Helping St. Louis Crime Victims Hold Property Owners Accountable
If you were shot, assaulted, robbed, or sexually assaulted on someone else's property in the St. Louis metro, the property owner may be liable for failing to protect you. Connect with an experienced crime victim attorney serving St. Louis for a free case review.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a form of premises liability that arises when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures and a crime victim is injured as a foreseeable result. Under Missouri law, businesses, landlords, and property managers owe a duty of care to the people who lawfully come onto their property. When that duty is breached and a crime occurs that adequate security could have prevented, the property owner can be held financially responsible for the harm.
These claims arise across the St. Louis metro at locations where crime is foreseeable but security is inadequate. A gas station along the North Florissant corridor, an apartment complex in Dutchtown or Walnut Park, a downtown parking garage, a hotel off I-70 in St. Louis County, or a bar in Soulard or the Central West End can all be the setting for a valid claim when basic security measures are missing and a violent crime occurs.
You May Have a Negligent Security Claim If:
- 1 You were the victim of a violent crime on someone else's property
- 2 The property had prior incidents of violent crime, or was located in an area with documented crime activity
- 3 The property owner failed to provide reasonable security measures (lighting, cameras, security personnel, access control)
- 4 You suffered physical injuries, emotional harm, or financial losses as a result
- 5 The crime occurred within the past 5 years (Missouri's statute of limitations for premises liability)
If three or more of these apply to your situation, you may have grounds to pursue a civil claim against the property owner. A St. Louis premises liability lawyer can review the specifics of your case at no cost.
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Featured Attorneys Serving St. Louis Crime Victims
The attorneys featured on this site take negligent security and premises liability cases across the St. Louis metro. Both bring decades of combined experience in premises liability and negligent security litigation, and both hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent peer review rating -the highest rating for professional excellence. Both attorneys take cases for clients in the St. Louis metro and represent victims in the 22nd, 21st, 11th, and 23rd Judicial Circuit Courts.
Chris Faiella
Member, Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC
Mr. Faiella has recovered more than $300 million in compensation for his clients over the course of his career. He focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance cases, including automobile collisions, truck accidents, defective products, insurance coverage disputes, agent negligence, insurance bad faith, sports and recreational injuries, civil rights, and class actions.
Mr. Faiella has authored a book on settlements and book chapters on trial practice in personal injury and products liability cases. He brings both litigation skill and deep legal scholarship to every case.
St. Louis service area: Mr. Faiella accepts negligent security and premises liability cases for clients throughout the St. Louis metro, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County.
Education
- J.D., University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law
- B.A., State University of New York
Bar Admissions
- Missouri
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Courts, W.D. & E.D. Missouri
Professional Memberships
- MATA -Board of Governors
- American Association for Justice
- Missouri Bar -Tort Law Committee
Offices
- Moberly, MO
- Columbia, MO
Dan Mizell
Owner & Manager, Deputy & Mizell, L.L.C.
Mr. Mizell has built his practice around fighting for victims of serious accidents throughout Missouri. He focuses on personal injury, workers' compensation, and wrongful death cases, including automobile accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, slip and fall claims, and workers' compensation matters.
A lifelong Missouri resident, Mr. Mizell earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he was recognized with the Order of the Barristers, the R. David Ray Award for Trial Advocacy, and the Roscoe Anderson Award for Excellence in Moot Court -- honors reflecting his exceptional courtroom abilities.
He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Laclede County Bar Association, and a Fellow of the Missouri Bar Foundation. Mr. Mizell brings both proven trial skill and a deep commitment to his community to every case he handles.
St. Louis service area: Mr. Mizell accepts negligent security and premises liability cases for clients throughout the St. Louis metro, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County.
Education
- J.D., University of Missouri School of Law
- B.S. Finance, University of Missouri, Columbia
Awards & Honors
- Order of the Barristers
- R. David Ray Award for Trial Advocacy
- Missouri Bar Foundation Fellow
Professional Memberships
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
- Missouri Bar
- Laclede County Bar Association
Offices
- Lebanon, MO (Main Office)
- Camdenton, MO
Verdicts & Settlements
A track record of securing substantial compensation for crime victims and their families.
