When Can You Sue for Negligent or Inadequate Security?

What This Page Covers: 

• Negligent security: Property owners may be liable if their failure to provide adequate security measures leads to crimes or injuries on their premises.
• Common failures: Lack of lighting, broken locks, or no security personnel are examples of inadequate security that can endanger visitors.
• Compensation: Victims of negligent security can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
• Dismuke Law: Our team investigates negligent security cases and fights to hold property owners accountable, helping clients secure the compensation they deserve.

Negligent or inadequate security can have real and lasting consequences when property owners don’t take the proper steps to keep people safe. Things like broken locks, poor lighting, or a lack of security staff can leave people vulnerable to crimes such as assault or theft. If you’ve been hurt because security was lacking, you may have the right to take action against the property owner for not keeping the area safe.

At Dismuke Law, we understand how frustrating and painful it can be to go through something like this. You deserve to feel secure, and when that’s taken from you, it can be overwhelming. Our team, led by board-certified attorney David Dismuke, is here to help you hold the property owner accountable and work to get you the compensation you deserve. We’ll stand by your side, guiding you through every step of the process.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is when a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures to prevent foreseeable injuries to patrons and tenants, especially when there is a history of criminal activity in the area.

A negligent security case falls under premises liability law. When someone gets hurt because a property owner did not provide adequate security measures, they can hold the property owner liable.

What Security Measures Should Property Owners Put in Place?

Commercial and residential properties typically employ various security measures to provide for the safety of patrons and tenants. Common security measures include:

• Adequate lighting
• Lockable doors and gates
• Security cameras
• Alarm systems
• Security guards
• Fencing
• Signs warning against trespassing
• Window locks
• Front desk help
• Intercoms
• Security patrols

A lack of these reasonable security measures can leave a property owner liable for injuries you sustain, including if a crime occurs.

How Negligent Security Causes Injuries and Other Damages

When a company does not provide the necessary security to prevent criminal activity, injuries, or other harm, it may be legally responsible for the losses victims suffer. If a security company is hired to protect guests or customers, its employees are responsible for fulfilling their duties and keeping guests safe. Security companies are often expected to meet the following standards: 

• Prevent items from being stolen 
• Patrol the premises 
• Authorize the entrance of certain vehicles or people onto the property
• Ensure building entrances are secured so trespassers cannot enter
• Review security camera footage 

Victims could pursue justice by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against a negligent security company if its employees do not fulfill the duties of their job. A negligent security lawsuit could allow you to recover compensation and hold the company accountable for its careless or reckless actions.

What Types of Properties Can You Sue for Negligent Security?

Just about any commercial or residential property can be held liable for lack of security on the premises if you suffer injuries and financial losses due to a criminal act. Such properties include the following:

• Bars
• Hotels
• Apartment complexes
• Restaurants
• Shopping malls
• Retail stores
• Universities
• Theme parks
• Sporting events
• Movie theaters
• Concert venues

Owners or operators of these properties can be held liable for negligent security, but first, you must prove their negligence caused your injuries and losses. A negligent security lawyer from our firm can determine liability in your case and file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve.

Is There a Deadline to Sue for Negligent Security?

You can file a negligent security lawsuit against a property owner anytime. However, there is a deadline known as the statute of limitations to consider. Florida Statutes § 95.11 only gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. So, you only have a short window of time to act if you wish to recover compensation through the legal process.

If the deadline expires in your case before you file a lawsuit, the court will dismiss your case. Our law firm will meet all deadlines in your case, including the statute of limitations, so you retain your right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

How Can You Determine Liability After a Negligent Security Incident?

To recover compensation for negligent security in Florida, you must prove you were lawfully on the premises at the time of your injury. You must also show there was a lack of security on the premises and that the property owner should have foreseen that you could encounter a hazard on the property.

Negligent security cases are often considered a part of premises liability law. This is because property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure guests, customers, and others are safe from preventable injuries on their property. When there is reason to believe criminal activity or related threats could occur, the property owner should take steps to keep guests safe from harm.  

This often includes installing security cameras, adding additional lighting, and hiring security guards to oversee the area during the most dangerous hours. If the property owner fails to take measures to protect those on their property, they could face civil action in a negligent security case. 

Our lawyer can investigate the incident of negligent security and determine your case against the property owner.  We can also determine what damages apply to you so that you can seek appropriate compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Negligent or Inadequate Security Case?

You could suffer severe injuries that require medical treatment if negligent or inadequate security led to your injuries. This could include hospital stays, surgery, medications, medical equipment, and transportation, resulting in high medical bills. Your injuries could also prevent you from working and may require additional physical therapy, counseling, and home modification expenses.

Compensation typically covers these damages. Other damages you could recover compensation for include the following:

• Property damage
• Household services
• Childcare
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

Recovering from an injury caused by inadequate security can take a heavy toll, both physically and financially. By pursuing compensation, you can alleviate some of the burdens and get the financial support needed to cover these expenses, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost someone you love due to negligent security, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages such as funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and lost income. You have our deepest condolences and support. We want to handle your case so you can focus on grieving during this difficult time.

Your case’s monetary value will vary depending on your damages. There are no caps on damages in Florida, and our case results speak for themselves. We will assess your case’s value and seek adequate compensation for you.

The Benefits of Hiring Legal Guidance for Your Negligent Security Case

If you suffered injuries and want to hold a security company or property owner liable, a personal injury lawyer who handles premises liability cases can help you and your family. Many law firms provide free initial consultations and represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You should not need to pay anything upfront for legal representation. 

With an attorney working on your case, you can trust them to assist you in the following ways: 

• Represent your best interests and protect your legal rights
• Manage all communication about your claim or lawsuit
• Investigate and build a strong case for compensation
• Explain what each step in the legal process might look like
• Negotiate with the insurance company 
• Communicate with all other parties on your behalf 
• Prepare and file a lawsuit if needed
• Update you regularly about your case progress
• Answer questions you have about the case

Having an attorney on your side is especially important if you have catastrophic injuries because of an assault or another injury that occurred because of negligent security. You do not want to try to navigate the claims process while also undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for life-altering injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or internal injuries. 

Exploring Your Options for Holding a Security Company or Another Party Liable

There are generally two ways to recover compensation from a security company or another liable party. This includes negotiating a settlement with their insurer or suing them and taking the case to trial. In many cases, filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will go to court, as your lawyer could negotiate a fair settlement before your case reaches this stage.  

Your legal options generally depend on the facts of your case. Your attorney can look at the circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate approach. When hiring a negligent security lawyer, look for one that has the experience, knowledge, and resources to navigate the legal process, develop a compelling case, and pursue a positive outcome through a settlement or verdict. 

Regardless of the legal avenue you choose to pursue, you should expect your lawyer to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and work to determine liability. 

Learn More About When You Can Sue for Negligent Security Today – Ask Dave

You may have suffered injuries and losses because a property owner cut corners to save money by negligently failing to provide security measures to keep their patrons or tenants safe despite criminal activity in the area. You deserve compensation and accountability so you can regain a sense of normalcy and prevent someone else from suffering similar trauma in the future.

Dismuke Law understands what you are going through, and we want to help. A negligent security lawyer from our firm is ready to talk to you about your case. To learn more about negligent security or to Ask Dave about your case, contact us through our contact form or by calling (863) 250-5050 for a free consultation today.