Negligent security is a term used to describe the failure of property owners or managers to implement adequate security measures, resulting in harm or injury to visitors or residents on their premises. This type of negligence can occur in a wide range of settings, including apartments, hotels, malls, and other public spaces. In the state of Florida, negligent security is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. This article will discuss the importance of adequate security measures and the legal implications of negligent security in Florida.

Florida law requires property owners and managers to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their visitors or tenants. This includes implementing appropriate security measures such as lighting, surveillance cameras, and security personnel. Failure to do so can result in injuries or even death, and property owners may be held liable for any damages that result from their negligence.

Inadequate Security Measures and Liability in Florida

Under Florida law, property owners can be held liable for injuries resulting from negligent security. Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, which leads to harm or injury to a visitor or tenant on their property.

In Florida, negligent security cases are typically based on premises liability. Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors and tenants. Property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care in protecting their visitors from foreseeable harm, including criminal activity.

Property owners can be held liable for negligent security if they fail to:

• Provide adequate lighting in public areas
• Install appropriate security cameras or other surveillance systems
• Employ trained security personnel or contract with a reputable security company
• Repair broken locks, gates, or other security features in a timely manner
• Warn visitors or tenants of known dangers on the property, such as previous criminal activity

In cases of negligent security, victims can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Examples of Negligent Security in Florida

Negligent security can occur in a variety of settings, including apartments, hotels, malls, and other public spaces. In Florida, there have been several high-profile cases of negligent security in recent years.

One example is the case of a woman who was assaulted in the parking lot of a Florida shopping mall. The victim argued that the mall’s security measures were inadequate, as there were no surveillance cameras in the area where the assault occurred, and there were no security personnel present. The victim was awarded a significant settlement in the case.

Another example is the case of a man who was shot and killed outside a Florida nightclub. The victim’s family argued that the nightclub’s security measures were inadequate, as there were no metal detectors or pat-downs at the entrance, and there were no security personnel present. The nightclub was found liable for the victim’s death and was ordered to pay a significant settlement to the victim’s family.

Preventing Negligent Security in Florida

To prevent negligent security in Florida, property owners and managers must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their visitors and tenants. This includes implementing appropriate security measures such as lighting, surveillance cameras, and security personnel. It is also important to repair broken locks, gates, or other security features in a timely manner and to warn visitors or tenants of known dangers on the property.

If you are a victim of negligent security in Florida, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Sources:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (n.d.). Negligent Security. Retrieved from https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Crime-Prevention/Negligent-Security