Combined Results Across All Featured Attorneys
Chris Faiella - Over $300M in career recoveries
$1,000,000
Shooting Wrongful Death
Settlement
Seven Figures
Shooting Wrongful Death
Confidential Settlement
$800,000
Civil Rights Violation
Settlement
$350,000
Civil Rights Violation
Settlement
$250,000
Negligent Security, Personal Injury
Settlement
$100,000
Negligent Security, Personal Injury
Settlement
Confidential
Negligent Security, Bar Fight
Confidential Settlement
Seven Figures
Involuntary Manslaughter, Denial of Insurance Coverage to Shooter/Bar
Confidential Settlement
Confidential
Negligent Security, Involuntary Manslaughter, Denial of Insurance Coverage to Bar
Confidential Settlement
Dan Mizell - Over $29M in notable verdicts & settlements
$10,000,000
Wrongful Death, Hotel Chain
Date and venue confidential
$5,000,000
Fall Off Retaining Wall, Amputation
Jefferson City
$3,000,000
Manufacturing Defect
Date and venue confidential
$2,875,000
Sexual Assault, School District
School of the Osage School District
$2,250,000
Ceiling Collapse at Restaurant
Springfield
$1,730,000
Automobile Accident
Camden County
$1,500,000
Boating Accident
Lake of the Ozarks
$1,250,000
Diving Accident
Lake of the Ozarks
$875,000
Medical Malpractice
Jefferson City
$500,000
Dog Bite Accident, Facial Scarring
Settlement
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique. Confidential settlements are not disclosed by amount per court agreement.
St. Louis Crime Victims: Don't Wait to Protect Your Rights
Find out if you have a case. Free, confidential consultation with no obligation.
Negligent Security Cases We See in St. Louis
In the St. Louis metro, negligent security claims most often arise from incidents at gas stations along the North Florissant and South Grand corridors, apartment complexes in Dutchtown and North County, downtown parking garages, hotels off I-70 in St. Louis County, and bars in Soulard and the Central West End. The property types below see the highest concentration of premises liability claims across the region.
Gas Stations & Convenience Stores
24-hour operations, cash handling, and isolated locations create security responsibilities. In the St. Louis metro, gas stations along the North Florissant, South Grand, and Chouteau corridors have been the setting for multiple negligent security claims.
Expected Security Measures:
- Adequate lighting
- Working surveillance cameras
- Security personnel during high-risk hours
- Safe cash handling procedures
Apartments & Housing Complexes
Landlords have ongoing duties to maintain security in common areas. Inadequate locks, broken gate access, and missing common-area lighting are recurring failures across complexes in Dutchtown, Walnut Park, and North County.
Expected Security Measures:
- Functioning locks and gates
- Lit parking areas and walkways
- Security cameras in common areas
- Tenant screening procedures
Hotels & Motels
Guest safety is a fundamental responsibility. Hotels off I-70 corridor exits in St. Louis County and extended-stay properties in Affton and Festus have all been the setting for negligent security claims tied to inadequate locks, surveillance, and overnight staffing.
Expected Security Measures:
- Secure room locks and deadbolts
- Key card access systems
- Staff security training
- Surveillance in public areas
Parking Lots & Garages
Isolation and limited visibility make parking areas high-risk. Downtown St. Louis parking garages, surface lots serving entertainment districts, and apartment complex lots in North County and South City regularly appear in premises liability cases.
Expected Security Measures:
- Bright, consistent lighting
- Working surveillance systems
- Emergency call stations
- Security patrols
Bars & Nightclubs
Alcohol service creates heightened duties. Bars in Soulard, the Central West End, downtown St. Louis, and on Washington Avenue have been the setting for negligent security claims tied to inadequate security staff, weapons screening failures, and poor crowd management.
