Negligent Security Attorney in Oxnard

Hold Property Owners Accountable & Get Trusted Legal Support in Oxnard

If you or someone you love was harmed because a property owner in Oxnard failed to provide reasonable security, you may have a claim for negligent security. Assaults, robberies, and other violent incidents can often be traced to preventable safety failures like broken gates, poor lighting, missing cameras, or a history of prior incidents that went ignored.

Schurmer Reese Davies, helps people across Oxnard and Ventura County hold property owners and managers accountable when lax safety leads to life-changing injuries. Our team investigates quickly, preserves evidence, and pursues full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care.

Request a free consultation with an Oxnard negligent security lawyer today. Hablamos español. 

What Is Negligent Security in California?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It arises when a property owner or occupier fails to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties. Reasonable security varies by location and risk, but commonly includes adequate lighting, working locks and gates, trained security personnel when appropriate, visitor screening policies, functioning surveillance cameras, and prompt responses to prior threats or incidents.

In California, property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to maintain their premises in a condition that is safe for guests and lawful visitors. That duty extends to security measures when criminal activity is reasonably foreseeable. If a landlord, retailer, hotel, bar, or parking facility ignores warning signs or cuts corners on safety, and someone is attacked as a result, the owner can be held civilly liable for the harm caused.

Common Oxnard Locations Where Negligent Security Claims Arise

Negligent security claims may arise across Ventura County wherever the public is invited and safety lapses occur, including:

• Apartment and condominium complexes
• Shopping centers and grocery store parking lots
• Hotels, motels, and short-term rentals
• Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues
• Office buildings and commercial plazas
• Transit stops and rideshare pickup areas
• Hospitals and medical campuses
• College housing and school facilities
• Storage facilities and industrial yards
• Marinas and waterfront parking near Channel Islands Harbor

The key question is not the type of property, but whether the harm was foreseeable and preventable with reasonable measures.

How We Build a Strong Negligent Security Lawsuit in Oxnard

Every case turns on evidence. Our team moves fast to secure and analyze the facts that prove the owner could and should have done more to protect you.

Rapid Evidence Preservation

Time is critical. Security video is often overwritten within days. Maintenance logs and incident reports can be misplaced. We send preservation letters immediately to property owners, management companies, and third-party security vendors to secure:

• Surveillance footage covering all angles and time frames
• Access control data and keycard logs
• Lighting and camera maintenance records
• Prior incident and police call histories
• Security staffing schedules and post orders
• Lease agreements, vendor contracts, and property policies

Forseeability Analysis and Prior Incidents

To win a negligent security case, we often show that the risk was foreseeable. We gather prior incident reports, crime grid data, and internal complaints to establish that the owner had notice of danger. A pattern of assaults, robberies, car break-ins, trespassing, or domestic disturbances signals the need for enhanced security. Even a single serious incident can trigger a duty to evaluate and improve safety measures.

Site Inspection and Human Factors

We conduct detailed site inspections, sometimes with security consultants, to document:

• Burned-out or inadequate lighting levels
• Broken or propped-open gates
• Inoperative cameras or blind spots
• Landscaping that creates hiding places
• Poor line of sight to entrances and exits
• Lack of security patrols during peak risk hours
• Untested or ignored alarm systems

We also examine how people move through the property. Poor design, confusing signage, and bottlenecks can increase vulnerability, especially in parking structures and stairwells.

Medical, Economic, and Non-Economic Damages

Your damages include much more than the first emergency room bill. We work with medical providers and life care planners to value future treatment and rehabilitation. Economists quantify lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and household services. California law also allows recovery for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

California Law, Deadlines, and Comparative Fault

California premises liability law requires proof that the defendant owed a duty, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. Owners must take reasonable steps that a prudent person would take under similar circumstances to secure the property.

Most negligent security claims must be filed within two years of the injury. If the property is owned by a public entity, a government claim may need to be filed within six months, with shorter timelines and special procedures. Because deadlines can be unforgiving, it is wise to start your claim as soon as possible.

California uses pure comparative negligence. That means your compensation can be reduced if a jury assigns you a percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you were partly responsible. Insurance carriers sometimes try to shift blame onto victims by pointing to distractions, alcohol consumption, or where you parked. We anticipate these arguments and prepare evidence to counter them.

Who Can Be Held Responsible

Multiple parties may share responsibility for negligent security, including:

• Property owners and landlords
• Property managers and asset managers
• Security companies and guard providers
• Maintenance vendors and lighting contractors
• Event promoters and venue operators
• Tenants who control parts of the premises

We analyze contracts to determine who controlled security decisions and who had the ability to fix hazards. Liability may be shared among several defendants, increasing the available insurance coverage for a fair recovery.

