You’re enjoying a concert, a sporting event, or out shopping at your local mall. You expect to have fun and feel safe. But what if you’re injured because the people in charge didn’t do enough to keep you safe? This is considered negligent security. And you have rights if it happens to you.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security happens when a property owner or event organizer fails to take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable harm. Examples include no or few security guards, broken cameras, poor lighting, or ignoring past problems like fights or thefts. If you’re injured because of these failures, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
Recent Examples
There are plenty of headlines about negligent security at events.
1. Coachella in California -There have been reports of aggressive security tactics and injuries from crowd surges in recent years.
2. At the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship in Dallas,a fight inside the venue caused several poles to fall, creating a loud noise that many mistook for gunfire. This triggered panic and a chaotic evacuation, with hundreds fleeing or hiding in fear. Ten people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, such as bumps, bruises, and fractures, all sustained during the rush to escape.
3. Also in Texas, a deadly crowd surge at a Travis Scott concert in Houston caused 10 deaths and hundreds of injuries in 2021. Key security failures included overwhelmed employees, collapsed fences, delayed medical response, and poor communication that allowed the concert to continue amid the chaos.
Most Common Negligent Security Injuries
Some of the most common injuries linked to negligent security include:
- Physical assaults or fights
- Broken bones from falls or being pushed in crowds
- Head injuries from being struck or trampled
- Emotional trauma from violent incidents
- Injuries during robberies or thefts
- Harm caused by fires, pyrotechnics, or equipment malfunctions
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Negligent Security?
Some of the possible defendants in a negligent security case include:
- Property owners (like stadiums, malls, or apartment complexes)
- Event organizers and promoters
- Security companies are hired to protect the event or property
- Employers, if the injury happened at work
What Should You Do If You’re Injured?
Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm outlines the steps to take if you’re seriously injured due to negligent security:
1. Get medical help right away. Your health comes first, and medical records will be vital evidence.
2. Report the incident. Inform event staff, security, or the police about the incident. Ask for copies of any report.
3. Gather evidence. Take photos of where it happened, your injuries, and any broken security equipment. Get names and contact info of witnesses if you can.
4. Keep records. Save all medical bills, receipts, and notes about how your injury affects your life.
5. Talk to a lawyer. Attorney Dominguez stresses the importance of hiring a negligent security lawyer. “An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and how to build your case. They will fight for the rightful compensation you are entitled to, not what the insurance company wants to pay out. Organizers and property owners who don’t emphasize public safety should be held accountable for the consequences.”
What Compensation Are You Entitled to?
If your case is successful, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Costs related to emotional distress or trauma
If you’re injured due to negligent security, remember you have rights and options. Don’t ignore your injuries or the circumstances that caused them. Acting quickly by seeking medical care, documenting the incident, and consulting a negligent security lawyer can help protect your future. Property owners and event organizers must keep people safe. When they fail, the law can hold them accountable.