Expected Security Measures:
- Trained security personnel
- Crowd capacity management
- Proper ejection procedures
- Incident response protocols
Other Commercial Properties
Retail stores, shopping centers, casinos, event venues, and any other commercial property where negligent security contributed to a crime.
Expected Security Measures:
- Surveillance camera coverage
- Adequate lighting throughout
- On-site security personnel
- Emergency action plans
Data-Driven Tools
Missouri Crime Data & Security Standards by Property Type
Select a property type to see real Missouri crime statistics and the security measures that should have been in place. This is the data attorneys use to prove foreseeability and establish property owner negligence.
Parking Lot / Garage
Missouri violent crime data, 2020–2024 (FBI Crime Data Explorer)
Required Security Measures
Industry standards this property type should have met
If the property where you were injured was missing any of these security measures, you may have a negligent security claim.
Where Are Commercial Property Crimes Most Foreseeable?
Five years of Missouri crime data reveals which property types have the highest rates of violent crime, establishing clear patterns of foreseeability for negligent security cases.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Commercial Property Types
Key Finding: Parking facilities account for 30% of all violent crimes at commercial properties, making them the single most foreseeable high-risk location for premises liability claims.
Data source: FBI's Crime Data Explorer
Explore the Complete Interactive Analysis
See detailed breakdowns by crime type, property rankings, and security failure patterns. Build your case with data-driven evidence that establishes foreseeability and property owner liability.
View Full Interactive Data DashboardHow Negligent Security Applies to Each Crime Type in St. Louis
Every crime type involves different security failures and evidence. Select a crime type below to understand how negligent security law applies.
Shooting
Shooting
How Negligent Security Applies
Shootings at commercial properties often result from a combination of inadequate lighting, lack of surveillance cameras, absent security personnel, and failure to address known crime patterns. When a property owner knows -or should know -that their location is at risk for gun violence and fails to implement reasonable security measures, they may be liable for injuries and deaths that result.
Key Evidence to Preserve
- Surveillance footage (often deleted within 30-90 days)
- Police reports and crime scene documentation
- Prior incident reports or police calls to the location
- Photos of the scene showing lighting conditions and security equipment
- Witness statements from employees and bystanders
Common Property Security Failures
- No working security cameras or cameras pointed in wrong directions
- Inadequate or broken exterior lighting in parking areas
- No security guard despite history of violent incidents
- Failure to install bullet-resistant barriers in high-risk businesses
Stabbing
Stabbing
How Negligent Security Applies
Stabbings frequently occur in convenience stores, gas stations, and commercial properties where altercations escalate due to the absence of security personnel or staff training. Property owners who fail to provide adequate staffing, lighting, and access control in areas with known violent crime histories may bear liability for stabbing injuries and deaths.
Key Evidence to Preserve
- Store surveillance and exterior camera footage
- Employee schedules and staffing records for the shift
- Records of prior violent incidents or disturbances
- Medical records documenting the severity of injuries
Common Property Security Failures
- No security guard during late-night or high-risk hours
- Lack of employee de-escalation training
- No panic buttons or emergency alert systems
- Poorly designed store layout limiting visibility and escape routes
Related Cases on Our Site
Physical Assault
Physical Assault
How Negligent Security Applies
Assaults on commercial properties -including parking lots, bars, apartment common areas, and retail stores -are among the most common negligent security claims. When a property has a history of fights, disturbances, or violent confrontations and the owner fails to implement adequate security measures, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
Key Evidence to Preserve
- Security camera recordings from the property and nearby businesses
- Police call history for the property (available via records request)
- Medical records and photographs of injuries
- Witness statements from patrons, employees, or bystanders
Common Property Security Failures
- No security personnel at venues with known history of altercations
- Insufficient lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and common areas
- Failure to monitor and respond to disturbances
- No policy for handling intoxicated or aggressive patrons
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault
How Negligent Security Applies
Sexual assaults are frequently enabled by specific security failures -broken locks on hotel rooms, unmonitored stairwells in apartment complexes, dark and isolated parking areas, and lack of access control that allows unauthorized individuals onto the property. Hotels, motels, and apartment complexes have a heightened duty to protect residents and guests, especially in areas where they are most vulnerable.
