Memphis, TN Experienced Representation for Victims of Property Crime

Negligent security is a form of premises liability that allows victims of violent crime to bring civil claims against property owners who failed to implement reasonable safety measures. Whether the incident occurred at a shopping mall, apartment complex, music venue, or parking lot in Memphis, property owners have a duty to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable harm. If they fall short, and someone gets hurt, the consequences can be devastating.

Why Choose Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. for Your Case?

At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we focus on high-stakes injury cases. With more than 200 years of combined trial experience and over $500 million recovered for clients, we know how to build strong civil claims that hold negligent parties accountable. Our team includes seasoned litigators who've taken hundreds of cases to trial—experience that often results in better outcomes, whether through settlement or verdict.

We don't just take cases—we prepare every case for trial. That reputation has earned us hundreds of referrals from other lawyers who trust us to handle their most serious and complex matters, including negligent security claims that require aggressive litigation.

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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 Qualifies as Negligent Security?

Negligent security claims are not about blaming a property owner for a criminal's behavior. They are about holding that owner accountable for ignoring obvious risks, especially in areas with a known history of violence or prior incidents. Memphis is home to a wide range of public and private properties—bars on Beale Street, hotels near Graceland, high-traffic apartment complexes in Midtown—and all of them have a duty to provide basic safety.

Examples of negligent security may include:

  • Non-functioning security cameras or lack of surveillance
  • Broken locks or gates on residential or commercial properties
  • Poor lighting in garages, stairwells, or alleys
  • Failure to hire or train security personnel in high-risk areas
  • Lack of warning after recent incidents on or near the premises
  • Open access to restricted areas like hotel side doors or apartment staircases

If you were hurt during a robbery, assault, shooting, or similar crime, our negligent security attorneys will thoroughly investigate the conditions that allowed the incident to happen.

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What Damages Are Available in a Tennessee Negligent Security Lawsuit?

Victims of violent attacks may face significant medical bills, lost wages, and psychological trauma. A negligent security claim allows you to seek compensation from the property owner or management company responsible for the unsafe conditions. Recoverable damages may include:

  • Hospital visits, surgery, and rehabilitation costs
  • Therapy or counseling for emotional trauma
  • Income lost from missed work or future earning limitations
  • Pain and suffering resulting from your physical and psychological injuries
  • Compensation for scarring, disability, or permanent impairment

Our attorneys work with medical providers, trauma specialists, and economic experts to fully account for all the ways your life has been impacted. We don't rely on guesswork—every claim is backed by thorough documentation and built to win.

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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

Tennessee's One-Year Filing Deadline

Tennessee's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is just one year from the date of the incident. This is one of the shortest timeframes in the country, and it means you must act quickly. If you delay, vital evidence—like surveillance footage or witness accounts—can be lost, and you may lose the right to pursue your claim altogether.

Don't risk your recovery. Our team moves fast to preserve evidence and launch a full investigation into your case.

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Negligent Security Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if no one was arrested?

Yes. Civil cases do not require criminal charges. You can hold a property owner liable even if no suspect is identified or prosecuted.

What if the crime happened at someone's private home?

It depends. If the homeowner failed to maintain reasonable security or ignored known risks—such as not securing an entryway or warning guests about potential dangers—you may have a claim.

How do you prove negligent security in a civil case?

Our legal team reviews prior police reports, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, lighting conditions, and other property details to show that the crime was foreseeable and that the owner failed to take action.

Is there any upfront cost?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case. Your consultation is also completely free.

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Speak With a Memphis Negligent Security Attorney Today

If a property owner failed to protect you and you were injured as a result, you have rights—and we're here to protect them. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we handle negligent security cases with the care, urgency, and strategic experience they require.

We're ready to fight for justice on your behalf. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. There's no cost to you unless we win your case.

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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