Assaults in Parking Lots & Garages
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Parking lots and garages are among the most common locations for assaults, especially when property owners fail to provide adequate security. Poor lighting, broken gates, and a lack of surveillance can turn a routine stop into a traumatic, life-altering experience.
If you’ve been assaulted in a parking lot or parking garage, you may have grounds for a negligent security lawsuit — even if the attacker hasn’t been identified or prosecuted.
At Monsees & Mayer, we help victims hold property owners, landlords, and businesses accountable when they fail to protect public safety.
Why Parking Lots Are High-Risk Locations for Assaults
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.
Our Proven Results
What Is a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
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:
- A violent crime occurred on the property (typically while the business was open).
- The owner knew, or should have known, the risk of such crimes, or that assailant possessed a dangerous propensity to harm others.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the harm.
- 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.
Who Can Be Sued in a Parking Lot Assault Case?
Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:
- Commercial property owners
- Retail stores or shopping centers
- Apartment complex managers
- Hotels, bars, and event venues
Common Security Failures That Can Lead to Liability
- 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.
Deadlines to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit
However, it’s crucial to act quickly — evidence like surveillance footage and witness contact info disappears fast.
Statute of Limitations for Missouri
5 years from the date of the assault or 3 years for wrongful death claims.
Statute of Limitations for Kansas
2 years from the date of the assault
How Monsees & Mayer Helps Parking Lot Assault Victims
Our team has extensive experience in premises liability and negligent security cases, especially those involving:
- Parking lot and garage assaults
- Apartment complex attacks
- Hotel or event venue incidents
- Bar and nightclub parking lot violence
We work with security experts, investigators, and trauma professionals to build strong, survivor-focused cases.