Were you assaulted in a hotel parking lot, robbed at a gas station, or attacked in a poorly lit stairwell? When violent crimes occur on business property, victims often feel helpless and alone. But Missouri law recognizes that property owners have a responsibility to protect you from foreseeable dangers—and when they fail, they can be held accountable for your injuries.
At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully represented crime victims throughout Missouri for more than 20 years. We understand the unique challenges of negligent security cases and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Business Owner Duties
Business owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises and protect visitors from foreseeable risks, including violent crimes. If a property is located in a high-crime area, owners must implement appropriate security measures such as adequate lighting, functioning locks, security cameras, or trained security personnel. When businesses choose to ignore these responsibilities and unnecessarily expose customers to danger, Missouri law holds them liable for resulting harm.
Common Scenarios Involving Business Liability
Crime victims may have valid claims against businesses in numerous situations, including:
- Hotel guests who are assaulted in their rooms or parking areas
- Convenience store customers robbed or shot while pumping gas
- Mall shoppers who are carjacked in poorly secured parking lots
- Casino patrons who are robbed after collecting winnings
- Sports fans assaulted at stadiums due to inadequate security
- Employees attacked in company stairwells or elevators
Even when criminals escape without being identified, the business may still bear responsibility for failing to prevent the attack.
Critical Questions in Negligent Security Cases
After a violent crime occurs on business property, important questions must be answered.
- Where was security when the attack happened?
- Were surveillance cameras present and functioning?
- If cameras existed, where is the footage?
- Why wasn’t there better lighting in the area?
- Were security doors properly locked, or were they broken and unmaintained?
- How did the criminal gain access to the building or the parking lot?
Perhaps most importantly: How much prior criminal activity occurred at this location, and why weren’t visitors warned? Depending on the answers to these questions, the business may be liable for your injuries and losses.
When Missouri Law Holds Businesses Accountable
Generally, property owners have no duty to protect visitors from criminal attacks by third parties. However, important exceptions exist. Special relationships—such as innkeeper-guest or employer-employee—can create a duty of care. Additionally, businesses may be liable when they knew or should have known about dangerous individuals on the premises, or when the location has a history of frequent, recent violent crimes. A thorough investigation of the business’s security practices and awareness of crime risks is essential to building your case.
Why Choose Holder Susan Slusher, LLC for Business Liability Cases in Columbia, MO
When you’ve suffered because a business failed to protect you, you need attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the emotional toll of your experience. Our firm offers more than 20 years of accomplished experience handling negligent security and premises liability cases throughout Missouri.
We investigate every detail—from prior crime reports to security system failures—to build your most compelling case. You’ll work directly with our skilled attorneys, Michael S. Holder, Bogdan A. Susan, or Christopher A. Slusher, who provide honest counsel and tenacious advocacy without backing down from insurance companies or large corporations.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed due to a business’s failure to provide adequate security, don’t wait to protect your rights. The violent crime may not have been your fault, but holding negligent property owners accountable requires experienced legal guidance. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case with compassion and dedication while you focus on healing.
Contact Holder Susan Slusher, LLC in Columbia, MO today at 573-499-1700 for your free case evaluation. We help clients throughout Missouri, including Columbia, Moberly, Fulton, Boonville, and surrounding areas. Experience, compassion, results—you are our top priority.