When you sign a lease and move into an apartment complex, you expect the property to be a safe place for you and your family. Unfortunately, not all landlords and property managers take their responsibility for safety seriously. Poor lighting, broken locks, and a lack of security measures can create dangerous conditions where crime is more likely to happen. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one because of inadequate security at an apartment complex, you may have legal options.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we represent victims and families in Oklahoma City and across the state who have suffered due to negligent property owners. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is Considered Inadequate Security in Oklahoma?
Apartment complexes have a legal duty to keep tenants and visitors safe from foreseeable harm. This doesn’t mean landlords must guarantee safety, but they are required to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of criminal activity.
Common examples of inadequate security in apartment complexes include:
- Broken or missing locks on doors, gates, and windows
- Poor lighting in parking lots, hallways, and stairwells
- Failure to repair or maintain security cameras and alarm systems
- No security personnel in high-crime areas
- Ignoring reports of prior criminal activity on the property
When these issues are left unaddressed, tenants and their guests are put at risk of assault, robbery, or other violent crimes.
Can You Hold a Landlord Liable for Crime on Their Property in Oklahoma?
Under Oklahoma law, property owners can be held responsible if their negligence creates conditions that make crime more likely. If a crime was foreseeable, either because of prior incidents or a failure to maintain reasonable security, and you were injured as a result, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
In tragic cases where a tenant loses their life, surviving family members may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits not only seek financial compensation but can also hold negligent landlords accountable and help prevent future tragedies.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If you’ve been the victim of a crime due to poor security at an apartment complex, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship
Every case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the details of your situation.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
Negligent security cases can be complex. Landlords and their insurance companies often deny liability and claim they couldn’t have predicted the crime. At Koller Baker & Associates, our attorneys know how to build strong cases by uncovering evidence of negligence and proving that the harm you suffered was preventable.
We work with security experts, review police reports, and analyze crime patterns to hold property owners accountable. Whether through negotiation or in court, we fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights.
Contact Koller Baker & Associates Today
If you or a loved one has been harmed because of poor security at an apartment complex, do not wait to get legal advice. The sooner you act, the more effectively we can gather crucial evidence, build a strong case, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for your losses.
Contact Koller Baker & Associates today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and hold negligent property owners accountable.
