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What is Negligent Security?
Under Florida’s premise liability laws, all property owners must keep their property reasonably safe for people who legally enter upon it. This generally means making necessary repairs, cleaning up spills, and ensuring the property is free from obvious hazards. However, it also means providing for safety and security in another way.
Property owners can be held liable in some circumstances if the people who are legally on their property fall victim to a crime. If this recently happened to you or a family member, now is the time to seek the help of an experienced Tampa negligent security attorney.
What is Negligent Security?
Negligent security falls under the civil liability umbrella of premise liability. In addition to ensuring people don’t suffer injuries from a trip or fall on their property, property owners must also take steps to prevent those legally on their property from becoming victims of crimes.
For instance, property owners need to use different levels of precautions based on their type of property, where it’s located, and the current crime rates. They should rely on measures such as proper lighting, installing security cameras, employing experienced security staff, and placing warning signs about leaving personal belongings in a vehicle to help keep others safe. They may also need to hire well-vetted security guards.
The following may indicate negligent security:
- Lack of or untrained/underqualified security guards
- Blocked emergency exits
- Broken security cameras
- Poor lighting
- Broken fencing
- Unlocked gates, doors, or windows
- Unsupervised parking lots
- Lack of security patrols
Suppose a hotel owner notices a continued uptick in crime in the area or involving their property and patrons. Still, they fail to do anything about it, such as increasing security patrols, installing security cameras, or improving the lighting. In that case, if someone becomes a victim of a crime on their property, they may have a valid reason to file a negligent security claim against the property owner.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim
Proving a negligent security claim may not be as easy as it sounds, which is why many who are victimized in this way hire a Tampa negligent security lawyer to handle their claim on their behalf.
To prove a negligent security claim, the injured party or their attorney must be able to establish that the property owner failed to provide them with adequate protection from harm or risk. They must prove that the at-fault party’s property didn’t meet the established safety standards set forth by law. Furthermore, they must show that they suffered an injury directly from the property owner’s actions or inactions. Once they have established these points, they must also provide evidence that they suffered compensable damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Do You Need a Tampa Negligent Security Attorney?
At Mickey Keenan, PA, we know how suffering an injury or harm under preventable circumstances can significantly impact your life now and far into the future. You can count on us to stand up for your rights and ensure the best outcome possible for your claim.
You can start your negligent security claim by scheduling a no-obligation case consultation over the phone today. Call 813-696-3232 or contact us online.