Commercial and some residential properties have a duty to provide for the safety of their customers or tenants. When negligent or inadequate security measures result in you sustaining injuries and subsequent financial losses, you may be entitled to recover damages by filing a lawsuit.
You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out in your case, and you must prove negligence to win your case. A negligent security lawyer from Dismuke Law can determine if you have a case and file a lawsuit on your behalf.
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.
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:
- 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?
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.
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 modifications expenses.
Compensation typically covers these damages. Other damages you could recover compensation for includes:
- Property damage
- Household services
- Childcare
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
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.
How Can Our Lawyer Benefit Your Negligent Security Case?
We recommend consulting with an attorney with experience in negligent security cases or premises liability cases. An attorney can build your case after conducting a thorough investigation to determine liability and collect evidence to back up your claim.
They can also negotiate a fair settlement with the negligent party and their insurer on your behalf and file a lawsuit if they cannot settle the matter outside of court. If we must go to trial, we will represent you in court and present your case to a jury while protecting your rights.
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 for a free consultation today.