When Broken Security Cameras Contribute To Injury Claims

Security cameras are a common sight across Maryland. They are outside apartment complexes, in shopping centers, at parking garages, and in hotels. These systems are often installed to deter crime and provide evidence if an incident occurs. But what happens when those cameras don’t work?

Non-functional or poorly maintained surveillance systems can weaken safety, create risks, and even open the door to negligent security lawsuits. If you were the victim of a crime and were injured on an unsafe property, speaking with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer is essential.

Why Security Cameras Matter

Property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. While not every property is required to have cameras, if they are installed, the expectation is that they are functional and properly maintained. A visible security system can deter criminal behavior, and working cameras can help identify suspects or clarify what happened during an incident.

Yet when cameras are broken or neglected, the opposite effect can occur. Criminals may take advantage of the lack of monitoring, and victims may be left without crucial evidence to support their claims.

In a premises liability case, the injured party must show that the property owner failed to provide reasonable security measures. Broken security cameras can become a key factor in proving negligence.

• Failure to maintain. If cameras were installed but not regularly inspected or repaired, this may demonstrate a lack of reasonable care.
• False sense of security. Tenants, customers, or guests may assume they are being monitored, making them more vulnerable when no actual surveillance is in place.
• Evidence lost. Without video footage, proving how an assault, robbery, or accident occurred becomes more difficult, which can further harm the victim.

Courts often look at whether a property owner knew, or should have known, about dangerous conditions. If there was a history of crime in the area and cameras were broken or ignored, that can strengthen a negligent security case.

Examples of Real-World Risks

Consider an apartment complex in Baltimore where tenants have repeatedly reported non-working security cameras near the entrances. If a resident is attacked in the hallway, the property owner could face liability for failing to fix the cameras, especially if similar incidents had happened before.

Or picture a parking garage where cameras are installed but never maintained. If a robbery or assault occurs, the absence of working surveillance could highlight the property owner’s negligence in keeping patrons safe.

Negligent security cases can be complex. An experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer can determine whether broken cameras contributed to unsafe conditions, hold property owners accountable, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

How did a property owner’s failure to maintain a secure environment contribute to your injury? Speak with the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Property owners who install cameras must ensure they work as intended. When they fail, victims should not have to bear the consequences alone. To connect with the legal support you need, contact us to book a confidential consultation.