According to the FBI 2018 Crime Statistics, there were an estimated 1,206,836 violent crimes and about 7,196,045 property crimes nationwide. Property and business owners across Florida owe a legal duty of care to tenants and customers to secure and maintain reasonably safe premises and protect against potential risks or harm.
If you or a loved one were attacked, robbed, or assaulted on a property due to inadequate security, you may have a valid personal injury claim. The Glober Law Firm provides experienced legal guidance and strong representation to victims of negligent security and personal attacks. As an experienced Florida personal injury attorney, I can fight passionately to protect your rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, or loss.
The Glober Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville, Duval County, St. Johns County, and the entire state of Florida
WHAT IS NEGLIGENT SECURITY?
Negligent security or “inadequate security” can be described as a legal cause of action taken by an individual, injured by a third party on a property, against the property or business owner. Under negligent security, it is assumed that such a crime could have been averted if adequate security measures were put in place by the property owner.
Furthermore, both residential and commercial property owners can be sued for negligent security when an individual suffers injuries, damages, or loss stemming from criminal assaults, rapes, robberies, and other violent attacks. Common examples of negligent security include:
- Failure to inform guests or customers of known risks, hazards, or dangers
- Faulty or lack of security cameras
- An apartment manager giving access to a resident’s apartment to an unauthorized individual (such as maintenance personnel)
- Failure to respond to an emergency call or security alert
- Inadequate lighting in the parking lot or dark areas
- Improperly trained security personnel
- Failure to repair broken security features and physical barriers such as locks, doors, windows, gates, and fences
- Failure of the college to provide adequate security measures on campus to prevent campus crimes
WHAT MUST THE PLAINTIFF PROVE?
To establish fault in a negligent security lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that:
- The plaintiff was lawfully on the property
- The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care to discover and protect against criminal activities that occurred on the premises or nearby in the past
- The defendant failed to give an adequate warning so that guests, tenants, and customers could avoid injury
- The plaintiff’s injury occurred due to the breach of duty
- The plaintiff suffered damages, bodily injury, or loss
DEFINING “ADEQUATE SECURITY”
“Adequate security” involves putting protective measures in place to mitigate or prevent dangerous conditions that can cause harm to tenants, guests, or customers on the property. Some common examples of adequate security include:
- Security or surveillance cameras
- Trained security guards or personnel
- Adequate lighting of the parking lot, dark areas, and surroundings
- Security hardware such as locks, gates, and doors
SECURITY MEASURES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED
Some industries have specific security compliance requirements. For example, due to the fact that convenience stores and supermarkets are usually the sites of theft, robberies, and other related crimes, business owners are required to put adequate security measures in place. Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 812.173, every convenience business shall be equipped with:
- A security camera system that can record and retrieve images
- A drop safe or cash management device
- Adequate lighting in the parking lot
- An obvious notice at the entrance stating that the cash register contains less than $50
- Window signage that allows a clear and unobstructed view from outside the building
- A silent alarm linked to law enforcement or private security agency
- Where certain crimes have occurred before, additional measures such as at least two employees or a security guard on the premises between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
HOW AN EXPERIENCED FLORIDA ATTORNEY CAN HELP
Negligent security cases can be really complicated and often require thorough investigations. Tenants, guests, and customers may be eligible for financial compensation for their injuries, damages, or loss if they can prove that there was a breach of a legal duty of care, which led to their injuries. Hiring a knowledgeable premises liability attorney is crucial to protect your rights and for detailed guidance.
At the Glober Law Firm, I have dedicated my career to providing outstanding legal services and strong representation to clients in matters of premises liability and personal injury. As you legal counsel, I will review your case, carry out a comprehensive investigation, and establish fault and liability. I will also determine the case-value and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
GET THE LEGAL SUPPORT YOU NEED IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FLORIDA
If you suffered a personal attack as the result of negligent security, you may have claims against the property or business owner. Contact the Glober Law Firm today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney. I will fight zealously to protect your rights and help you pursue your rightful compensation. I’m proud to represent premises liability victims throughout Jacksonville Beach, and the entire state of Florida.
