Understanding responsibility
A crime on a property does not automatically make its owner liable. Foreseeability, control, prior events, and the connection between a security failure and the injury require careful review.
Information worth preserving
If already available, preserve incident numbers, witness information, and earlier reports about locks or lighting. Let counsel address requests for surveillance.
Ask about preservation early
Surveillance and other records may not be kept indefinitely. Tell the firm what happened, where it happened, and what records may exist. You do not need a complete file before asking about your options.
The applicable duty, notice requirements, and defenses depend on the facts and state law.