Hotels, casinos, apartment complexes, and parking garages across Nevada welcome millions of residents and visitors each year. These businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe environments for their guests and tenants. Unfortunately, serious crimes such as sexual assaults sometimes occur because property owners fail to provide adequate security. When preventable security lapses lead to an attack, survivors have the right to hold negligent businesses accountable through civil law.
A negligent security claim allows survivors to pursue compensation from a property owner or management company that failed to take reasonable steps to protect them from foreseeable harm. Drummond Law Firm represents survivors of sexual assault with both compassion and determination. Led by attorney Craig W. Drummond, a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, our firm combines litigation strength with trauma-informed advocacy to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and justice.
Why Choose Drummond Law Firm
Sexual assault and negligent security cases require both legal skill and emotional sensitivity. Survivors deserve representation that combines compassion with the power to take on large corporations. Drummond Law Firm’s veteran-led team is known for disciplined preparation, integrity, and respect for every client’s privacy.
Veteran-Led Integrity and Proven Litigation Experience
Craig W. Drummond’s military background and leadership experience define the firm’s approach to justice. As a former U.S. Army Captain and decorated combat veteran, he leads with precision, accountability, and ethics. These same principles guide our firm’s work in the courtroom, where we fight for survivors with the focus and discipline that have become hallmarks of our practice.
Focused Experience in Negligent Security and Assault Cases
Drummond Law Firm has represented victims of assaults and security failures in hotels, casinos, apartment complexes, and parking structures throughout Clark County. Our attorneys understand how property owners and management companies sometimes cut corners on safety—leading to devastating consequences for guests and tenants. We have the experience to expose those failures and demand accountability through civil litigation.
The Reduced Fee Guarantee
We believe fairness should extend beyond the courtroom. That’s why Drummond Law Firm is the only firm in Nevada offering the Reduced Fee Guarantee®. This means our attorney fees will never exceed your net recovery, ensuring transparency and trust from the very beginning.
Compassionate, Confidential Representation
Our firm handles sexual assault cases with complete discretion and empathy. We understand the emotional toll that these experiences carry and provide a supportive environment where clients can share their stories safely. Every step of the process is designed to protect your privacy and minimize retraumatization while pursuing justice.
What Is a Negligent Security Claim?
A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability case that holds property owners and managers accountable when their failure to provide adequate safety measures leads to foreseeable harm. In Nevada, this area of law recognizes that businesses have a duty to anticipate potential dangers and take reasonable precautions to prevent them.
These cases do not focus on the crime itself but on how the business failed to prevent it. For example, if a hotel knew about prior assaults in its parking garage but neglected to add lighting or security patrols, it may be legally responsible for new incidents that occur under similar conditions. Negligent security law gives survivors a civil avenue for justice beyond the criminal system, allowing them to seek compensation for the harm caused by corporate negligence.
How Businesses Owe a Duty of Care to Guests and Tenants
Nevada law classifies hotel guests, casino patrons, and apartment tenants as invitees—individuals who are entitled to the highest level of protection from property owners. Businesses owe these invitees a duty of care that includes maintaining secure premises, repairing known hazards, and taking steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. When this duty is breached, and a guest or tenant is harmed, the property owner can be held liable for negligence.
The Legal Definition of Negligent Security Under Nevada Law
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to provide reasonable protection against criminal acts that were foreseeable. This includes failing to hire or train competent security personnel, ignoring prior incidents, or neglecting to maintain surveillance and lighting. Courts look at whether a reasonable business would have taken stronger safety measures under similar circumstances.
Common Failures: Broken Locks, Poor Lighting, and Missing Cameras
Simple security measures can prevent many crimes. Unfortunately, property owners sometimes neglect basic maintenance. Common examples include broken door locks, dark stairwells, and malfunctioning surveillance systems. These oversights may seem minor but can create conditions that allow attackers to act without detection or deterrence.
When Security Lapses Lead to Foreseeable Crimes
The key factor in any negligent security claim is foreseeability. If a property has a history of thefts, harassment, or assaults, management has a legal obligation to respond. When businesses fail to address repeated warning signs, they place their guests and residents at unnecessary risk. Our attorneys use prior police reports, property records, and expert analysis to show that the crime could—and should—have been prevented.
