Helping You Reclaim Safety & Accountability When Property Owners Fall Short
If you or someone you care about has suffered harm due to a violent crime or attack on another person's property in Austin, you are not alone. Many people do not realize that property owners here have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for tenants, guests, and visitors. When they ignore this duty and your safety is put at risk, our team of experienced negligent security attorneys in Austin is ready to provide answers, guidance, and a path forward.
At Howry Breen & Herman, LLP, we recognize how unsettling it is to experience a physical or emotional injury caused by inadequate security. Our goal is to help you regain control, hold negligent property owners accountable, and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Drawing on nearly 25 years of local trial experience and national recognition, our attorneys position your claim for the strongest possible outcome in Austin courts.
From your very first conversation with us, you will notice our difference: proven results, personal attention, and support that goes beyond paperwork. Let us show you how our record of verdicts, settlements, and personal approach can work for you and your family.
Why Choose Our Negligent Security Attorneys in Austin?
Your choice of attorney matters. Not every personal injury firm has the experience or resources to pursue complex negligent security claims in Austin. Our team stands apart for both extensive local knowledge and a track record of results, giving you confidence that you are in capable hands.
Our firm’s credentials, history, and client-focused approach set us apart:
Nearly 25 years serving Austin and Central Texas: Our attorneys have deep roots in the legal community and a clear understanding of how Travis County District Court addresses negligence claims.
Hundreds of millions secured: We have achieved significant verdicts and settlements for clients, with outcomes recognized statewide and nationally.
Trial readiness and advanced technology: We prepare every case for trial and use innovative tools and strategies to clarify your story in the courtroom.
No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we recover compensation for you.
Choosing Howry Breen & Herman, LLP means having a team dedicated to your recovery, in and out of the courtroom.
How Negligent Security Claims Work in Austin
Texas law requires property owners and managers, including those in Austin, to take reasonable steps to protect against foreseeable crimes. This means they must provide adequate security based on the property’s use and history of incidents. If you are injured because of a violent crime and believe the property lacked proper safety features—such as lighting, locks, security personnel, or surveillance—there may be grounds for a claim.
What Determines Liability?
Liability depends on a number of factors, including the specific crime history in the area, the type of property, existing security measures, and whether the owner responded to previous incidents. Claims typically move through the Travis County civil court system. Our attorneys regularly work with Austin law enforcement reports and local safety codes, so we know what evidence matters most in these cases.
Building a Strong Case
Pursuing a negligent security claim calls for gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and visual documentation of the scene. Our team also reviews property management records and consults with local safety experts. We understand the local legal landscape and build every case to meet the high standards Austin courts require.
What to Do If You’ve Been Harmed by Negligent Security
Dealing with the aftermath of an attack or serious incident is overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take can help protect both your well-being and any future claim. Our team is here to help guide you from the very beginning.
If you suspect negligent security contributed to your injury, we recommend you:
Put your safety first: Move to a safe location quickly and call 911 for help from law enforcement, such as the Austin Police Department.
Seek immediate medical care: Even if you feel okay, a full check-up documents injuries and protects your health.
Report the incident: Filing a police report is essential. This record from Austin authorities often becomes a key part of your case.
Document the property and injuries: Take clear photos of the area, any broken security features, and your injuries where possible. Keep copies of written communication with property managers or landlords.
Contact our team early: We can begin providing guidance, help with documenting or preserving evidence, and support your practical needs right away.
At Howry Breen & Herman, LLP, we work to take unnecessary stress off your plate, including helping you access healthcare or arrange temporary transportation as your claim progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a negligent security case in Austin?
You may have a case if a property owner’s lack of reasonable security allowed a crime or attack to occur and you suffered injury as a result. In Austin, this usually means proving that the owner knew or should have known about a risk and failed to take basic steps like improving lighting, locks, or hiring security. Our team can review your situation, apply local standards, and help determine whether the facts support a claim under Texas law.
How much does it cost to hire a negligent security attorney?
You pay nothing up front when hiring a negligent security attorney at Howry Breen & Herman, LLP. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win or settle your claim. This structure allows you to pursue accountability without risking your own funds.
What evidence is Needed after a security incident?
