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In addition to keeping their property in reasonably good condition, property owners have an implicit obligation to keep lawful visitors or occupants safe from external hazards that might come onto their land. In other words, if you were lawfully on someone else’s property and sustained harm because the landowner failed to provide appropriate security to prevent criminal activity, you could have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the landowner.
Irresponsible security claims are especially complex forms of personal injury litigation, and proceeding with one without first retaining our knowledgeable premises liability attorneys is rarely a good idea. Attorney Bruce Kleinberg has over 30 years of experience with premise liability cases. If you want the best chance possible of achieving a favorable case result, working with our Tampa negligent security lawyer who delivers real results is a crucial first step towards justice.
Grounds for an Irresponsible Security Claim in Tampa
The basic idea of a negligent safety measures lawsuit is that a property owner was directly responsible because they did not provide reasonable security measures on their land. On a basic level, this means property owners are generally obligated to install functional gates and locks where appropriate and ensure all spaces are properly lit at night.
Discrepancies in Unique Cases
What a “reasonable” security measure is varies depending on the circumstances, especially in high-crime areas or if a crime occurred multiple times in the same spot. Expectations can also be different for certain types of buildings and businesses. For example, a 24-hour convenience store might warrant greater protection than a store that has typical nine-to-five hours. In these situations, a “reasonable” property owner might be expected to take additional security measures like installing closed-circuit cameras or hiring a guard.
Regardless of the specific measures a landowner put in place, if they fail to provide enough safety measures to address a “reasonably foreseeable” criminal act, they may bear civil liability. This liability could hold them accountable for the consequences of any injury a lawful visitor suffers as a direct result. Our Tampa premises liability attorney could help determine whether an irresponsible security measures claim may be possible in a particular situation.
Negligent Security Case Highlights
- $50,000 Settlement – Secured for a restaurant patron assaulted by security staff.
- Confidential Settlement – Achieved in a major negligent security case involving the tragic assault and murder of a school teacher by a non-resident who had been on the property for months. Expert testimony helped overcome the property owner’s defense.
Filing Deadlines for Civil Litigation
A case based on careless safety measures could allow you to recover for past and future forms of physical, psychological, and financial harm you experience after being injured by a criminal act. It is important to keep in mind that most prospective plaintiffs have only four years at most after initially sustaining an injury to begin the civil litigation process. Because of this, it could be vital to contact a negligent security attorney in Tampa and start building a claim as soon as possible after an incident occurs.
Speak with a Tampa Negligent Security Attorney about Legal Options
Negligent safety measures claims can proceed simultaneously and completely separately from any related criminal case, and they can provide compensation that may be crucial to preserving your future wellbeing. However, achieving a positive resolution from a claim like this can be next to impossible without support from our legal professionals experienced with handling similar situations.
A capable Tampa negligent security lawyer could work tenaciously on your behalf to demand every cent of the restitution you deserve. Learn more by calling our dedicated legal team today.
Negligent Security When Attacked
Our Tampa, FL negligent security lawyer can tell you that negligent security claims arise when someone is attacked on property where the owner or management failed to take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment. If you’ve been assaulted or attacked at your apartment complex, it’s possible that inadequate security measures played a role. Property owners, especially landlords and apartment management companies, have a responsibility to maintain a safe space for their residents and guests. When that duty is neglected, it can lead to serious consequences. For help, call our office for a free consultation.
What Qualifies As Negligent Security
Negligent security can take many forms, from improper lighting to lacking security personnel. When an apartment complex is in an area known for criminal activity, the property owner may be expected to take additional safety precautions. For instance, security gates, surveillance cameras, and functional locks on doors are all standard measures that could prevent crime. If these features are missing or poorly maintained, and a tenant is harmed as a result, the property owner could be held liable for the attack.
Proving a negligent security claim involves showing that the apartment complex owner or management was aware of the potential for danger but failed to act. This could include a history of similar incidents at the property or in the surrounding area. By ignoring or neglecting these warning signs, they may be held responsible for the resulting harm.
Apartment Owners’ Responsibility
Our negligent security lawyer in Tampa can tell you that apartment owners have a legal duty to provide reasonable security for their tenants. While no property can ever be 100% free of risk, certain measures are expected. Regular inspections of security systems, well-lit common areas, and consistent maintenance of entry points are just a few steps that could minimize the likelihood of an attack. When these basic precautions are ignored, tenants are placed in danger.
If you’re living in an apartment complex and have voiced safety concerns, yet nothing has been done, that can be another indication of neglect. Repeated requests for lighting repairs, reports of faulty locks, or requests for additional security should not go unaddressed. Ignoring these warnings could lead to a higher risk of criminal activity on the property, which in turn could form the basis for a legal claim if an attack occurs.
Taking Action After An Attack
If you or someone you care about has been attacked at your apartment complex, it’s important to know that you may have options to seek justice. Filing a negligent security claim allows you to hold the property owner accountable for their failure to protect residents. Such claims often result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages stemming from the attack.
Acting quickly after an attack is important. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports may be critical in proving that the attack was preventable with adequate security measures. Having the right legal representation can help you gather this evidence and navigate the legal process.
Reach Out For Support
At Mickey Keenan P.A., we understand how difficult it is to recover from an attack on your own property. If you believe that negligent security played a part in your assault, we are here to help you explore your legal options. We work tirelessly to help you after an incident. Contact our negligent security lawyer in Tampa today to discuss your case and take the first step toward holding the property owner accountable.