When Negligent Security Can Lead to Personal Injury

Everyone expects reasonable security in public places, trusting that owners and operators have taken adequate safety measures. Unfortunately, there are instances when negligent security can lead to personal injury, leaving us feeling vulnerable and violated.
At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., we understand the fear and frustration that comes with such circumstances. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a negligent security personal injury, our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys are here to help.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security refers to the failure of a property owner or manager to provide adequate safety measures. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe, which includes taking steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.
Negligent security can occur in various settings, such as apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, nightclubs, retail stores, and workplaces. These cases often involve preventable crimes, such as assault, robbery, or sexual violence, due to security failures.”
Common Examples of Negligent Security
Certain conditions can contribute to a dangerous environment, leading to injuries from negligent security. Some common examples of negligent security include:
- Poor or nonexistent lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or hallways
- The lack of functional security cameras or surveillance systems
- Broken or missing locks, gates, or fencing
- No on-site security personnel
- Failure to monitor entrances
- Failure to respond to prior criminal activity or threats on the property
- Ignoring tenant or guest complaints about suspicious activity.
These conditions create opportunities for criminal acts to occur.
When Negligent Security Leads to Personal Injury
Negligent security allows dangerous situations to escalate, resulting in personal injury. For example, a hotel guest may be assaulted due to broken door locks, or a shopper could be attacked in an unlit parking lot. The injuries sustained in these incidents can range from physical trauma and emotional distress to PTSD and financial hardship.
Victims of foreseeable and preventable incidents may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Proving a Negligent Security Personal Injury Claim
To pursue a negligent security claim, several elements must be established:
- The property owner owed a duty of care to the victim.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, such as improving security measures.
- The injury was foreseeable, which can be established by demonstrating a history of prior similar incidents or reports of unsafe conditions.
- A direct connection must be made between the lack of security and the injury sustained.
In addition, the victim must typically show that they were lawfully on the premises and not trespassing. Courts may also examine whether the property owner had adequate time and opportunity to address known risks.
Liability can be established through evidence like police reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert evaluations.
Working with a reputable personal injury lawyer from our firm is in your best interest, as we will conduct a thorough investigation, preserve critical evidence, and demonstrate how the owner’s negligence directly contributed to the incident.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Pursuing a negligent security claim can be challenging, but a seasoned Florida personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance. They can investigate the property’s security history, obtain surveillance footage, and locate witnesses to support the claim.
They also possess the knowledge and experience to demonstrate foreseeability and negligence using expert testimony and crime data.
Additionally, legal support is imperative when going up against large property owners or insurance companies that may deny liability. Overall, a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney can help victims navigate the legal process and advocate for their rights.
Do You Have a Negligent Security Claim? Contact Our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Negligent security can have serious, life-altering consequences for victims. If you or a loved one has experienced a negligent security personal injury, do not suffer in silence.
There may be legal recourse available to you. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., our Florida personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of personal injury seek justice and recover compensation for their physical and emotional damages.
Contact us today at 239-500-5000 or online to explore your rights and take the first steps toward recovery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: What is considered negligent security?
A: Negligent security is when a property owner fails to provide adequate safety measures, leading to foreseeable criminal acts and personal injury.
Q: What are some examples of negligent security?
A: Examples include poor lighting, broken locks, lack of security cameras, no on-site security, and ignoring complaints about suspicious activity.
Q: How can a personal injury lawyer help with a negligent security claim?
A: A lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, prove negligence, and advocate for compensation against property owners or insurance companies.