Evidence is vital for building a successful negligent security case. The following evidence helps strengthen your claim:
Police report from the Austin Police Department or Travis County Sheriff
Photos of the scene, injuries, and any security features or failures
Medical records and details of all treatment
Any written communication with property managers or witnesses
If you are unable to collect certain evidence, our attorneys can help. We guide clients and take active steps to secure as much documentation as possible after initial contact.
What results have you achieved for clients harmed by negligent security?
We have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by inadequate security in Austin and Central Texas. Our outcomes include record verdicts and confidential settlements in cases involving apartment complexes, hotels, and commercial properties. While past results are not predictive of future outcomes, they show our ability to hold property owners accountable and fight for our clients’ recovery.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice & Safer Communities
If negligent security contributed to a recent injury or loss, reaching out is the first step toward recovery and accountability. Our team can answer your questions, handle the details, and support you from start to finish.
At Howry Breen & Herman, LLP, we combine compassionate guidance with proven legal results. There are no upfront costs, and our attorneys provide full transparency throughout your negligent security claim in Austin. Your first call comes with no obligation—just real answers and experienced support.
Speak with an Austin negligent security attorney today. Contact us at (512) 430-4844 to schedule your free consultation.
I could not have found more caring people, better lawyers or a better law firm than Howry Breen & Herman.
M.A.
“We are so grateful they believed in us and partnered with us to handle this case!”
We don’t have enough words to describe how thankful we are for everything HBH did to win our business case for us. We are so grateful they believed in us and partnered with us to do it. They are amazing at what they do and we could not have had a better team. They made an enormous, positive difference for us and our business. I could not recommend them more highly.
J.K.
“We were always one step ahead!”
My lawyers at HBH were so smart and aggressive – we were always on offense and one step ahead. They just kept hammering and the other side had no answer.
T.B.
“Best in the Business, Strongly Recommend”
HBH went above and beyond to help out following a crisis. Over the course of a 3 year case, I was always kept in the loop by their amazing team. Their preparation and execution was flawless and made the whole process run smoothly. Cannot speak highly enough of their team and how they care for their clients. Will never recommend another personal injury firm besides HBH.
Since 1997, the "Lead Counsel Verified" status has been granted to attorneys who possess:
- The Right Professional Experience
- A Spotless Record
Law.com: Top 100 Verdicts 2024
Howry, Breen & Herman is proud to have been named a Tier 1, 2 and 3 Austin “Best Law Firm” in 9 practice areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® (“U.S. News” and BL Rankings, LLC). Law firms are selected for inclusion in this prestigious ranking based on a series of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Our specialty and tiers are listed here: https://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/profile/howry-breen-herman-llp/overview/36628
The Austin Bar Association was founded in 1893 as a nonprofit professional organization for attorneys. Its mission is to enhance the legal profession, administration of justice, and the community through education, networking, and public service.
Abota Foundation Patriot
Howry Breen & Herman, LLP was selected the Top Personal Injury Law Firm in Austin by Texas Lawyer, “Best of 2020”. The annual special supplement contains the results of Texas Lawyer readers’ poll, wherein readers cast their votes for the best providers of services and goods to the legal profession.
Attorney Sean Breen and Attorney Chris Lavorato placed in California’s Top 100 Settlements for 2019, as tracked by The Recorder and VerdictSearch.
Our law firm is proud to have been recognized in the Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame. Texas Lawyer in conjunction with VerdictSearch, recognize attorneys and law firms for their verdicts of $10 million or more. In 2011 Sean Breen was a Hall of Fame Award Recipient for the #1 Premises Liability Top Texas Verdict, awarded by Texas Lawyer, for the jury verdict award in the case VanDusen v. Aspen Square Management. In 2016 Sean Breen was inducted into the Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame, awarded by Texas Lawyer, for an outstanding verdict in Nester v. Textron.
Selection to America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys® is by invitation only and is reserved to identity the nation’s most exceptional litigators for high-value personal injury, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, and medical malpractice matters. HBH is proud that Sean Breen has been selected for this award. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States will receive this honor — truly the most exclusive and elite level of attorneys in the community. (2017-2022)
Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year | Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC)
Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year | Litigation - Trusts & Estates (by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC)
Best Lawyers - Lawyer of the Year | Personal Injury - Plaintiffs (by BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC)
Lifetime Achievement selection to America’s Top 100 Attorneys® is by invitation only and is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional attorneys whose accomplishments and impact on the legal profession merit a Lifetime Achievement award. Selection is not achieved based on a single accomplishment or a single great year of success, but rather on a lifetime of hard work, ethical standards, and community enriching accomplishments that are inspiring among the legal profession. Both Sean Breen (since 2017) and Randy Howry (since 2018) are honored to receive this award.
