Bradenton Negligent Security Attorneys

Whether you were a victim of battery or assault, or a criminal act, the negligent property owners should be held liable, and you should receive compensation.

Negligent security falls under premises liability because it involves the duty of a property owner to keep a public place safe for others to visit. When that doesn’t happen, victims can hold the property owner liable for failure to provide a reasonable degree of security.

For incidents occurring after March 24, 2023, the circumstances of this particular type of case must be analyzed very carefully, as a new law has allowed certain protections to owners of multi-family housing complexes within the State of Florida, provided that they comply with certain security features. Further, juries are now permitted to assess or apportion fault against a third-party criminal actor, even where the owners of any such complex were aware of the propensity for criminal activity and violence on the premises.

In a place of business, proper precautions need to be taken to prevent dangerous conditions, and businesses are responsible for providing a safe environment. Each cause of negligent security can also be situationally dependent. If a business is in an area where a lot of shootings occur, more precautions should be taken in comparison to an area where shootings are rare. Either way, security measures in public places should always be in place to protect patrons.

At Legler, Murphy & Battaglia, LLP, we will help determine who is at fault and what steps need to be taken next so you can get back to your life again and heal. Our personal injury attorneys can help you navigate your claim.

Request a consultation today to discuss your compensation options.

Negligent Security Claims

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When they fail to provide adequate security, they may be held responsible through a negligent security claim. These claims fall under premises liability law, which holds owners accountable if unsafe conditions lead to harm. In cases of negligent security, victims may pursue compensation if inadequate safety measures contributed to their injuries.

Common Negligent Security Scenarios

Negligent security can take many forms, depending on the property and situation. Some common scenarios include:

• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit parking lots, stairwells, and entryways can create opportunities for attacks or assaults.
• Lack of Security Personnel: Some properties, such as apartment complexes or nightclubs, may require trained security guards to deter criminal activity.
• Broken Locks or Fences: Defective gates, doors, and windows can allow unauthorized individuals to enter a property and cause harm.
• Failure to Monitor Surveillance Cameras: Security cameras should be functional and monitored to help prevent incidents or respond quickly when threats arise.

Victims of inadequate security may have legal options if a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect them. Legler, Murphy & Battaglia, LLP works to help clients navigate their claims and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Who is Liable in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

The person who committed the criminal act isn’t being sued, but the place of business that failed to provide proper security is.

What Are the Differences Between Negligent Security and Inadequate Security?

Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors, tenants, and customers. Within this legal framework, terms such as inadequate security and inadequate duty of care describe situations where a property owner fails to implement proper safety measures, leading to preventable harm.

Inadequate Security

On the other hand, inadequate security or inadequate duty of care applies when no security measures were implemented at all, despite a foreseeable risk of harm. This situation often arises in high-crime areas where businesses, apartment complexes, or entertainment venues fail to provide security guards, alarm systems, or adequate lighting to protect patrons and residents. Without these safeguards, individuals on the premises may be left vulnerable to assaults, robberies, or other dangerous incidents.

Negligent Security

Negligent security occurs when a business or property owner provides security but fails to do so effectively. This could involve hiring untrained security personnel, failing to monitor security cameras, or neglecting to repair broken locks or gates. Even when some level of security is in place, it must be sufficient to deter foreseeable threats. When property owners fail to take necessary precautions, victims may have grounds for a negligent security claim if they suffer harm due to criminal activity.

When property owners disregard their responsibility to provide reasonable safety measures, they put visitors at risk. Those who suffer harm due to negligent security may pursue legal action to hold owners accountable and seek compensation for their injuries.

Examples of Negligent Security:

• Poor lighting in a public place, such as a parking garage or apartment building
• Faulty or improperly maintained security systems and video monitoring
• Lack of signage
• Lack of emergency exits or improperly lit emergency exit signs
• Not enough security guards to secure the area or improperly trained security guards

Tragic Results That Can Be Caused by Negligent Security:

• Rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse
• Assault
• Battery
• Shootings
• Murder
• Criminal acts that cause harm

What is Wrongful Death Due to Negligent Security?

When a family member or loved one dies as a result of a property owner not having proper security measures in place, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. At Legler, Murphy & Battaglia, LLP our negligent security personal injury team will investigate the evidence and records you’ve provided us. We know that a wrongful death case is traumatic and heartbreaking, especially if it’s due to a violent crime that could have been prevented. We will do everything we can to fight for justice for you.

Contact Our Team Today

Protect your rights when you are injured. If you are injured or recovering, let us come to your home, the hospital, or another convenient location. There are no fees or costs until and unless we achieve a successful outcome in your case.

To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at Legler, Murphy & Battaglia, LLP, call one of our Florida offices: Bradenton at 941-909-3763 | Sarasota at 941-366-3782 | Lakewood Ranch at 941-251-1370 | Venice at 941-202-4129.