Negligent security cases in Franklin County require proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk of criminal activity and failed to take reasonable precautions. The Henry Law Firm investigates crime histories, security protocols, and industry standards to build these claims.
The Criminal Perpetrator May Be Uncatchable or Uninsured — the Property Owner Is Not
In many Westerville negligent security cases, the criminal perpetrator is unknown, judgment-proof, or already in custody with no assets. The civil case against the negligent property owner is often the only realistic path to compensation for the victim's injuries and losses.
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 Westerville
- 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 Westerville.
Prior similar criminal incidents at the same property are the strongest evidence of foreseeability in Westerville negligent security cases. Police incident reports, 911 call records, and witness statements can establish that the property owner knew about ongoing criminal activity and failed to respond adequately.
Full Recovery for Violent Crime Injuries
Negligent security damages can include medical bills, lost wages, psychological trauma, PTSD treatment, and pain and suffering. The Henry Law Firm fights for the full value of your Franklin County negligent security claim — not just the easily quantified economic losses.
Your Attorney: Eric Henry
Personal injury cases are not won by volume — they're won by preparation, persistence, and experience. Eric Henry brings all three to every case at The Henry Law Firm, with $50M+ recovered to prove it.
Eric and his team proudly serve residents of Westerville and Franklin County from offices in Chagrin Falls and Cleveland.
What Our Clients Say
"I couldn't have asked for a more courteous and professional experience. The team regularly kept me up to date with the status of my case. Highly recommend — they will be my first call." — Kevin G., Google Review
"The Henry Law Firm did an outstanding job handling my medical malpractice case. They were professional, compassionate, and really took the time to explain all my options. I felt supported throughout." — Henry P., 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 Westerville 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 Westerville
The Henry Law Firm handles a full range of personal injury cases for Westerville 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 Westerville from Our Ohio Offices
The Henry Law Firm serves Westerville and all of Franklin 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 Franklin County. Call (216) 302-9500 to schedule.
The Property Owner May Owe You Compensation — Call The Henry Law Firm Today.
Free consultation for Westerville and Franklin County crime victims. (216) 302-9500. No fee unless we win.
Content reviewed by Eric Henry, Esq. — Last updated April 2026.