America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional trial attorneys in high value, high stakes legal matters. To be considered for selection, an attorney must have litigated (for either plaintiff or defendant) a matter (1) with at least $2,000,000 in alleged damages at stake or (2) with the fate of a business worth at least $2,000,000 at stake. These minimum qualifications are required for initial consideration. Thereafter, candidates are carefully screened through comprehensive Qualitative Comparative Analysis based on a broad array of criteria, including the candidate’s professional experience, litigation experience, significant case results, representative high stakes matters, peer reputation, and community impact in order to rank the candidates throughout the state. HBH is privileged to honor Partners Sean Breen (2017- 2022) and Randy Howry 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021 for selection of this award.
Expertise - Howry Breen & Herman was recognized and featured in an article by expertisecommunity.com as one of the Best Real Estate Lawyers in Austin. 2020
America’s Premier High-Stakes Trial Lawyers®” – 7 Figure Litigators®, 8 Figure Litigators®, is meant to recognize the nation’s most respected and preeminent high-stakes trial lawyers based on their verifiable verdicts and/or settlements. It is a tremendous honor for Sean Breen (member since 2019) and Randy Howry (member since 2020) to be recognized among this elite group.
America’s Premier High-Stakes Trial Lawyers®” – 7 Figure Litigators®, 8 Figure Litigators®, is meant to recognize the nation’s most respected and preeminent high-stakes trial lawyers based on their verifiable verdicts and/or settlements. It is a tremendous honor for Sean Breen (member since 2019) and Randy Howry (member since 2020) to be recognized among this elite group.
The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100, a highly respected legal organization that limits its members to premier trial attorneys who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile measured by strict qualification requirements. Sean Breen Top 100 Civil Plaintiff, since 2009.
Top 10 Business Tort Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Randy Howry 2012-2013; Sean Breen since 2016.
The Best Lawyers in America® recognizes the top 5% of the most skilled attorneys in the nation. The robust selection process requires attorneys to nominate and review fellow lawyers based on their ethics, skill, knowledge, and ability to obtain results for their clients. The Best Lawyers in America® list is a way for plaintiffs to identify the leading attorneys in their region, known for their ability to get results with honesty, strength, and skill. Tim Herman, Sean Breen & Randy Howry have been featured by The Best Lawyers in America® (consecutively from 2006-2023) running alongside some of the most qualified firms in the nation. More info here.
Top Attorneys As Published In Texas Monthly
Sean Breen has been recognized for obtaining the Number 1 Verdict in Texas for electrical injury and utility negligence. This win underscores his relentless commitment to achieving justice for his clients and showcases the firms dedication to exceptional advocacy.
Sean Breen was honored by TopVerdict.com for recovering one of the Top 50 Verdicts in Texas in 2017. This is an honorable distinction, reserved for those attorneys that achieve the highest settlements and verdicts in the state.
Sean Breen was honored by TopVerdict.com for recovering one of the Top 50 Verdicts in Texas in 2016. This is an honorable distinction, reserved for those attorneys that achieve the highest settlements and verdicts in the state.
Sean Breen has been a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2011, a renowned legal organization whose membership is restricted to trial attorneys who have achieved seven-figured settlements and/or jury verdicts.
Martindale-Hubbell® is widely regarded as one of the most renowned peer-review rating organizations in the legal field. Randy Howry (2018), Sean Breen (2001), Tim Herman (1998), and Glen Wilkerson (2014) at Howry, Breen & Herman have achieved the organization’s highest distinction of AV Preeminent®.
Each year, Super Lawyers® magazine publishes its list of peer-nominated/evaluated and independently reviewed attorneys. We are proud to have attorneys who have been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers® List, by Thomas Reuters since 2003, running through 2020.
Membership in Top American Lawyers is limited to only 1% of all attorneys in the United States. Randy Howry is proud to be honored with a Lifetime Charter Membership in this exclusive organization (2017).
Randy Howry was honored by Austin Monthly’s Top Attorneys in 2023.