Chattanooga, TN Aggressive Representation for Victims of Negligent Security

Negligent security is a legal concept under premises liability law. When a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety precautions and someone is injured due to a criminal act, that owner may be held liable. In Chattanooga, this can apply to apartment complexes, shopping centers, parking garages, hotels, and entertainment venues—anywhere public safety is a reasonable concern. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we represent victims who have suffered devastating physical and emotional harm because of inadequate security. We understand how these cases affect every aspect of your life. Our firm has recovered over five hundred million dollars for injury victims and brings over two centuries of combined litigation experience to every case we handle.

Why Clients Across Tennessee Turn to Us

Serious injury cases require serious lawyers. Our team prepares every negligent security case as though it's going to trial—because often, that's what it takes to win. Many of our cases are referred by other law firms who trust our skill in high-stakes, complex litigation.

Attorneys Stephen Schwed and Hubert McGinley each have more than one hundred trials under their belts. That courtroom experience sends a clear message to insurance companies: we don't back down.

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Meet Our Attorneys The Schwed, Adams, & McGinley Team

Our team includes top-awarded trial lawyers and board-certified attorneys who served as leaders of major trial organizations.

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100+ Jury Trials

$500+ Million Recovered

Third Generation Florida Lawyer

Member of American Board of Trial Advocates

100+ Jury Trials

Nation’s Top 1%

Super Lawyers Rising Star 5 Years Running

Palm Beach County Justice Association

Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers

American Association for Justice

Over $7 Million Recovered

Florida Bar Client Security Fund Committee

Top 10% Graduate, GWU

GW Law Review

Published Author, Syracuse Journal of Science and Technology Law

American Association for Justice

Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association

Palm Beach County Bar Association

Palm Beach County Justice Association

What Counts as Negligent Security in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a growing population and busy public spaces, which means property owners must take steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. When they ignore repeated issues or fail to respond to security risks, visitors can be left vulnerable to violent encounters.

Negligent security may involve:

  • Broken gates or unmonitored entrances at apartment buildings
  • Poorly lit stairwells or parking lots at malls or hotels
  • No surveillance cameras in high-crime areas
  • Lack of security personnel at bars, nightclubs, or stadiums
  • Failure to warn tenants about recent nearby crimes
  • Faulty locks or inadequate fencing in residential or commercial spaces

Whether your injuries were caused during a mugging, sexual assault, or another violent incident, our negligent security attorneys will investigate the environment, review crime records, and identify where the property owner failed to act.

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What Compensation Is Available in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

Civil compensation is a way to hold negligent property owners accountable for the harm they've allowed to happen. Many victims of violent crime face not only serious injuries but long-lasting trauma and financial hardship. A successful claim may help you recover:

  • Costs of emergency care, hospitalization, and follow-up treatment
  • Psychological therapy, PTSD treatment, and emotional support services
  • Lost wages and diminished earning potential
  • Pain and suffering for physical and emotional injuries
  • Compensation for disfigurement or permanent disability

Our team works with trauma specialists, medical providers, and vocational experts to document every aspect of your loss. We ensure that your case reflects both your immediate needs and your long-term recovery.

Not Sure Where to Turn?

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There’s No Fee Unless We Win Your Case.

Client Testimonials See What Our Clients Are Saying

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Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant ...

Stephen Schwed came highly recommended to us from a Superior Court Judge who is a good friend of ours. We were pleased with both the high level of professionalism and the constant concern for our best interest. We were always kept well informed of the status of our case. We feel highly confident in referring Stephen Schwed and Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. to others.

—Francis Heen III

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. H...

A big thank you to Attorney Hubert McGinley for making the best out of a hard situation by taken on my case after another attorney could not successfully bring my case to an end. He was great to work with and I am grateful for him and his law team.

—Jessica

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que ...

Mi nombre es Roxana y yo recibí servicios de la oficina de abogados de Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. Todos ellos son muy amables y cualquier duda o pregunta que tenía siempre me atendían con mucha amabilidad. Estoy muy satisfecha y contenta con todo lo que me ayudaron.

TRANSLATION:

My name is Roxana and I received services from the attorneys at Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A. They are all very friendly and any doubt or question that I had they would always attend to me very kindly. I am satisfied and happy with everything that they helped me with.

—Roxana

Big thanks to Mr. McGinley and Crew at Schwed Law. Highly recommend them. very dependable and easy to reach.