Proving a Negligent Security Case After a Sexual Assault
Proving negligent security requires demonstrating that the business owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused harm through its negligence. These cases are evidence-driven and often involve expert testimony, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to establish liability.
Drummond Law Firm approaches every negligent security case with methodical precision. We gather evidence, analyze corporate safety practices, and consult security experts to show how management failed to protect the victim.
Establishing That the Property Owner Owed a Duty of Care
The first step is proving that the business had a legal responsibility to protect its guests or tenants. This duty arises automatically for public spaces such as hotels, casinos, and apartment complexes. Once the relationship between the property owner and the victim is established, we move to the next question—whether that duty was breached.
Proving the Crime Was Foreseeable Based on Prior Incidents
Businesses are not expected to predict every crime, but they are responsible for addressing patterns of danger. If a property had prior reports of suspicious activity or inadequate lighting, management should have acted. We obtain crime statistics, police reports, and internal complaint logs to show that the risk of assault was foreseeable.
Gathering Surveillance, Incident Reports, and Witness Statements
Evidence preservation is critical. Surveillance footage, security logs, and witness statements often reveal how long a hazard existed or how staff responded to it. Our attorneys move quickly to send preservation letters to property owners, ensuring that key evidence is not altered or destroyed. When necessary, we subpoena these materials through the court.
Using Expert Testimony on Security Standards and Procedures
Expert witnesses play a vital role in negligent security cases. Security consultants and criminologists can explain what safety measures were industry standard and how the business fell short. Their insights help juries understand that the assault was not random but the result of preventable neglect.
Common Examples of Negligent Security That Lead to Sexual Assaults
Negligent security can take many forms, depending on the type of property and the level of oversight provided. The following are some of the most frequent scenarios that lead to sexual assaults in Nevada businesses.
Inadequate Lighting in Parking Garages or Hallways
Poor lighting is one of the most common security failures in hotels, casinos, and apartment complexes. Dim or unlit areas create opportunities for attackers to act unseen. Property owners are expected to install and maintain adequate lighting in all public areas to reduce these risks.
Broken Gates, Doors, or Locks Allowing Unauthorized Access
Many assaults occur because intruders can easily enter restricted areas. Broken gates, malfunctioning door locks, or unsecured stairwells make it simple for unauthorized individuals to gain access. When management ignores maintenance reports or fails to replace faulty equipment, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
Untrained or Unscreened Security Personnel
Security staff who are poorly trained or improperly vetted can create more danger than protection. Businesses must conduct background checks and provide training on de-escalation and emergency response. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for negligent hiring or supervision.
Lack of Cameras or Nonfunctioning CCTV Systems
Surveillance cameras deter crime and help identify perpetrators. When cameras are missing, poorly positioned, or out of service, the lack of monitoring creates foreseeable risk. Our attorneys often discover that businesses allowed camera systems to remain broken for months despite prior warnings.
Failure to Respond to Prior Complaints or Incidents
Many negligent security cases reveal a pattern of ignored warnings. Tenants or guests may have reported safety issues that management failed to address. A business that disregards prior complaints demonstrates conscious indifference to guest safety, strengthening the basis for a negligence claim.
Where Do Negligent Security Sexual Assault Cases Commonly Occur in Nevada?
Sexual assaults related to negligent security can occur in any public or private property where safety standards are ignored. Las Vegas and Paradise are home to some of the busiest hospitality and residential complexes in the nation, which makes proper security critical. When property owners neglect these responsibilities, they expose guests, residents, and employees to unnecessary danger.
Hotels and Casinos on or Near the Las Vegas Strip
Resorts and casinos draw millions of visitors each year. These venues are responsible for ensuring the safety of their guests through security patrols, key-card access systems, and well-lit public areas. When management fails to provide adequate staffing or monitoring, assaults can occur in hotel rooms, hallways, elevators, or parking garages. Drummond Law Firm investigates each case thoroughly, reviewing surveillance coverage, prior complaints, and security staffing levels.
