Are Stores Responsible for Crimes That Happen in Their Parking Lots in Virginia?

 Posted on December 24, 2025 in Personal Injury

Crimes in store parking lots can turn an ordinary day into a life-altering experience. Victims may be left dealing with injuries, fear, and unexpected financial strain. The law recognizes that businesses can sometimes be responsible in these cases. Whether they are depends on the specific circumstances. If you or a loved one was hurt in a store parking lot, you may have a viable personal injury claim. Our Kings Park West, VA premises liability lawyers can help.

Can a Store Be Held Liable for Crimes in Its Parking Lot in Virginia?

A store is not automatically responsible for every crime that happens on its property. However, Virginia common law recognizes that business owners owe a duty of care to customers who are lawfully on the premises.

If a store knew, or should have known, that criminal activity was likely to happen in its parking lot and failed to take reasonable steps to reduce that risk, the store may be legally responsible. These cases are often referred to as negligent security claims. The focus is not on who committed the crime, but on whether the store failed to act when risks were known.

When Is a Parking Lot Crime Considered Foreseeable Under Virginia Law?

Foreseeability is a key issue in parking lot crime cases. Courts look at whether criminal activity was reasonably predictable based on prior events. A crime may be considered foreseeable when there is a pattern of similar incidents on the property or in the immediate area. Repeated reports of assaults, robberies, or thefts can put a store on notice that additional safety measures may be needed. Foreseeability does not require predicting a specific attack. It requires recognizing a known risk and responding appropriately.

What Security Measures Are Stores Expected to Provide in Parking Lots?

Virginia law does not require businesses to guarantee customer safety. The legal standard is reasonableness under the circumstances. What is reasonable depends on factors like the size of the parking lot, lighting conditions, hours of operation, and past criminal activity.

Common safety measures that may be expected include:

• Adequate lighting throughout the parking area

• Functional security cameras or monitoring systems

• Reasonable security patrols when crime risks are known

• Clear sightlines without hidden or obstructed areas

• Prompt response to reported safety concerns

When obvious safety risks are ignored, a store may be exposed to liability.

What Does Virginia Law Require To Prove a Negligent Security Claim?

To succeed in a negligent security case, you must first show that the store owed you a duty of care as a customer. Stores are generally expected to take reasonable steps to keep their parking lots safe.

You also have to prove that the store failed to meet that duty. This might include poor lighting, broken or missing security cameras, or ignoring a pattern of past criminal activity in the area. Finally, you must show that this failure played a role in what happened. For instance, inadequate lighting or a lack of security may have made it easier for the crime to occur or delayed help from arriving.

Timing is critical. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Missing this deadline usually prevents any recovery.

Contact Our Tysons, VA Personal Injury Attorneys Today

At Salvado Law Offices, we help injured individuals understand their rights and their options after a traumatic event. Attorney Carlos J.R. Salvado is particularly interested in local and national issues affecting Latin Americans and immigrants. He brings that same commitment and care to guiding clients through premises liability cases and holding businesses accountable when safety is overlooked. Call 301-933-1814 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Kings Park West, VA premises liability lawyer today. Se habla Español.