—Wanda

Dear Schwed Law Office. After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My pers...

Dear Schwed Law Office.

After speaking with Schwed Law, I felt she gave me hope. The minute I gave them my accident report, I was confident I was going to be taken care of. My personal injury left me in a lot of pain. I was frustrated and exhausted. I had horrible headaches, neck and shoulder spasms and many restless nights. This impeded special outings and meetings with family and friends. I knew the bills were going to be taken care of. So I just focused on getting treated for my injury and feeling better. I never once had to call to follow up on anything.

I was so impressed with how fast my case was settled. I am so grateful for how I was treated and cared for. I highly recommend the offices of Schwed Law. Their professionalism and expertise were enough to put me at ease with all my questions and concerns from the beginning.

—Maria Baez

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr....

This letter is to thank your firm, Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley, P.A., specifically Mr. McGinley for representation that was above and beyond what I expected to receive. Mr. McGinley was clever, extremely professional, comforting, and always kept me informed during the process. It was apparent to me that he cared about the outcome almost as much as I did. His style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case.

I was proud to have him as my lawyer. I felt comforted by his portrayal of experience and knowledge. Throughout the process, Mr. McGinley spent his evening hours preparing for the next day. He was protective, well prepared, thorough, convincing, and always accurate. Mr. McGinley did everything he promised and more. He comforted me when I was worried and fought hard for me. Thanks for your excellent representation.

—Barbara H.

Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley is a great company. They were fast and easy, loved Janel and the Attorney, they helped me so much in my time of need. Thank you.

—Alex Pimental

Hubie, I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out. ...

Hubie,

I wanted to thank you for all your help with my case over the years. You and your office were unbelievable and I’m very grateful and please with how things turned out.

—Dr. Clint S.

I just want to thank everyone at the firm for all you have done! You guys made this process very easy.

—Thomas B

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problemat...

Hubie, Steve and all their staff were very helpful in allowing me to get the proper treatments for my injuries, while they successfully navigated a narrow and potentially problematic case.

—Edward

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you aga...

Thank you so much. I am so pleased with Mr. Adams he is the perfect lawyer. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me. I really appreciate everything. Thank you again!

—Gina

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was ki...

I would absolutely recommend Paul Adams, at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., to anyone needing legal assistance for an injury. Beginning with our first conversation, Paul was kind, patient, understanding, and respectful. He and his team guided me through each step of my complicated case. They were always readily available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I had complete confidence in Paul, and knew that he and his entire team were working tirelessly for the best possible outcome for me personally. I was extremely happy with the unexpected amount of the compensation I received for my medical bills and my injury. Now, I can move forward with my life. A heartfelt thank you to Paul Adams and to each member of his team for everything.

—Holly Wilson

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise...

I highly recommend Schwed, Adams &McGinley, P.A. for legal representation. Attorney Ryan did an outstanding job for me, and Icouldn't be happier with the outcome. His expertise and dedication made a real difference. Thank you, Ryan, and your team, for everything you did!

—Andre Vickers

You Have Just One Year to File a Claim in Tennessee

Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is just one year from the date of the incident. This makes timing especially critical in negligent security claims, where property conditions and surveillance evidence can change quickly.

Our attorneys move fast to preserve footage, interview witnesses, and notify all responsible parties. Don't wait and risk losing your right to compensation.

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Negligent Security Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim even if the attacker wasn't caught?

Yes. Civil liability is different from criminal prosecution. You can file a negligent security lawsuit even if no one is arrested or charged.

What if the incident happened at a private home?

It depends. If a homeowner failed to take reasonable precautions—like locking gates or warning guests about prior incidents—they may be held liable.

How do you prove the property owner was negligent?

We use police reports, maintenance records, property management logs, crime statistics, and other evidence to demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known about the risks and failed to act.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means we don't charge you unless we win your case. The consultation is also completely free.

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Speak to a Negligent Security Lawyer in Chattanooga Today

You deserve to feel safe. When a property owner's negligence results in violence and trauma, you have the right to hold them accountable. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we handle negligent security cases with skill, urgency, and compassion.

Let us help you take the next step. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chattanooga negligent security attorneys. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Find Out if We Can Help You You need the right attorneys

If you’re unsure what to do next, talk to our team at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, PA. There’s no personal injury case type that we haven’t seen before.

We will evaluate your case at no cost to you and let you know if we can help.

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