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Farrah Martinez
Farrah Martinez is a distinguished Houston personal injury attorney dedicated to fighting for individuals who deserve a powerful advocate in their corner. With a reputation built on relentless preparation, compassionate client service, and aggressive courtroom strategy, Farrah approaches every case with the dignity and respect her clients deserve, because she understands that choosing the right legal representation is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
Reclaiming Your Safety: Legal Help for Sexual Assault and Attack in Texas Public Spaces
Were you assaulted in a parking lot, apartment complex, shopping center, or other public space in Texas? You are not alone — and what happened to you was not your fault.
At HerInjury Lawyer, we stand with survivors. Our mission is to help women like you hold negligent property owners accountable, pursue justice, and recover the full compensation you deserve.
If inadequate security contributed to your assault, you may have a powerful civil legal claim — completely separate from any criminal case. Call Farrah Martinez at 713-853-9296 today for a free, confidential consultation.
What This Page Covers
What Is Negligent Security — and Why Does It Matter?
Under Texas premises liability law, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for everyone on their property. That duty includes implementing adequate security measures to protect against foreseeable criminal activity — including sexual assault, robbery, and physical attacks.
When a property owner fails to meet that standard, they can be held civilly liable for the harm that results. This legal theory — known as negligent security or inadequate security liability — allows assault survivors to pursue compensation from the property owner, not just the attacker.
Texas courts have applied negligent security liability to a wide range of properties, including:
- Apartment complexes and multifamily housing
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Shopping centers and retail stores
- Hotels and motels
- Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues
- College campuses and university housing
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Public transit stations and rideshare pickup areas
Signs of Negligent Security That May Have Contributed to Your Assault
Property owners who fail to take reasonable precautions put everyone at risk. Common negligent security failures in Texas assault cases include:
Poor or Broken Lighting
Dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, walkways, and entryways give attackers places to hide and leave victims unable to identify danger. Adequate lighting is one of the most basic — and most frequently neglected — security requirements.
Non-Functional or Missing Security Cameras
Surveillance cameras deter crime and provide critical evidence after an assault occurs. When cameras are absent, broken, improperly positioned, or not monitored, property owners have failed a fundamental security obligation.
No Security Personnel or Inadequate Patrols
High-crime areas, apartment complexes, and large venues may require on-site security guards or regular patrols. Failing to provide them — or hiring undertrained personnel — can leave residents and visitors dangerously exposed.
Broken Locks and Faulty Access Control
Malfunctioning door locks, broken gate latches, compromised key fob systems, and unsecured entry points in apartment buildings or gated communities allow unauthorized individuals to enter restricted spaces, dramatically increasing assault risk.
Overgrown or Poorly Maintained Landscaping
Dense, unmanaged shrubs, trees, and vegetation near walkways, parking areas, and building entries create concealment opportunities for attackers. Property managers have a duty to maintain clear sightlines and safe conditions throughout their grounds.
Prior Criminal Activity on the Premises
If assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes had previously occurred on the property and the owner failed to respond with enhanced security measures, that history significantly strengthens a negligent security claim under Texas law.
How Farrah Martinez and HerInjury Lawyer Fight for You
The legal process after a sexual assault or violent attack can feel overwhelming — especially when you are still processing trauma. Farrah Martinez handles every aspect of your civil case so you can focus on healing.
- Thorough Case Investigation — We immediately begin gathering and preserving critical evidence: police reports, incident logs, security footage, property maintenance records, lighting assessments, and witness statements. Evidence disappears quickly — acting fast is essential.
- Expert Analysis of Security Failures — We work with leading security consultants and premises liability experts who can assess what security measures were in place, what should have been in place, and how the gap between the two contributed to your assault.
- Determining All Liable Parties — Liability may extend beyond the property owner. Management companies, security contractors, and other third parties may share responsibility. We identify every party whose negligence contributed to your harm.
- Aggressive Insurance Negotiation — Insurance companies representing property owners are not on your side. They move quickly to minimize payouts and exploit survivors who are unrepresented. We handle all communications and fight for a settlement that reflects the true extent of your damages.
- Courtroom Representation If Needed — If a fair settlement cannot be reached, Farrah Martinez is fully prepared to take your case to trial. Property owners and their insurers know we mean it — and that changes how they negotiate.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to Recover
A successful negligent security claim in Texas can recover significant compensation, including:
- Medical expenses — emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, and medication
- Mental health treatment — therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity — income lost during recovery and any long-term impact on your ability to work
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life — compensation for the ways your assault has affected your daily life, relationships, and sense of safety
- Punitive damages — where a property owner’s conduct was especially reckless or grossly negligent, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future negligence
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the property owner even if my attacker was never caught or convicted?
Yes. A civil negligent security claim is entirely independent of any criminal case. You do not need a criminal conviction — or even a criminal arrest — to pursue civil liability against a property owner whose negligence contributed to your assault.
What if I was partially at fault for being in that area?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You may still recover compensation as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%. Your recovery is reduced proportionally — not eliminated.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?
In most Texas personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the assault. However, certain circumstances — including cases involving government-owned properties — may involve shorter deadlines. Do not wait to get legal advice.
How much does it cost to hire HerInjury Lawyer?
We handle assault and negligent security cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Take Action Now — Your Safety and Your Rights Matter
The trauma of an assault doesn’t end when the incident does. You deserve justice, accountability, and the resources to rebuild. Farrah Martinez and the team at HerInjury Lawyer are here to fight for you — every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free, completely confidential consultation.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee.