Attacked on someone's property in Tucson: can you sue for poor security?

When can I sue a Tucson property owner after an attack?

An attack alone is not enough. You need a legal reason the owner had to protect you. In Arizona, that duty comes from a special relationship or from public policy. A landlord and tenant, or a business and its customer, are the common examples. Arizona landlords must also keep common areas safe.

A jury then looks at what the owner did. Was a gate broken for weeks? Were lights out in the parking lot? Did managers ignore earlier calls? A lease clause cannot excuse a landlord's legal liability.

Sun Tran published a Transit Safety and Security Action Plan to strengthen safety for operators and riders. A plan shows what the system knew and promised, which can matter in a claim about a transit stop.

How can I show a Tucson property had a crime problem?

Tucson has more public police data than many cities. Use it before it is hard to remember the details.

• Tucson Police posts recorded police activity from 2018 to date. Not every call leads to a report, but a pattern of calls to one address tells a story.
• It also posts reported crimes from 2018 to date that generated a police report.
• Victims of Part I crimes get one free copy of their case report. Other requests go to the Records Section at 270 S. Stone Ave.
• Ask if your complex took part in Crime Free Multi-Housing. One phase certifies that a rental property met security requirements. A property that dropped out, or never fixed what it was told to fix, is worth asking about.

Save what you can on your own too. That includes photos of broken locks or lights, emails to the office, and neighbors' names. Video is often recorded over quickly, so a lawyer should ask the owner in writing to keep it.

Does the attacker's fault hurt my Tucson security claim?

It can, and this surprises people. Arizona juries weigh everyone who contributed, even someone who was never sued. Each defendant pays only its own percentage. So if a jury puts most of the fault on the attacker, the owner pays only its smaller share. Your own share lowers the money too, but it does not end your claim.

That is the hard math in these cases. A negligent security lawyer in Tucson should explain it to you up front and tell you how the percentages may fall in your facts.

Who pays my bills after an attack in Tucson?

1. Your health insurance or AHCCCS comes first for most medical care.
2. The property owner's liability insurer, if you have a valid claim.
3. Arizona's victim fund, which can cover medical bills, counseling and lost wages. You apply through your county attorney's office.
4. In Pima County, that office is at 32 N. Stone Ave., 14th Floor. Call (520) 724-5525.

How does the criminal case affect me in Tucson?

The County Attorney's advocates can support you at hearings, and they are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For Tucson City Court cases, call (520) 791-5483. You can register for updates with your case number and date of birth.

You may be asked to sign a misdemeanor compromise. It is voluntary, and it can lead a judge to dismiss an assault charge. Talk to someone before you sign, because a dismissal can make your later claim harder to prove. Tucson Police says its mission covers all community members regardless of immigration status.

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