Negligent Security in Florida: How to Hold Property Owners Accountable

Negligent Security in Florida: How to Hold Property Owners Accountable

When you visit a business, apartment complex, or other property, you have a reasonable expectation of safety. Property owners and managers are responsible for maintaining their premises and taking steps to protect visitors and tenants from foreseeable harm. If you’ve been injured as a result of negligent security, such as being attacked in a poorly lit parking lot or an unsecured building, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a negligent security claim.

At Graves Injury Law Firm, we help victims of negligent security hold property owners accountable for failing to provide adequate safety measures.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security falls under the broader category of premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments. Negligent security claims arise when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures, which results in harm to tenants, visitors, or customers.

Some examples of negligent security include:

• Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit parking lots, stairwells, or walkways can create opportunities for criminal activity, such as assaults or robberies.
• Lack of security personnel: Some properties, such as hotels, apartment complexes, or nightclubs, should have security personnel present to deter potential criminal acts.
• Defective or missing locks: Faulty locks on doors, gates, or windows can make it easy for intruders to enter a property and cause harm.
• No surveillance cameras: Properties without security cameras or with non-functional cameras are at higher risk of criminal activity going unnoticed or unprevented.
• Failure to address prior incidents: If a property owner is aware of previous crimes on the premises and fails to take action to prevent further incidents, they can be held liable for subsequent harm.

When Can You File a Negligent Security Claim?

A negligent security claim can be filed when a property owner’s failure to provide reasonable safety measures directly results in injury or harm. These cases often involve criminal activity, such as assault, robbery, or sexual assault, where the victim was harmed because the property lacked proper security.

To succeed in a negligent security claim, you must prove:

1. The property owner had a duty of care: This means the owner was responsible for maintaining a safe environment and ensuring reasonable security measures were in place.
2. The property owner breached that duty: The owner failed to provide adequate security, such as proper lighting, security personnel, or functioning locks.
3. The breach caused your injury: The lack of security enabled a crime to occur, which resulted in your injury or harm.
4. You suffered damages: This includes physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other losses as a result of the crime.

Common Locations for Negligent Security Incidents

Negligent security incidents can occur on a wide variety of properties, including:

• Apartment complexes: Tenants may be at risk if there are insufficient security measures, such as broken locks, poor lighting, or no security personnel.
• Hotels: Hotel guests may be targeted by criminals if the hotel lacks proper surveillance, key card security systems, or security guards.
• Parking lots and garages: Poorly lit parking areas are common locations for assaults and robberies, particularly if there is no security presence.
• Nightclubs and bars: These establishments are required to provide adequate security, especially in areas where fights or criminal activity may be more likely to occur.
• Shopping malls: Criminals may target mall patrons in parking lots or poorly secured areas within the building.

Compensation in a Negligent Security Case

Victims of negligent security may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income during your recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the emotional trauma, anxiety, and physical pain caused by the criminal act.
• Property damage: Compensation for any personal property lost or damaged during the incident (such as in a robbery or assault).
• Future care needs: In cases of severe physical or emotional trauma, victims may require long-term medical or psychological care.

How Graves Injury Law Firm Can Help

At Graves Injury Law Firm, we understand the emotional and physical toll that a negligent security incident can take on your life. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding property owners accountable and securing the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to ensure you receive justice.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured due to negligent security in Florida, don’t hesitate to take legal action. Property owners have a responsibility to protect their tenants and visitors from foreseeable harm. Contact Graves Injury Law Firm for a free consultation today. Our legal team is committed to helping you secure the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.