Negligent Security & Excessive Force Lawyers in Oakland, California

If you or someone you love was seriously hurt due to negligent security or the excessive use of force by a security guard in Oakland, California, you may have a valid claim under California law. Landlords and guard services have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect people from known criminal activity and to ensure that security personnel act within the law.

I represent people harmed throughout Oakland and Alameda County who were hurt because security was insufficient, undertrained, or dangerously aggressive.

What Is Negligent or Inadequate Security in Oakland

Inadequate security occurs when a landlord fails to provide appropriate security despite the presence of foreseeable risks. In Oakland, these claims often arise when safety concerns are dismissed to maximize profits.

Examples of negligent or inadequate security may include:

• Failing to hire licensed security guards
• Understaffing for the size of the property
• Inadequate lighting in walkways
• Malfunctioning gates, locks, or access points
• Nonfunctional surveillance cameras or monitoring
• Failing to respond to prior crimes or safety complaints
• No procedures for foreseeable threats

When injuries occur under these conditions, liability may extend far beyond the individual attacker.

Excessive Use of Force by Security Guards in Oakland

Security guards are not police officers. In Oakland, private security personnel have limited authority and may not use unnecessary force.

Unfortunately, excessive force incidents frequently occur when guards are placed in high-risk situations without guidance.

Excessive force may include:

• Physical assaults patrons or visitors
• Unlawful restraints or chokeholds
• False imprisonment
• Use of batons, pepper spray, or weapons without justification
• Intensifying minor disputes into violent encounters
• Detaining individuals without legal authority

Both the security guard and the security company may be held legally responsible.

Where Negligent Security Injuries Occur in Oakland

Negligent security and excessive force injuries occur at properties throughout Oakland, Alameda County, and nearby communities such as Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, and Dublin.

Common locations include:

• Multi-unit housing
• Retail stores
• Hotels
• Entertainment venues
• Parking garages
• Concerts
• Care centers
• Commercial properties

Each location carries different security obligations under California law.

Who May Be Liable for Negligent Security in Oakland?

Depending on the facts, one or more of the following parties may be held responsible:

• Real estate owners
• Management companies
• Security contractors
• Corporate entities
• Venue operators
• Commercial tenants

California law allows claims against all responsible parties.

Damages Available in Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security and excessive force in Oakland may be entitled to compensation for:

• Ongoing treatment
• Psychological trauma
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injury
• Survivor claims
• Punishment damages in appropriate cases

These cases often require early evidence preservation.

Why Choose Norman Gregory Fernandez for Your Oakland Case

I am Norman Gregory Fernandez, a California personal injury attorney with nearly three decades representing injured people — not insurance companies. I personally handle negligent security and excessive force cases throughout Oakland and across California.

When you hire my firm:

• You are not passed off
• Your claim is fully prepared
• Your case matters
• Accountability is pursued

Serving Oakland, Alameda County & Nearby Areas

I represent clients in Oakland, throughout Alameda County, and surrounding areas including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, and Dublin.

Statutes of limitation control these cases. Acting quickly can preserve critical evidence.

Speak With a Lawyer – No Fee Unless We Win

If you were injured due to negligent security in Oakland, California, contact my office today for a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.