Key Evidence to Preserve
- Door lock and access control records or maintenance logs
- Hallway, elevator, and parking area surveillance footage
- Guest or tenant complaints about security issues
- Records of prior incidents involving unauthorized entry
Common Property Security Failures
- Broken or non-functioning door locks, deadbolts, or window latches
- No access control -exterior doors propped open or unlocked
- Unlit or poorly lit hallways, stairwells, and parking areas
- Failure to screen or monitor who enters the property
Related Resources
Robbery / Armed Robbery
Robbery / Armed Robbery
How Negligent Security Applies
Robberies at gas stations, convenience stores, ATM locations, parking lots, and shopping centers are often predictable based on prior crime history and well-known risk factors. When property owners fail to implement basic deterrents -visible cameras, adequate lighting, security personnel during high-risk hours -and a robbery results in injury, the property owner may share liability for the harm caused.
Key Evidence to Preserve
- Security camera footage from the property and surrounding area
- Cash handling policies and procedures
- Prior robbery or theft reports at the location
- Police crime data for the surrounding area
Common Property Security Failures
- No visible security cameras (deterrent effect is critical)
- Single employee working late-night shifts alone
- No drop-safe or cash management procedures
- Obstructed windows (signage, displays) limiting visibility from the street
Related Cases on Our Site
Why You Need a St. Louis Premises Liability Lawyer
Negligent security cases are complex. An experienced attorney can make the difference between a dismissed claim and maximum compensation.
Proving Foreseeability
The single most important element in a negligent security case is proving the crime was foreseeable. Your attorney will investigate the property's crime history, obtain police reports, analyze 911 call records, and build a compelling case that the owner knew -or should have known -about the danger.
Security Expert Testimony
Experienced negligent security attorneys work with qualified security experts who evaluate the property's security measures against industry standards and testify about what specific measures should have been in place to prevent the crime.
Investigating Prior Crimes
Through the legal discovery process, your attorney can compel property owners to produce internal records, incident reports, complaints, and security assessments that the public would never otherwise see. This evidence is critical to building your case.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Property owners and their insurance companies employ experienced defense teams to minimize payouts. Your attorney ensures every element of your damages is documented and pursued, from immediate medical costs to long-term emotional trauma and lost earning capacity.
No Upfront Cost -Contingency Fee
The attorneys featured here work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and there are no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. This means every victim has access to experienced legal representation regardless of financial situation. The initial consultation is always free and confidential.
Don't Wait to Protect Your Rights
Critical evidence like surveillance footage can be lost within 30-90 days. Act now.
How Security Experts Evaluate Your Case
Security expert witnesses play a critical role in negligent security cases. Their analysis establishes whether the property owner provided reasonable security -or failed to.
What They Evaluate
- Surveillance camera placement, condition, and coverage
- Exterior and interior lighting levels (measured in foot-candles)
- Access control systems -locks, key cards, gates, fencing
- Security staffing levels relative to property size and risk
- Crime history analysis and foreseeability assessment
How They Testify
- Written expert reports detailing security deficiencies
- Deposition testimony explaining their findings under oath
- Trial testimony comparing the property's security to industry standards
- Visual exhibits -annotated site photos, lighting diagrams, security assessments
Why Their Analysis Matters
- Establishes the "standard of care" -what security should have been in place
- Identifies the gap between adequate and actual security measures
- Proves the crime was preventable with reasonable security
- References industry standards (ASIS International, CPTED principles) that courts recognize
Industry Standards vs. Actual Security: The core of expert testimony is comparing what security measures should have been in place -based on the property type, location, and crime history -against what was actually in place. The gap between the two is the foundation of your negligent security claim.
