Robert E. Levy
Partner
201-896-7163 rlevy@sh-law.comFirm Insights
NJ Lawsuit Highlights High Costs of Negligent Security Claims
Author: Robert E. Levy
Date: June 24, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
Allegations of negligent security can be costly for New Jersey businesses, as evidenced by a recent $7.8 million settlement. An apartment owner, management company, and security provider will all pay millions of dollars for failing to prevent a stabbing death at an apartment complex in Jersey City.
While New Jersey businesses are typically not responsible for the wrongdoing of third parties, they do have an obligation to keep the premises safe for those who enter. This includes taking reasonable steps to secure common areas against foreseeable criminal activity that is likely to occur without precautionary measures.
In Estate of Reyes v. Westgate Management, the family of murder victim Jacqueline Reyes sued Paulus Hook Community Housing Corp.; management company Westgate Management of Lawrenceville; and security contractor DMS Security Systems. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants were negligent because security guards were no longer on duty when the attack occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, the defendants maintained that the security measures were adequate, highlighting that security was provided from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. They further argued that the crime likely could not have been prevented because the perpetrator targeted the victim as part of a drug dispute.
Under New Jersey’s premises liability laws, plaintiffs must generally prove that the property owner owed a duty of care; knew or should have known that there was a likelihood of criminal activity on the premises; failed to provide adequate security; and subsequently caused the plaintiff harm. Most negligent security claims turn on the foreseeability of the criminal act.
In this case, the parties reached settlement just short of trial. Westgate Management and Paulus Hook agreed to pay $6 million, while DMS Security Systems is responsible for $1.8 million.
To prevent similar liability, property owners are reminded to review their security policies and procedures regularly, particularly in the wake of known criminal activity. Insufficient lighting, broken security cameras, and faulty window locks could all lead to costly legal headaches.
If you have any questions about this case or would like to discuss New Jersey’s premises liability laws, please contact me, Robert Levy, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Practices: Litigation, Commercial Litigation - Business Litigation Attorney
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.