposing side builds a case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys who participate in personal injury matters are experienced litigators, and the team works collaboratively to ensure that each negligent security claim is prepared with precision and attention to the client’s financial and personal recovery. Whether a matter resolves through negotiation or requires a trial, the firm’s approach is grounded in a careful factual investigation and a clear presentation of the evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a negligent security claim in Maryland?
A negligent security claim in Maryland must be filed within three years from the date of injury. If the claim is not initiated within that three-year window, a court may dismiss it permanently. Because physical evidence, witness memories, and surveillance footage can deteriorate quickly, contacting a lawyer soon after the incident helps preserve the proof needed to build a strong case.
How does Maryland’s contributory negligence rule affect my negligent security case?
Maryland’s contributory negligence rule means that if you are found even one percent at fault for the incident, you cannot recover any damages. This is one of the strictest standards in the country. In a negligent security context, a property owner may argue that you disregarded warnings, entered a restricted area, or failed to call for help promptly. Developing evidence that shows the owner’s own negligence—and that you acted reasonably—is critical to protecting your right to compensation.
Can I sue a property owner for a crime committed by a third party?
Yes, you can hold a property owner or business operator liable for a third-party crime if the owner knew or should have known about the risk and failed to provide reasonable security. The key legal question is foreseeability. A pattern of prior assaults, robberies, or drug-related activity at the same location can establish that the owner was on notice. When such notice exists and the owner does nothing—no better lighting, no security guard, no locked gates—the owner may bear legal responsibility for the resulting harm.
Do I need a lawyer to bring a negligent security claim in Prince George’s County?
While Maryland law does not require you to hire a lawyer, pursuing a negligent security claim without experienced legal guidance is extremely risky. The property owner’s insurance company will investigate the incident quickly and look for reasons to deny liability, often blaming the victim under the contributory negligence rule. An attorney can gather the necessary evidence, identify all potential defendants, and present a claim that accounts for the full extent of your losses. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What types of evidence are important in a negligent security case?
Critical evidence includes police reports, surveillance video, records of prior criminal incidents at the property, maintenance logs, and experienced attorney assessments of security-industry standards. Photographs of the scene, witness statements, and documentation of your injuries and treatment are also essential. A thorough investigation early on can uncover whether the property owner had a history of ignoring complaints about lighting, broken locks, or suspicious activity—facts that directly support a negligent security claim.
How do I choose the right negligent security lawyer in Prince George’s County?
Look for a lawyer who understands Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, has experience with premises liability cases, and is familiar with the courts in Prince George’s County. Ask about the attorney’s track record in handling claims against property owners and insurance companies, and whether the firm has the resources to hire security attorneys when needed. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with investigators and attorneys to build a record that supports your claim. To discuss the details of your matter, contact our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Negligent security cases across Maryland:
Montgomery County ·
Howard County ·
Anne Arundel County ·
Frederick County ·
Baltimore County
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.