Georgia rewrote the rules on negligent security in 2025. Knowing the new rules is what wins these cases now.
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Georgia's Negligent Security Law Changed in 2025, and It Matters
Negligent security claims in Georgia used to fall under the state's general premises liability statute. That changed on April 21, 2025, when Senate Bill 68 created an entirely new framework specifically for these cases, codified at O.C.G.A. §§ 51-3-50 through 51-3-57.
Under the new law, an invitee, someone lawfully on the property for the owner's business purposes, must show the crime was foreseeable because of prior similar wrongful conduct on the property itself or within 500 yards of it, and that the owner knew about it and failed to act.
The standard for a licensee is stricter still, generally requiring a specific warning of imminent danger. The law also lets a jury assign fault to the criminal who actually committed the attack, not just the property owner.
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If you or someone you love was the victim of a violent crime due to inadequate security, the negligent security attorneys in Atlanta at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass will build the case around exactly what this new law requires, not the old standard many people still assume applies.
The Crime Picture Behind These Cases
Negligent security claims track closely with the crimes most associated with poorly secured properties: assault and robbery. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Atlanta's aggravated assaults rose nearly 17 percent in 2025 compared to the year before, and robberies climbed by more than a quarter over the same period.
That trend runs in the opposite direction of Atlanta's declining homicide numbers, and it's part of why crimes tied to inadequate lighting, absent security personnel, and broken access controls remain a real and growing concern at apartment complexes, parking facilities, and commercial properties across the city.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The property owner, for failing to address a foreseeable risk of criminal activity
- A management company, if it controlled security decisions on the owner's behalf
- A security contractor is held to the same standard as an owner or occupier under
- Georgia's current law
- A commercial tenant, in cases where the tenant controlled the area where the attack occurred
More than one of these parties is often involved, and sorting out who controlled which part of the property is frequently central to the case.
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Why Choose the Negligent Security Attorneys at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass in Atlanta, Georgia?
When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, the consequences can be devastating. Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass is a national trial firm that represents individuals who have suffered serious injuries due to inadequate security and preventable criminal acts. Our attorneys are prepared to take on complex, high-stakes cases and pursue accountability through aggressive litigation. Across 36 states, our team has taken more than 127 cases to trial and secured 116 jury verdicts. Licensed in 10 states, we have obtained verdicts of up to $37 million and consistently turned seven-figure cases into eight-figure results.
Our team’s professional recognitions and memberships include:
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
- Southern Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Super Lawyers
We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligent security, contact Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass today to discuss your legal options and learn how our negligent security lawyers in Atlanta can help you pursue justice and compensation.
Negligent Security FAQs
Does Georgia's new negligent security law apply to my case?
It depends on when the incident happened. The new framework applies to incidents occurring on or after April 21, 2025. Earlier incidents are generally evaluated under the prior premises liability standard.
What's the difference between being an invitee and a licensee under the new law?
An invitee is someone on the property for the owner's business purposes, like a customer or tenant, and has a somewhat more workable path to proving foreseeability. A licensee, generally someone on the property for their own purposes with the owner's permission, faces a stricter standard requiring a specific warning of imminent danger.
Can the property owner blame the criminal who attacked me instead of taking responsibility?
Partially, yes. Georgia's current law allows a jury to apportion some fault to the person who committed the crime, though that doesn't automatically eliminate the property owner's own responsibility for failing to provide reasonable security.
Do I have to pay anything up front?
No. Negligent security cases at Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there's no cost to begin, and we're only paid if we recover compensation for you.
