Great Falls Negligent Security Lawyer

If you or someone you love was attacked, robbed, or assaulted on someone else’s property, you may be wondering whether anything could have been done to prevent it. You may also be searching for a negligent security attorney that Great Falls residents can turn to for honest answers about their rights. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we help Montanans explore civil claims when unsafe properties contribute to violent crime.

We know you may be dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting bills. You might not be sure who is responsible beyond the attacker or whether a claim is even possible. Our attorneys are here to listen, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through each step if you decide to move forward.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (406) 233-1302.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a specific type of premises liability claim. While a typical "slip and fall" case involves a physical hazard like a wet floor, a negligent security case involves a criminal act by a third party that could have been prevented.

In Montana, property owners are not responsible for every random crime. However, if a crime was foreseeable—perhaps because of a history of similar incidents on the property or the high-crime nature of the neighborhood—the owner must take steps to deter it. If they don't, and you are harmed, they may be liable for your damages.

Properties That Require Security

Any property open to the public or tenants in Great Falls may have a duty to provide security. The level of security required depends on the type of property and its history. Common locations where negligent security claims arise include:

• Apartment Complexes and Rental Units: Landlords must ensure common areas, parking lots, and individual units have working locks and adequate lighting.
• Hotels and Motels: Travelers are vulnerable; "innkeepers" owe a high duty of care to ensure unauthorized guests cannot access guest floors.
• Shopping Centers and Malls: Large parking lots and dimly lit corridors at the Holiday Village Mall or surrounding retail hubs can become magnets for theft and assault if not patrolled.
• Bars, Nightclubs, and Restaurants: Establishments serving alcohol must manage "over-served" or aggressive patrons and provide bouncers or security when necessary.
• Parking Garages and Lots: Isolated areas require functional surveillance cameras and emergency call stations.
• Gas Stations and Convenience Stores: Because these often operate late at night and handle cash, they are frequent targets for robberies that could be deterred with proper glass, lighting, and alarms.

Common Examples of Inadequate Security

Negligence isn't always about the total absence of security; often, it is the failure to maintain existing measures. Common examples of inadequate security in Great Falls include:

• Broken or Malfunctioning Locks: Failing to repair a broken gate or a "propped open" back door in an apartment building.
• Inadequate Lighting: Burned-out bulbs in a parking lot or pitch-black stairwells that allow criminals to hide in the shadows.
• Lack of Security Cameras: Failing to install cameras in high-risk areas or neglecting to fix cameras that haven't worked for months.
• Insufficient Security Personnel: Failing to hire enough guards or bouncers for a large event or a high-traffic business.
• Poorly Trained Staff: When security guards aren't trained on how to intervene or when to call the Great Falls Police Department.
• Failure to Warn: If a property owner knows about a string of recent muggings but fails to notify residents or customers.

Who is Liable for Negligent Security?

Liability in a negligent security case can be complex. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for your safety:

• The Property Owner: The entity that owns the land or building.
• The Property Manager: A third-party company hired to oversee daily operations and maintenance.
• The Business Tenant: A store or restaurant that leases the space and is responsible for its immediate surroundings.
• Security Companies: If a business hired a security firm and that firm's employees were negligent in their duties.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify every liable party. We look at police reports, "calls for service" to that address, and internal maintenance logs to prove the owner knew—or should have known—that you were at risk.

Negligent Security Claims FAQs

Can I still sue the property owner if the criminal was never caught?

Yes. A negligent security claim is a civil lawsuit against the property owner, not a criminal case against the attacker. While the criminal is responsible for the crime, the property owner is responsible for the environment that allowed the crime to happen. You do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil claim.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

Victims of violent crimes often face lifelong physical and emotional scars. We fight for:

• Past and future medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, therapy).
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress and PTSD treatment.
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence).

Does Montana's "Comparative Negligence" rule apply?

Montana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you were partially at fault for the incident (for example, by ignoring clearly marked "no trespassing" signs), your compensation may be reduced. However, as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.

How long do I have to file a claim in Great Falls?

In Montana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the incident. However, gathering evidence like surveillance footage—which is often deleted after 30 days—requires immediate action.