Parking Garages and Elevators in Resorts or Office Buildings
Parking structures and elevators are common locations for sexual assaults because they offer enclosed, isolated spaces with limited visibility. Property owners must maintain lighting, security cameras, and emergency call systems to protect guests. If these safeguards are missing or nonfunctional, the business may be held liable for the resulting harm.
Apartment and Condominium Complexes With Inadequate Security
Tenants depend on their landlords and property managers to provide secure living environments. Broken gates, malfunctioning intercoms, and non-working lights create dangerous conditions that make assaults foreseeable. Nevada law requires residential complexes to take reasonable steps to ensure that tenants can live safely within the property.
Shopping Centers and Nightclubs Without Trained Staff
Retail centers, bars, and nightclubs often employ private security or crowd control staff to maintain order. When these employees are untrained, inattentive, or unlicensed, violent incidents can occur. Property owners and security contractors can share liability when unqualified staff contribute to unsafe conditions or fail to intervene during an assault.
The Role of Foreseeability in a Nevada Negligent Security Lawsuit
Foreseeability is one of the most important elements in proving a negligent security claim. It refers to whether the property owner knew or should have known that a criminal act could occur on the premises. If similar incidents happened before—or if obvious safety issues went unresolved—the business can be found negligent for not taking preventive measures.
What “Foreseeability” Means Under Nevada Law
Under Nevada premises liability principles, foreseeability does not require predicting the exact crime. Instead, it focuses on whether the property owner was aware of risks that made an assault reasonably likely. For example, a hotel with a history of guest complaints about harassment or trespassers cannot ignore the need for increased security.
How Prior Crimes or Complaints Influence a Case
Police reports, customer complaints, and prior lawsuits provide powerful evidence that a business was on notice of recurring safety issues. If management failed to install cameras, add security personnel, or repair locks after earlier incidents, their inaction demonstrates negligence. Our attorneys gather records from local law enforcement and property managers to establish these warning signs.
The Difference Between Preventable and Random Acts
Businesses are not automatically responsible for all crimes on their property. The key distinction is whether the incident was preventable through reasonable care. A random, unforeseeable act of violence may not create liability, but an assault resulting from known safety failures or ignored warnings likely will. Drummond Law Firm uses this distinction to focus the case on clear evidence of preventable negligence.
How Drummond Law Firm Proves a Business Knew or Should Have Known
We build strong cases by demonstrating that the property owner had knowledge—or should have had knowledge—of existing dangers. This is often proven through internal communications, maintenance requests, and prior incident reports. Our firm combines these materials with expert testimony to show that the assault could have been avoided if proper precautions were taken.
Compensation Available to Survivors in a Civil Negligent Security Claim
A civil lawsuit provides survivors of sexual assault with an opportunity to recover compensation for both financial and emotional harm. These cases focus on holding corporations accountable and helping survivors rebuild their lives with the resources they need for healing and stability.
Medical and Psychological Treatment Costs
Economic damages include the cost of medical care, hospital treatment, counseling, and long-term therapy. Many survivors require specialized trauma counseling and ongoing support. We work with medical professionals to document these expenses and project future treatment needs.
Lost Wages and Reduced Future Earnings
Survivors may miss work due to recovery, relocation, or psychological trauma. A civil claim can include lost income and diminished future earning capacity. Our attorneys gather employment records and expert evaluations to ensure that every financial impact is accurately reflected in the claim.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
The emotional consequences of sexual assault often last far longer than physical injuries. Nevada law recognizes this through non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages acknowledge the deep emotional toll that negligence and violence cause.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence or Willful Misconduct
When a business or property manager acts with reckless disregard for safety—such as ignoring repeated reports of danger—punitive damages may apply. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing and deter similar negligence in the future. Drummond Law Firm evaluates whether each case qualifies for this level of recovery.
