Inadequate Security
Negligent or inadequate security claims are a form of premises liability: When you live at, work on, or visit someone else’s premises, the owners and operators of that property owe you a minimum level of safety. This is especially true when you are guaranteed a measure of security by the premises owner. If you are harmed because that security was lax or nonexistent, you might have the right to recover. Even though you were directly harmed by the actions of a third party – the criminal who attacked you – the harm occurred because you were not provided the security you were owed. Negligent security claims can arise from attacks on a variety of premises, such as parking garages, apartment buildings, shopping centers, schools and nursing homes.
If you or a loved one has been hurt as a result of inadequate security in Florida, Mark H. Wright is here to help you. With more than three decades of experience litigating all types of personal injury claims, Mr. Wright has the knowledge and dedication necessary to ensure that you are compensated for the harm you and your family suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence. Mr. Wright prides himself on his dedicated service to his clients, offering the personal service that bigger law firms fail to provide. At Mark H. Wright, PLLC, our number one priority is the welfare of our clients.
Types of Negligent Security Claims
Negligent or inadequate security claims can arise from incidents on a wide variety of premises. If you were hurt at any location on which you have a reasonable expectation of personal security and protection from harm, you might have a personal injury claim for negligent security. Some of the more common types of negligent security claims arise from, for example:
- Being robbed at an ATM
- Assaults in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Assaults or robberies in a parking garage
- Attacks in convenience stores
- Attacks in hotels, motels, or malls
- Assaults at bars and nightclubs
- Break-ins at hotels, apartment buildings, or resorts
- Negligent security at public events
- Inadequate window security
- Sexual assault or other attacks on a college campus
These are just a few examples of how a negligent security claim may arise. If you are on someone else’s property, you have the right to feel safe and secure from harm. If the property owner or manager fails to provide a base level of security and you become the victim of a crime as a result, you have the right to be compensated for the harm you suffer. A dedicated Florida negligent security attorney can help you get the recovery you deserve.
Proving Negligent Security in Florida
Different jurisdictions provide different legal standards for bringing a negligent or inadequate security claim. A successful negligent security claim typically depends in large part on whether the defendant should have foreseen the likelihood of that type of crime occurring on their property and whether there were reasonable steps they should have taken to prevent such a crime from occurring. Foreseeable, preventable harm is the core of any personal injury claim.
Some of the factors that might come into consideration in a negligent security case include:
- What is the crime rate of the neighborhood where the victim was harmed?
- Has the establishment faced the same or similar crimes in the past? How recently?
- Did the establishment have proper lighting where the crime occurred?
- Were the doors, windows, locks, and other security devices insecure, left open, or defective?
- Does the establishment have a surveillance system? Was it in working order at the time of the injury?
- Does the establishment employ private security guards? Do they patrol or just sit at the entrance?
Florida law sets certain limitations on premises liability claims, depending on the circumstances. For example, convenience stores are shielded from liability for third-party criminal actions so long as they have reasonable security precautions, including security cameras, drop safes, and notices regarding the amount of cash on hand. Speak with a knowledgeable Florida negligent security attorney about your attack to evaluate whether you may have a negligent security claim.
Get Help From an Experienced and Effective Attorney
If you were hurt or suffered lost or damaged property as a result of inadequate or negligent security on someone else’s property, you might have the right to recover monetary compensation. Mark H. Wright, PLLC, is ready to investigate your case. Our legal team is dedicated to providing personalized, effective, and compassionate service to our injured clients. If you were hurt due to inadequate security in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Plant City, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, call us today for a free consultation.