How a St. Louis Negligent Security Case Is Built
From the first phone call to resolution, here is what an experienced negligent security attorney does at each stage of your claim.
Free Case Evaluation
The attorney reviews your situation, explains your legal options, and determines whether you have a viable negligent security claim. This consultation is completely free and confidential.
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
The legal team obtains St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) and St. Louis County Police Department CAD reports, calls-for-service logs, prior incident records for the property, surveillance footage, 911 call records, the property's crime history, and any prior complaints. Speed is critical because evidence like security camera footage at St. Louis area commercial properties can be overwritten in 30–90 days.
Security Expert Analysis
Qualified security experts evaluate the property's measures against industry standards and identify specific failures that contributed to the crime. Their testimony is critical in establishing what the property owner should have done.
Building Your Claim
Your attorney documents the full scope of damages -medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma -and builds a comprehensive case demonstrating the property owner's negligence and your entitled compensation. When a lawsuit is filed, it goes to the appropriate Missouri circuit court (typically the 22nd Judicial Circuit for City of St. Louis cases, the 21st Judicial Circuit for St. Louis County cases, or the 11th, 20th, or 23rd Circuit for surrounding counties).
Negotiation or Trial
Your attorney negotiates aggressively with the property owner's insurance company for a fair settlement. If a just offer is not made, these attorneys are experienced trial lawyers prepared to take your case to a jury.
Missouri Negligent Security Law (How It Applies in St. Louis)
Missouri's Business Premises Safety Act (RSMo 537.787) establishes the legal framework for negligent security claims. Under this statute, businesses have a duty to protect visitors from criminal acts when the business knows or has reason to know that criminal activity is being committed or is reasonably likely to occur on the premises.
The statute also provides an affirmative defense for businesses that have implemented "reasonable security measures." The central question in most negligent security cases is whether the security measures in place were reasonable given the specific risks at that location.
Duty of Care
Property owners owe a duty of reasonable care to protect people on their premises from foreseeable criminal acts. This duty is heightened when the property has a known history of criminal activity.
Foreseeability
The key question is whether the crime was foreseeable. Prior crimes at the location, the property's position in a high-crime area, and industry knowledge about crime risks all contribute to foreseeability.
Statute of Limitations
Personal injury claims must be filed within 5 years in Missouri. Wrongful death claims have a 3-year deadline. Acting quickly is critical to preserve evidence.
Comparative Fault
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. Even if you are found partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
How These Apply in St. Louis Courts
Negligent security cases in the St. Louis metro typically proceed in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court (City of St. Louis), the 21st Judicial Circuit Court (St. Louis County, seated in Clayton), the 11th Judicial Circuit Court (St. Charles County), the 20th Judicial Circuit Court (Franklin County), or the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court (Jefferson County). Cases follow Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Civil Procedure. The procedural rules are uniform statewide, but each circuit has local rules covering scheduling, motion practice, and trial logistics that an experienced Missouri attorney will navigate as part of case management.
Missouri Negligent Security Case Law
Missouri courts have established important precedents defining when property owners are liable for criminal acts on their premises.
The Foreseeability Standard
Missouri courts have held that a property owner's duty to protect against criminal acts arises when the criminal activity was reasonably foreseeable. Foreseeability can be established through evidence of prior similar crimes at the location, the property's position in a high-crime area, or the nature of the business making certain crimes predictable. Courts apply a "totality of the circumstances" approach rather than requiring identical prior incidents.
Duty Regarding Third-Party Criminal Acts
While property owners are generally not insurers of visitor safety, Missouri courts recognize that business owners who invite the public onto their property owe a duty of reasonable care to protect against foreseeable criminal acts by third parties. This duty is heightened when the property has a documented history of criminal activity or is located in an area with elevated crime rates.
