Negligent security practices put employees, customers, and members of the public at risk of injury or death. It is the legal responsibility of property owners, including private businesses and the government, to take preventative measures against acts of violence, theft, or other harm.

When security procedures and personnel are inadequate, the injured party may be left to fend for themselves as medical bills pile up. The property owner can potentially be held liable for expenses associated with their injuries, such as lost wages and emotional distress. 

At Osborne & Francis, we will unapologetically advocate for your right to seek fair compensation in a Florida negligent security lawsuit. You can schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer by calling us at (561) 678-0156 or contacting our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando.

Public Locations Where Negligent Security is Often a Problem

For the purposes of bringing a negligent security claim against another party, a public space should be understood as a location that serves or is accessible to the public, even if the property in question is privately owned. This can also include government-owned properties.

The most vulnerable public locations are often places where valuables are sold or stored, spaces where alcohol is served, or areas where people are more prone to distraction. In negligent security claims, some of the most commonly represented public sites include: 

• Parking lots
• Convenience stores
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Bars and clubs
• Apartment complexes
• Malls 
• Gas stations
• Public transportation stops
• Venues for concerts or sporting events

Depending on the type of property, security standards vary. For example, convenience stores are considered high risk locations so the Florida legislature has stipulated they must install security cameras, have parking lot lights, and take other steps to limit their patrons’ risk of injury.

Common Negligent Security Issues in Florida 

Florida property owners are responsible for anticipating foreseeable safety concerns and addressing them appropriately. They should consider the property’s physical characteristics that could enable or attract security threats, as well as any history of crime on or near the property.

Property owners need to be taking proactive steps and conducting regular maintenance to ensure that the publicly accessible parts of their property are not conducive to crime or injury. In most cases, this involves using a combination of equipment and staff to secure the property.

As personal injury lawyers, the most common negligent security problems we see include:

• Broken locks
• Untrained security personnel
• Insufficient number of security personnel
• Burnt out or missing lights
• No security cameras
• Disabled or malfunctioning cameras
• No alarm system
• Unsecured hazardous materials

If a property owner fails to resolve negligent security issues in a timely manner and someone is harmed as a result, they can potentially be held liable. Even when security measures like these don’t prevent an attack or theft, they can capture evidence needed to catch the perpetrator. 

Consequences of Negligent Security in Public Spaces

Whether you’re grabbing a drink after work, attending an event at a hotel, filling up your gas tank, or walking back to your car after a concert, you shouldn’t have to worry about being attacked, robbed, or harmed because the property owner did not fulfill their obligation to implement appropriate security measures.

The unfortunate reality is that these things do happen, and a Florida property owner’s lax security practices provide more opportunities for people with malicious intentions to harm customers, employees, clients, or guests of the property. Negligent security can result in:

• Theft
• Rape
• Shooting or stabbing
• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Fatal injury

Injuries from an assault can range from a black eye or broken nose to organ damage and broken bones. In extreme cases, you may be confined to a hospital bed for weeks, unable to work, and require long-term care. This can quickly become expensive and disruptive to your life.  

In addition to physical injuries, many survivors of violent attacks experience psychological consequences as a result of the traumatic event. Even if you were not physically harmed, being threatened for your property or having a car or hotel room broken into can be anxiety inducing.

However, if you can demonstrate that the property’s negligent security was responsible for your injuries and damages, you may have legal recourse to obtain compensation for the financial and intangible costs associated with your injuries in a personal injury lawsuit.

Osborne & Francis Has a Solid Record of Success

Florida negligent security claims can be difficult to prove, requiring a skill set and level of expertise beyond what the average personal injury attorney can offer. Our team at Osborne & Francis are highly regarded Florida negligent security lawyers with a history of getting results.

We will investigate the history of the property as well as the scene of the incident, present evidence to establish liability, and fight to ensure that your damages are fairly compensated in a personal injury lawsuit. As our clients will tell you, our team is a formidable force in negotiations.

As your negligent security attorneys, we can offer valuable insight into how to approach the personal injury claims process based on our years of experience. With our team by your side, you will have the resources and expertise needed to mount an effective claim for compensation.

Contact the Negligent Security Lawyers of Osborne & Francis Today

An unexpected assault resulting from negligent security can have lasting implications for your physical health, personal finances, and emotional well-being. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Osborne & Francis is committed to maximizing compensation for our injured clients. 

For us, this means pouring our time, efforts, and skills into ensuring you receive a settlement that appropriately compensates you for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish. We will champion your personal injury claim in negotiations and in court, if needed.

Evidence of negligent security can disappear quickly, so don’t delay seeking legal help if a property owner’s carelessness led to your injury. To learn more about filing a Florida negligent security lawsuit, call us at (561) 678-0156 or contact our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando.