Negligent Security: How Portland Apartment Owners Put Tenants At Risk

Apartments provide housing for many Portland residents and are often tight-knit communities where people look out for one another. Unfortunately, negligence on the part of the property owner or manager can end up putting those who live there or visit at risk. Our Portland premises liability attorney explains negligent security and how you can hold those at fault accountable when personal injuries happen as a result.    

Apartment Residents Entitled To Protection Against Crime

Reports from the Portland Police Bureau show a high rate of property crimes throughout the city. Close to 70,000 cases of breaking and entering, robbery, vandalism, and other types of incidents are reported each year. Unfortunately, apartment complexes are a frequent target. With the presence of so many people, residents are at high risk for violent crimes as well. 

Assault and battery, sexual offenses, gang or drug-related violence, and attempted homicide are all serious concerns for apartment dwellers. Unfortunately, negligence on the part of the property owner or manager can make these crimes more likely to happen. Common examples include: 

• Faulty locks on main entrances and individual doors or windows;
• Lack of lighting in outdoor areas and stairwells;
• Failure to provide security, such as fencing or guarded entrance doors;
• Ignoring trouble spots at or near the complex, where criminal behavior regularly occurs. 

Holding Property Owners Accountable For Negligent Security

Stolen or damaged property that results from negligent security can cost you significant amounts of money. Even worse is when violent crimes occur as a result, leaving you with serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. 

Under the Oregon Code, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain the premises, which includes providing adequate security to prevent crimes. If you end up being a victim of a crime that happened, even in part, due to negligent security, you have the right to hold the property owner or manager accountable in a premises liability lawsuit. Compensation available in these cases is referred to as ‘damages’ and may include: 

• Economic damages, which cover actual costs. This includes any property damages you suffer, all current and future medical expenses associated with your injuries, counseling or rehabilitation, lost wages, and future losses in earnings or benefits while you recover from your injuries. 
• Non-economic damages, which compensate you for any pain and suffering you experience, as well as any scarring or disfigurement resulting from your injuries;
• Punitive damages, which is an additional amount the court may order that is designed to punish the property owner for particularly willful and negligent behavior while sending a message to others.   

Reach Out To Our Portland Premises Liability Attorney  

Being a victim of a violent crime is a traumatic event. Injuries you suffer as a result can impact you for years into the future. When it happens due to negligent security, you can count on the Johnston Law Firm P.C. to hold the property owner or manager accountable. Reach out and call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland premises liability attorney online to request a consultation today.