The "Reasonable Security Measures" Defense
RSMo § 537.787 -Missouri Business Premises Safety Act
Under Missouri's Business Premises Safety Act (RSMo 537.787), businesses have an affirmative defense if they can demonstrate that "reasonable security measures" were in place. Courts evaluate what is "reasonable" based on the property type, its crime history, the surrounding area, industry standards, and the specific risks the property faces. Simply having cameras that don't work or lights that are burned out does not satisfy this standard.
Comparative Fault in Security Cases
Missouri's pure comparative fault system means that even if a victim is found partially at fault, they can still recover damages -reduced by their percentage of fault. In negligent security cases, property owners frequently argue that the victim's own actions contributed to their injuries. However, Missouri courts have recognized that a crime victim's presence at a location does not constitute contributory negligence when the property owner failed to provide adequate security.
Case law summaries describe general legal principles established by Missouri courts. Consult an attorney for how these precedents apply to your specific situation.
Serving Crime Victims Across the St. Louis Metro
The attorneys featured on this site take negligent security cases across the entire St. Louis metro, including St. Louis City, all of St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County. While neither firm office is located in St. Louis, both attorneys regularly travel to St. Louis circuit courts and accept cases throughout the St. Louis metro.
Counties Served
- St. Louis City
- St. Louis County
- St. Charles County
- Jefferson County
- Franklin County
Cities, Suburbs & Neighborhoods Served
- Downtown St. Louis
- North St. Louis
- South St. Louis
- Dutchtown
- South Grand
- The Loop
- University City
- Central West End
- Soulard
- Clayton
- Affton
- Ferguson
- Florissant
- Maplewood
- Festus
- Lake Saint Louis
- O'Fallon
- St. Charles
- Washington
- Imperial
Firm Offices
While neither office is located in St. Louis, both attorneys regularly travel to St. Louis circuit courts and accept cases throughout the St. Louis metro.
Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC
Chris Faiella
Moberly, MO
North Central Missouri
Columbia, MO
Central Missouri
Serving clients across Northern & Central Missouri, including Kansas City and surrounding areas
Deputy & Mizell, L.L.C.
Dan Mizell
Lebanon, MO
Southern Missouri (Main Office)
Camdenton, MO
Lake of the Ozarks
Serving clients across Southern Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks region, Springfield, and surrounding areas
Both attorneys take St. Louis area cases and travel to St. Louis area circuit courts for matters that proceed to litigation. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis with no upfront cost to St. Louis metro clients.
Your Rights as a Crime Victim in Missouri
A quick reference for Missouri crime victims considering a negligent security claim.
Right to Pursue Civil Action
You can file a civil lawsuit against the property owner regardless of whether the criminal is caught, charged, or convicted. The civil case is completely separate from any criminal prosecution -and the burden of proof is lower.
Statute of Limitations
Personal injury claims: 5 years from the date of injury. Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death. Do not wait -surveillance footage can be deleted within 30-90 days. Learn more about time limits.
Comparative Fault
Missouri uses pure comparative fault. Even if you are found partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. This is more favorable to victims than many other states. Understand comparative fault.
No Upfront Cost
Negligent security attorneys work on contingency -you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. The initial consultation is free and confidential. There is no financial risk to exploring your legal options.
What NOT to Do After Being a Crime Victim
- × Do NOT sign anything from the property owner's insurance company without legal counsel
- × Do NOT give a recorded statement to the property's insurer -it can be used against you
- × Do NOT accept a quick settlement offer -early offers are almost always far below what your case is worth
- × Do NOT wait too long -critical evidence like surveillance footage disappears quickly, and deadlines are firm
Local Victim Resources in St. Louis
A civil lawsuit is one option among many for crime victims. Immediate support resources are often what survivors need first. The St. Louis area programs below provide victim services, medical care, crisis support, and trauma resources separately from any legal action.
Local Victim Services Offices
These offices provide advocacy, court accompaniment, and assistance navigating the criminal justice process. They operate independently of civil legal action and can be contacted regardless of whether you choose to pursue a civil claim.