What Reasonable Security Looks Like

Reasonable does not always mean elaborate. It means appropriate for the risks at hand. Examples include:

• Adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, corridors, and entrances
• Functioning, recorded security cameras with signage that deters crime
• Regular patrols during known high-risk hours
• Controlled access with working locks, keypads, or keycards
• Trained staff who monitor and respond to suspicious activity
• Prompt repairs to broken gates, fences, and doors
• Clear policies for handling loitering, trespassing, and prior threats
• Coordination with local law enforcement when crime trends change

If a property owner cuts corners on any of these measures and a preventable crime occurs, civil liability can follow.

Steps to Take After an Assault or Attack on Private Property

Your safety comes first, and swift action can protect your health and your legal rights.

Get Medical Care and Report the Incident

Seek medical attention right away and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and obtain a copy of any incident report. If law enforcement responds, ask for the report number.

Preserve Evidence

If you can, take photos or videos of the area where the incident happened. Note the lighting conditions, broken locks or gates, and any cameras in view. Save torn clothing, damaged personal property, and all medical documentation. Keep a journal of pain, anxiety, and how the event affects your daily life.

Do Not Rush to a Settlement

Insurance adjusters may call quickly with questions or an early settlement offer. These offers often undervalue long-term medical needs and future losses. Speak with a negligent security lawyer in Oxnard before giving statements or signing documents.

How Schurmer Reese Davies Advances Your Case

We guide clients through every stage, from investigation to negotiation and trial if necessary, with a focus on timely communication and results.

Thorough Case Development

• Immediate evidence preservation and property inspections
• Collaboration with security professionals and medical experts
• Calculation of present and future economic losses
• Identification of all liable parties and insurance policies

Strategic Negotiation

We present clear liability and damages packages that show why full compensation is warranted. We prepare every case as if it will be tried, which strengthens your position at the negotiating table.

Trial Readiness

If fair compensation is not offered, we are prepared to present your case to a Ventura County jury with compelling visuals, witness testimony, and a clear narrative of how security failures caused your harm.

Why Hire a Negligent Security Lawyer in Oxnard?

For over 50 years, our family-owned law firm has represented injured individuals and grieving families throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Our client-driven approach sets us apart from other firms in the area. We treat every case—no matter the size—with respect and focused attention. The long history of our legal team underscores our commitment to holding businesses and property owners accountable when they neglect public safety. You will work with a group that values clear communication, keeps you updated, and helps you rebuild confidence during each phase of your case.

Clients trust our negligent security attorneys in Oxnard for many reasons, including:

• Deep roots in Southern California. Serving Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County communities for generations
• Proven record with significant verdicts & settlements. Extensive experience with personal injury and wrongful death claims
• Attentive, compassionate service. Equitable commitment to every client, from the simplest to the most complex cases

We know the importance of listening to every family and prioritizing the real, day-to-day impact of each injury or loss. Our firm’s familiarity with Ventura County courts and local legal practices helps us anticipate the steps that matter most for your case. Whether your incident happened in a neighborhood, commercial district, or public venue, you can rely on our insight and commitment to Oxnard residents as we guide you through your negligent security claim.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the crime was foreseeable?

Foreseeability often rests on prior incidents at the property or in the immediate area, complaints from tenants or customers, and the nature of the business. If similar crimes occurred before or the owner knew about threats, stronger security measures were likely required.

What if the attacker was never caught?

Identifying the assailant is not required for a negligent security claim. The focus is on the property owner’s conduct and whether reasonable security would have prevented or reduced the harm.

Can I bring a claim if I was a visitor or delivery driver?

Yes. Premises liability duties generally extend to lawful visitors, including guests, customers, vendors, delivery drivers, and rideshare users who are on the property for legitimate purposes.

What if I was injured in a parking lot away from the store entrance?

Parking lots, garages, and walkways are part of the premises. If inadequate lighting, lack of cameras, or poor patrols contributed to the incident, the property owner can still be responsible.

How long will my case take?

It depends on the severity of injuries, how quickly you reach medical stability, and whether liability is disputed. Some cases resolve in months, while complex cases involving multiple defendants or disputed liability can take longer. Starting early helps preserve crucial evidence and can speed up the process.

Will bringing a claim affect my immigration status?

A civil personal injury claim is separate from immigration matters. Many clients pursue claims regardless of immigration status. Speak privately with your attorney about any concerns so we can protect your interests.

What compensation can I recover?

Depending on the case, you may recover medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In severe cases involving reckless conduct, punitive damages may be available.

Take action now to protect your rights in Oxnard and Ventura County

Property owners and managers have legal obligations to keep people safe. If you were injured due to negligent security anywhere in Oxnard or Ventura County, act quickly to preserve evidence and start your claim. Our team can evaluate your case and outline the next steps at no cost.

Call (805) 470-1628 today to take the first step toward clarity, reassurance, and recovery with dedicated help from our negligent security attorney in Oxnard. Hablamos español.