When a property owner in Martins Ferry fails to provide adequate security — functioning locks, proper lighting, security personnel where warranted — and someone is assaulted or robbed on the premises, the owner may be liable for the victim's injuries. The Henry Law Firm holds negligent property owners accountable for violent crimes they could have prevented.
Property Owners Profit While Victims Pay
Hotels, apartment complexes, parking garages, bars, and retail stores that cut corners on security increase their profits — while creating dangerous environments for customers and tenants. When crime was foreseeable and precautions were inadequate, The Henry Law Firm holds these property owners financially accountable.
What Constitutes Negligent Security?
A negligent security claim arises when a property owner's failure to take reasonable security precautions contributes to a criminal act that injures someone on their property. The key question is foreseeability — could the property owner have reasonably anticipated that criminal activity might occur?
Evidence of Inadequate Security
- Broken or missing locks on doors, gates, and windows
- Non-functional security cameras or surveillance systems
- Inadequate exterior and interior lighting
- No security guards in high-crime areas
- Overgrown landscaping creating concealment opportunities
- Failure to screen employees or contractors
- Lack of controlled-access entry systems
- Prior criminal incidents on the property without improved security
Common Crimes in Negligent Security Cases in Martins Ferry
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assault and rape
- Armed robbery and mugging
- Carjacking in parking structures
- Shootings and stabbings
- Home invasion at apartment complexes
- Kidnapping and abduction
Foreseeability and Prior Crimes
A critical element of negligent security cases is proving the crime was foreseeable. Evidence can include prior crime reports on or near the property, complaints from tenants or visitors about safety, police activity logs for the area, the property's location in a high-crime neighborhood, and industry standards for security measures at similar properties in Martins Ferry.
Ohio negligent security cases require establishing that: (1) the property owner had a duty to provide adequate security; (2) the owner breached that duty; (3) the criminal act was foreseeable; and (4) the inadequate security was a proximate cause of the victim's injuries. The Henry Law Firm builds this four-element proof in every Martins Ferry negligent security case.
Crime History Investigation and Expert Security Standards
The Henry Law Firm investigates prior criminal incidents at the property and surrounding area, secures expert testimony on industry security standards, and establishes that the property owner's failure to act was a foreseeable cause of your Martins Ferry assault or robbery.
Your Attorney: Eric Henry
At The Henry Law Firm, every client works directly with Eric Henry from the first call through resolution. With $50M+ recovered and 1,000+ cases won, we bring the experience and resolve that serious injury cases demand.
Eric and his team proudly serve residents of Martins Ferry and Belmont County from offices in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland.
What Our Clients Say
"It was a pleasure to work with Eric. He was very helpful, approachable, and informative right from the beginning. He gave us peace of mind that everything was being handled properly." — Paula M., Google Review
"I had another law firm prior and after months of them never really answering my calls, I found The Henry Law Firm. The difference was night and day. Highly recommend." — Arthur R., Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is negligent security?
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures and someone is injured by a criminal act as a result. If the crime was foreseeable — meaning the property owner knew or should have known about the risk — they can be held liable for your injuries.
What locations in Martins Ferry are most likely to have negligent security claims?
Negligent security claims are common at apartment complexes, parking garages and lots, hotels and motels, shopping centers and malls, nightclubs and bars, gas stations and convenience stores, hospitals and medical facilities, and office buildings.
What do I need to prove in a negligent security case?
You must prove the property owner owed you a duty of care, the owner failed to provide adequate security, the crime was foreseeable (often proven by prior criminal activity in the area), and the lack of security was a substantial factor in causing your injuries.
Other Practice Areas in Martins Ferry
The Henry Law Firm handles a full range of personal injury cases for Martins Ferry residents. Explore our other practice areas:
Car Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Slip and Fall Lawyer
Premises Liability Lawyer
Serving Martins Ferry from Our Ohio Offices
The Henry Law Firm serves Martins Ferry and all of Belmont County from two convenient locations:
- 8401 Chagrin Road, Suite 18, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
- 850 Euclid Ave, Suite 1012, Cleveland, OH 44114
We offer free consultations by phone, video, or in person. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can come to you anywhere in Belmont County. Call (216) 302-9500 to schedule.
Assaulted at a Martins Ferry Business or Property? Call The Henry Law Firm.
Free case evaluation for Belmont County negligent security victims. Call (216) 302-9500. Contingency fee — no upfront costs.
Content reviewed by Eric Henry, Esq. — Last updated April 2026.