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St. Louis City Circuit Attorney's Victim Services Unit
Contact information to be verified with the office before publication.
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St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Victim Services
Contact information to be verified with the office before publication.
Hospitals with SANE Programs
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs provide specialized medical care and forensic evidence collection for sexual assault survivors. A SANE exam can be performed regardless of whether you choose to report the assault to police; evidence collected during the exam can be preserved for future use if you decide to report later.
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Mercy Hospital St. Louis
SANE program availability to be verified before publication.
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Barnes-Jewish Hospital
SANE program availability to be verified before publication.
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SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
SANE program availability to be verified before publication.
Crisis Hotlines
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National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
24/7, confidential
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Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Statewide referral resource
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Safe Connections St. Louis
Current crisis line number to be verified before publication.
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Bridgeway Behavioral Health
Current crisis line number to be verified before publication.
Missouri Crime Victims Compensation Program
The Missouri Department of Public Safety operates a Crime Victims Compensation Program that may provide financial assistance for medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and other costs not covered by insurance or other sources. The program is separate from any civil lawsuit and does not require the criminal to be identified or convicted.
Phone: 573-526-6006
Web: dps.mo.gov
Counseling and Trauma Support
Long-term counseling and trauma-focused therapy are often part of recovery after a violent crime. Survivors in the St. Louis metro can find local mental health support through their primary care provider, employee assistance programs, or by contacting one of the crisis support organizations listed above for referrals to trauma-informed counselors.
Every program name, phone number, and address in this section should be confirmed against the originating organization before publication. Local resources change; the Crime Victim Justice editorial team verifies this list periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Claims in St. Louis
Common questions about negligent security claims in Missouri.
Can I sue a property owner if I was attacked on their property in St. Louis?
Yes, you may have a claim if the property owner failed to provide adequate security and the attack was foreseeable. Under Missouri's Business Premises Safety Act (RSMo 537.787), property owners can be held liable if they knew or should have known that criminal acts were reasonably likely to occur and failed to implement reasonable security measures. You are not suing the criminal. You are suing the property owner for creating conditions that allowed the crime to happen.
What does "negligent security" actually mean?
Negligent security is a legal claim against a property owner who failed to provide reasonable security measures when crime was foreseeable. It is a specific type of premises liability. To win, you generally need to show four things: the property owner had a duty of care to you, the crime was foreseeable, the security was inadequate, and the inadequate security contributed to your injuries.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri's statute of limitations for premises liability claims is 5 years from the date of your injury. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of death. While these deadlines may seem generous, critical evidence like surveillance footage, witness memories, and physical conditions at the property deteriorate rapidly. Early consultation with a crime victim attorney in St. Louis is important.
Can I sue even if the criminal was never caught?
Yes. A negligent security lawsuit targets the property owner, not the criminal. Your claim is based on the property owner's failure to provide adequate security, not on identifying or convicting the person who attacked you. Many successful negligent security claims proceed without the criminal ever being identified.
Will I have to go to court?
Most negligent security cases settle before trial. The investigation, expert reports, and discovery process often produce enough evidence to bring the property owner to a negotiated resolution. Cases that do not settle proceed to trial, where a jury decides liability and damages. Your attorney will prepare you fully for any court appearance that becomes necessary.
What does a negligent security lawyer cost?
The attorneys featured on this site work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs to you, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses during the case. The attorneys only get paid if they win or settle your case, and their fee comes out of the recovery.
What damages can I recover?
Crime victims in negligent security cases may recover compensation for medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, families may recover loss of companionship, financial support, funeral expenses, and the victim's pre-death pain and suffering. Missouri does not cap damages in most premises liability cases.
What if I share some fault for what happened?
Missouri follows pure comparative fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you share some responsibility. Being present at a location late at night or in a high-crime area does not make you at fault for being a crime victim. An experienced attorney can address fault arguments raised by the defense.
Where do St. Louis negligent security lawsuits get filed?
