Parking Lot Assault Lawyer

• Missouri: 5 years from the date of the assault or 3 years for wrongful death claims. 
• Kansas: 2 years from the date of the assault

However, it’s crucial to act quickly — evidence like surveillance footage and witness contact info disappears fast.

• Poor or non-working lighting
• No security guards or staff
• Broken gates or unlocked doors
• Lack of surveillance cameras or emergency call buttons
• Ignoring past reports of assaults or suspicious behavior
• Failure to warn visitors about known dangers

If the property had a history of crime or was located in a high-risk area, it is likely the owner, or possessor, of the property had notice of potential harm, and therefore owed a duty of reasonable care to make the premises safe. 

A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability lawsuit. It holds a property owner or business responsible when their failure to provide adequate safety measures leads to a foreseeable violent attack.

To succeed in a negligent security case, you must show:

1. A violent crime occurred on the property (typically while the business was open)
2. The owner knew, or should have known, the risk of such crimes, or that assailant possessed a dangerous propensity to harm others
3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the harm
4. That failure caused, or contributed to, the harm. 

Even if the attacker is unknown or uncharged, the focus is on the property owner’s inaction.

Victims of parking lot assaults may be eligible to recover:

Compensatory damages, including:

• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish or distress
• Costs for counseling or therapy.
• Lost wages or ability to earn income.

In addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish and deter reckless or egregious conduct.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 10% of all violent crimes occur in parking structures. These spaces often:

• Lack adequate lighting
• Have minimal or no security patrols
• Include broken gates or easy access points
• Feature poor visibility or isolated areas
• Are not monitored by cameras or alarm systems

Property owners have a duty of reasonable care to keep premises safe. When they ignore known, or foreseeable, risks, they can be held liable for assaults that occur on their premises.

Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:

• Commercial property owners
• Retail stores or shopping centers
• Apartment complex managers
• Hotels, bars, and event venues