Negligent Security Lawyer in Westchester County, NY
If you were injured due to inadequate security at a property in Westchester County, you need a dedicated negligent security lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong representation for victims of assaults, robberies, and other crimes that occurred because a property owner failed to provide reasonable security.
What Is Negligent Security Under New York Law?
Negligent security is a specific type of premises liability claim. It arises when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, tenants, or customers from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties. This is not about the criminal’s actions directly, but about the property owner’s legal duty to provide a safe environment. In New York, the legal foundation for these claims is built on common law negligence principles, which require proving duty, breach, causation, and damages. The key statute often referenced is New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) Article 14-A, which governs comparative fault in such cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Westchester County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s laws governing negligence and liability, you can review the New York State Legislature website. For local court procedures and forms specific to Westchester County, visit the Westchester County Supreme Court website.
Handling a Negligent Security Claim in Westchester County
These cases are complex and require immediate action to preserve evidence and establish the property owner’s knowledge of prior dangerous conditions. In Westchester County, these lawsuits are typically filed in the Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction for personal injury claims. A critical early step is securing any police reports and identifying prior incident reports for the property, which are often key to proving “foreseeability.” The court will examine whether the owner knew or should have known of a risk and failed to implement reasonable security measures like proper lighting, functioning locks, or security personnel.
- Seek Medical Attention & Report the Crime: Your health is the priority. Also, file a police report immediately to create an official record of the criminal incident.
- Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the injury location, noting poor lighting, broken locks, lack of cameras, or other hazards. Keep all medical records.
- Consult a Negligent Security Attorney: Contact our firm to discuss the specifics of your case. We can initiate an investigation to uncover prior incidents at the location.
- Investigation & Demand: Our team will gather evidence, including police reports, security logs, and property crime history, to build a demand for compensation from the responsible parties.
- Litigation if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit in Westchester County Supreme Court and advocate for you through discovery and trial.
Potential Damages in a Negligent Security Case
In Westchester County, victims of negligent security may recover compensation for economic losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. New York follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your recovery is reduced by your own percentage of fault, if any.
| Type of Damage | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Quantifiable financial losses. | Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earning capacity loss. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Compensation for intangible harms. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement. |
| Punitive Damages | Rarely awarded to punish egregious conduct. | May apply if the property owner showed conscious disregard for safety. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Negligent Security Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a track record of thousands of cases, our firm brings substantial resources and insight to complex injury claims. We understand that a negligent security incident is more than a physical injury—it’s a significant violation of safety. Our approach involves meticulous investigation to establish the property owner’s liability and aggressive advocacy to recover the full compensation our clients deserve.
Our Commitment to Westchester County Clients
Our firm is committed to serving clients throughout Westchester County. We represent individuals and families in communities including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Rye, Ossining, Peekskill, Tarrytown, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Dobbs Ferry, Larchmont, and Hastings-on-Hudson.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at Westchester County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Negligent Security Lawyer Westchester County FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for a negligent security lawsuit in New York?
It depends. For most personal injury claims, including negligent security, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit under New York law. However, if the claim is against a city, county, or other municipality, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing these deadlines can forever bar your claim, so consult an attorney immediately.
Can I sue if I was assaulted in a parking lot with poor lighting?
Yes. Property owners have a duty to maintain common areas, like parking lots, in a reasonably safe condition. Inadequate lighting that creates a foreseeable opportunity for criminal activity can form the basis of a negligent security claim. An attorney can investigate prior similar incidents to prove the owner knew or should have known of the danger.
What evidence is needed for a negligent security case?
Key evidence includes the police report, photos/video of the scene and your injuries, medical records, witness statements, and evidence of prior criminal incidents on the property (often obtained through legal discovery). Security footage, maintenance logs for lighting/fences, and testimony from security experts are also crucial.
Who can be held liable in a negligent security case?
Liability typically falls on the party that controlled the property and had a duty to provide security. This can include landlords, business owners (like bars, hotels, malls), property management companies, and shopping center owners. An experienced negligent security attorney can identify all potentially responsible parties.
What if I was partially at fault for the incident?
New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. Even if you are found partially at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your total damages.
Related Legal Services in Westchester County
If you are dealing with other legal matters in Westchester County, our firm can help. We also handle business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense. For more information on personal injury law across New York, visit our New York personal injury hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Albany County and Broome County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.