Negligent security cases involving incidents in the City of St. Louis are filed in the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. Cases involving incidents in St. Louis County are filed in the 21st Judicial Circuit Court (seated in Clayton). St. Charles County cases go to the 11th Judicial Circuit. Jefferson County cases go to the 23rd Judicial Circuit. Franklin County cases proceed in the 20th Judicial Circuit. The attorneys featured on this site take cases across all of these circuits.
Are there St. Louis specific deadlines or rules I should know about?
The substantive law that governs negligent security claims is the same across Missouri. The 5-year statute of limitations and pure comparative fault rule apply statewide. What changes by location is the speed at which evidence disappears. Surveillance footage at St. Louis area commercial properties is typically overwritten within 30 to 90 days. Acting quickly to send preservation letters is the single most important step a St. Louis premises liability lawyer can take after being retained.
Have More Questions?
Speak directly with an experienced negligent security attorney. No cost, no obligation.
Civil Lawsuit vs. Criminal Case
Your civil negligent security claim is completely separate from any criminal prosecution. Here is how they differ.
| Aspect | Criminal Case | Civil Lawsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Who brings it | State / prosecutor | You (the victim) |
| Against whom | The criminal offender | The property owner |
| Goal | Punish the offender | Compensate the victim |
| Burden of proof | Beyond reasonable doubt | Preponderance of evidence (lower) |
| Your role | Witness | Plaintiff -you control the case |
| Outcome | Jail / prison / probation | Financial compensation |
| Cost to you | None (state pays) | No upfront cost (contingency fee) |
Recent Negligent Security Cases in St. Louis
The cases below illustrate how negligent security claims arise across different property types and neighborhoods in the St. Louis metro. Each links to a full case summary.
Fatal Stabbing at Busch Stadium During Overnight Cleanup
Arrin Jones, 27, was fatally stabbed at Busch Stadium in St. Louis during overnight cleanup on May 4, 2026. Both men were third-party contracted workers.
Read Full Analysis → Coffee Shop / Drive-ThruFatal Shooting at Starbucks Drive-Thru - South Grand, St. Louis
Gabrielle "Sam" Linehan, 28, was fatally shot at a Starbucks drive-thru on South Grand Blvd in St. Louis. The suspect was linked to a pattern of armed robberies along Grand Boulevard.
Read Full Analysis → Gas Station / Convenience StoreSouth St. Louis BP Gas Station Christmas Day Homicide
68-year-old Albert Willis was fatally shot at a BP gas station on South Kingshighway on Christmas Day 2025. Police seek two suspects as questions arise about gas station security.
Read Full Analysis → Hotel / MotelFatal Shooting at Americas Best Value Inn - Affton
Jason Manes, 47, was fatally shot at Americas Best Value Inn in Affton following an altercation. A woman was taken into custody as a person of interest.
Read Full Analysis →Get Your Free Case Evaluation
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Other Missouri Metros
The attorneys featured on this site take cases across Missouri. If your incident occurred outside the St. Louis metro, dedicated Kansas City and Springfield resource hubs are in development. In the meantime, you can browse all Missouri metros from the cities hub or request a free case evaluation directly.
Related Resources
Pillar guides and data resources that complement this St. Louis page.
Pillar Guide
Missouri Premises Liability Guide
The cornerstone explainer for negligent security and premises liability claims under Missouri law.
Pillar Guide
Negligent Security Explained
Deep dive into how negligent security claims work and the four elements you need to prove.
Pillar Guide
Civil vs. Criminal Cases
Why you can pursue a civil lawsuit even when the criminal case is pending or the attacker is never caught.
Pillar Guide
Time Limits to File a Claim
Missouri's 5-year personal injury and 3-year wrongful death deadlines, plus evidence-preservation timelines.
Data
Missouri 2025 Crime Analysis
FBI Crime Data Explorer analysis of Missouri violent crime trends from 2020 through 2024.
Data
Missouri Property Security Analysis
Violent crime by property type at Missouri commercial locations across the 2020-2024 period.