Negligent Security

Negligent Security Attorney in Union County

When Inadequate Security Leads to an Assault or Attack

Inadequate lighting, broken locks, unsecured entrances, or ineffective security can expose people to preventable attacks. Law Office of Michael Chelland represents people injured in Union County when a property owner, business, or another responsible party may have failed to provide reasonable security.

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim involving injuries caused by criminal acts on someone else’s property. The central issue is whether the party controlling the premises took security measures that were reasonable for the property, its conditions, and the known risk of crime.

Call (908) 948-8395 for a free consultation with our negligent security lawyer serving Union County.

Property Conditions That May Support a Claim

An assault on commercial or residential property doesn’t automatically establish negligence. A claim requires evidence connecting an unreasonable security failure to the attack and resulting injuries. Reasonable security depends on how the property is used, who enters it, and whether prior incidents or surrounding conditions made an attack foreseeable.

Relevant security problems may include:

Broken or unlocked gates, exterior doors, or controlled-access entrances
Inadequate lighting around walkways, entrances, stairwells, or parking areas
Missing or malfunctioning surveillance cameras and alarm systems
Insufficient or untrained security personnel

These incidents may occur at apartment complexes, shopping centers, bars, nightclubs, and parking lots. Appropriate precautions for a residential building may differ from those expected at a late-night business or a property with a documented history of crime.

Who May Be Liable for Inadequate Property Security

Responsibility can extend to a property owner, tenant business, or hired security company. The key question is which party controlled the security measure connected to the incident. A lease, service agreement, maintenance record, or security policy may identify who was responsible for lighting, access control, surveillance, or security staffing.

A negligent security claim generally requires proof of four elements: a duty of care, a breach of that duty, causation, and actual damages. Causation requires a sufficient connection between the security failure, the attack, and the injuries for which compensation is sought.

Whether the Attack Was Foreseeable

Foreseeability asks whether a property-related risk could reasonably have been anticipated. Prior assaults, robberies, calls for service, complaints about unauthorized access, or recurring security failures may be relevant. This question is often central to determining whether the responsible party should have adopted or maintained different precautions.

Evidence Used to Develop a Claim

Evidence can disappear quickly after an attack. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, lighting repaired, and damaged locks replaced. Prompt documentation can preserve what the property looked like and how its security systems functioned at the time.

Relevant evidence may include:

Incident reports and records of prior crimes at the property
Surveillance footage, photographs, and alarm records
Witness accounts and identifying information
Maintenance records for lights, locks, gates, cameras, or access systems
Medical records documenting the injuries and treatment

Compensation in a Negligent Security Case

Depending on the injuries and available proof, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. A fatal attack may also support a wrongful death claim that includes funeral and burial expenses, along with other damages permitted under state law.

New Jersey applies comparative negligence, which assigns each party a percentage of responsibility. An injured person’s damages are reduced by that person’s percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if that percentage is greater than 50%. How this rule applies depends on the evidence and arguments raised in the case.

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Evidence-Driven Representation for Union County Injury Claims

We focus exclusively on personal injury law and represent injured plaintiffs throughout Union County. Attorney Michael Chelland previously worked for a major insurance company, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate claims, challenge causation, and attempt to limit payouts.

We use that knowledge to develop strategic, evidence-driven negligent security claims. Our representation combines clear communication, compassionate guidance, and a transparent process. We manage the legal details so clients can focus on medical care and recovery.

How We Develop a Negligent Security Case

The initial case review examines where and how the attack occurred, the injuries sustained, and the evidence that may still be available. We also consider which parties controlled the property and the security measures connected to the incident.

Claim development commonly involves:

Preserving evidence: Photographs, video, incident reports, witness information, and medical documentation can record the property conditions and resulting harm.
Identifying responsible parties: Ownership records, leases, contracts, and security arrangements may clarify who controlled the relevant safety measures.
Connecting the facts: The claim must connect the security failure and foreseeable risk to the incident and claimed damages.
Pursuing the claim: A personal injury claim may resolve through negotiation or proceed through litigation when the parties don’t reach an agreement.

Throughout the process, we communicate with insurers and opposing parties, organize supporting records, and explain significant developments. Each client receives a clear account of the claim and the decisions ahead.

Filing Deadlines & Courts in Union County

New Jersey’s general personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the incident date. This deadline generally applies to inadequate-security claims arising from criminal acts, but the applicable time limit can depend on the facts and parties involved. Prompt legal review also matters because evidence may disappear well before the filing deadline.

Union County civil injury cases involving more than $20,000 are generally heard in the Civil Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage. Claims involving an amount in controversy from $5,000 through $20,000 are generally handled in the Special Civil Part. The proper court and procedure depend on the value and circumstances of the individual claim.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Discuss Your Negligent Security Claim at No Cost

We offer free case reviews to people injured in Union County incidents involving inadequate property security. Virtual consultations and 24/7 availability provide a convenient way to discuss the incident, potential evidence, and next steps. Our contact form is also available online.

We provide contingency representation, so no upfront payment is required and legal fees are due only if we secure a settlement.

Call (908) 948-8395 to speak with our negligent security attorney serving Union County.

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"Absolute Game-Changer"
His strategic approach, attention to detail, and communication instilled confidence in me throughout the entire process. I felt empowered and supported every step of the way.

- Vanessa P.
"Helpful And Knowledable"
Extremely professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. Mr. Chelland provided me with excellent legal counsel on multiple occasions and I highly recommend!

- Former Client
"I Felt Like A Priority"
Michael made the entire process seamless. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also demonstrates genuine compassion for his clients.

- Tasha D.