Why You Need a Compassionate and Aggressive Las Vegas Negligent Security Attorney
Negligent security and sexual assault cases require attorneys who can balance compassion with the strength to face corporate defendants. Survivors deserve advocates who listen, protect their privacy, and fight relentlessly for accountability. Drummond Law Firm provides this balance through veteran-led leadership and trauma-informed representation.
Balancing Sensitivity and Strength in Legal Representation
We approach every survivor’s case with empathy and respect. Our attorneys understand that reliving details of an assault can be difficult. We create a supportive legal environment that prioritizes comfort and control while still pursuing the case with unwavering focus.
Managing Communication With Corporate Insurers and Defense Counsel
Businesses and insurance companies often respond to assault claims with denial or blame-shifting. Our firm manages all communication with these entities, ensuring that survivors never face corporate representatives alone. We use clear, documented communication to prevent intimidation or manipulation during settlement discussions.
Using Expert Investigators and Security Consultants to Build the Case
Our team partners with experienced investigators and security experts to examine the conditions that allowed the assault to occur. They evaluate staffing, surveillance coverage, and lighting to demonstrate how negligence contributed to the crime. Their professional analysis strengthens the evidence presented in court.
Preparing Every Case as if It Will Go to Trial
While many cases settle before trial, we prepare each one as though a jury will hear it. This disciplined approach ensures complete readiness for any outcome and signals to corporate defendants that we are serious about pursuing justice for our clients.
How Drummond Law Firm Handles Negligent Security and Sexual Assault Cases
Drummond Law Firm approaches these sensitive cases with confidentiality, strategic preparation, and a deep sense of duty to every survivor we represent. Our process focuses on gathering truth, protecting privacy, and delivering justice through disciplined advocacy.
Conducting Independent Investigations and Evidence Preservation
We begin by conducting our own investigation separate from law enforcement or corporate security teams. This includes collecting surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and securing maintenance or security logs. Our attorneys issue preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being deleted or altered.
Coordinating With Medical Experts and Security Specialists
Our firm works closely with trauma counselors, medical professionals, and security consultants to build the factual and emotional foundation of each case. Their expertise helps explain both the physical and psychological impact of the assault in terms a court can understand.
Filing Civil Claims Alongside Any Criminal Proceedings
A survivor’s civil case is separate from the criminal prosecution of the perpetrator. You do not need to wait for the criminal process to finish before filing your lawsuit. We coordinate both efforts to ensure that evidence is shared appropriately and that your rights remain fully protected.
Negotiating With Corporations and Insurers While Protecting Client Privacy
Throughout the legal process, we safeguard your confidentiality. Corporate insurers often request intrusive information; we ensure that only what is legally required is disclosed. Our negotiations emphasize respect, transparency, and survivor control over every decision.
Craig Drummond: A Veteran Leader and Trusted Trial Lawyer
Craig W. Drummond’s service as a U.S. Army Captain shaped the values that drive our firm—discipline, accountability, and moral courage. These principles define how we represent survivors of sexual assault and negligent security.
Former U.S. Army Captain and Bronze Star Recipient
Craig’s experience in the military instilled a level of preparation and determination that carries over to his legal practice. Every case receives focused attention and strategic execution designed to achieve results with integrity.
Recognized Among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers by MyVegas Magazine
Craig Drummond’s recognition among Nevada’s Top 100 Lawyers reflects his reputation for professionalism, fairness, and trial excellence. This acknowledgment underscores his dedication to ethical, client-first advocacy.
Dedicated to Protecting Survivors With Strength, Ethics, and Compassion
Our firm’s mission is rooted in justice and respect. We represent survivors with empathy while holding negligent corporations accountable through disciplined and ethical legal action.
Contact Drummond Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation
If you or someone you care about was sexually assaulted due to negligent security in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, contact Drummond Law Firm today. We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to explain your rights and discuss your options. Our team is available 24/7 and handles cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
We are proud to offer the Reduced Fee Guarantee, ensuring that our attorney fees never exceed your net recovery in a pre-litigation settlement. Call the Captain today at 702-CAPTAIN or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. Drummond Law Firm stands ready to handle your case with compassion, integrity, and the strength of a veteran-led trial team committed to securing justice for Nevada survivors.