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South Florida Negligent Security Lawyer
Why Choose Cohen Injury Law for Your Negligent Security Case
- We Know the Law
Florida negligent security cases require proof of foreseeability and a failure to act. We know how to build these cases and hold property owners accountable.
- We Move Fast
We strive to secure evidence, gather witness statements, and lock in surveillance footage before it disappears.
- Focused on Results
We fight for the full value of your case and never settle for less than you deserve.
- No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing unless we win.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It applies when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security and someone is harmed as a result of a criminal act that could have been prevented.
Examples include:
- Poor or missing lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways
- Broken or absent locks, doors, gates, or fencing
- No security guards or surveillance in high-crime areas
- Failure to respond to prior crimes on or near the property
- Misleading claims of on-site security that does not exist
Property owners are not automatically responsible for every crime. But if the risk of harm was foreseeable and they failed to act, they may be liable under Florida law.
Common Types of Negligent Security Incidents
We represent victims of serious crimes caused by inadequate or non-existent security, including:
- Shootings in apartment complexes, hotels, or parking lots
- Stabbings in bars, stairwells, or dark public areas
- Sexual assaults in hotels, apartment buildings, or garages
- Robberies at gas stations, convenience stores, or ATMs
- Home invasions in rental properties or gated communities
- Physical assaults in poorly monitored venues
- Repeat crimes at properties with known security problems
These violent incidents often happen in places where owners or managers ignored clear warning signs. We work to hold them accountable.
Where Negligent Security Happens
Negligent security can occur at nearly any type of property. Common locations include:
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Hotels and motels
- Shopping malls and strip plazas
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Bars, lounges, and nightclubs
- Parking garages and parking lots
- College campuses and dorms
- Office buildings and medical centers
- Public housing or subsidized communities
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
We handle negligent security cases across Florida, no matter the location or size of the property involved.
Legal Standard for Negligent Security in Florida
To win a negligent security case in Florida, we need to prove:
- A crime occurred on the property
- The crime was foreseeable based on prior incidents or other warning signs
- The property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the crime
- You were injured as a result of that failure
We investigate prior police reports, 911 calls, security logs, and past lawsuits. If a property owner ignored red flags or failed to improve safety despite known risks, we make that the focus of your case.
What to Do After a Crime Caused by Negligent Security
If you or someone you love was the victim of a violent crime due to poor security, take these steps:
- Call 911 - Report the incident and seek medical attention immediately.
- File a Police Report - A formal report documents the crime and may contain important witness information.
- Take Photos - Document the area where the incident happened, especially anything that shows poor or missing security.
- Gather Witness Information - Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened or know if similar incidents occurred before.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance or Property Representatives Alone - They may try to shift blame or settle your case quickly. Let us handle the communication.
- Call Cohen Injury Law - We’ll start preserving the evidence immediately and will begin building your case.
Damages Available in a Negligent Security Claim
You may be entitled to significant compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of what happened. We pursue damages for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death in fatal incidents
We fight to recover the full value of your case, not just a quick settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security
Do I have a claim even if the criminal wasn’t caught?
Yes. Your case is based on the property owner's failure to provide proper security, not the identity of the attacker.
What makes a crime foreseeable?
If similar crimes have happened on or near the property before, the owner is expected to take precautions. We review police records, 911 calls, and crime reports to prove foreseeability.
Is the property owner responsible for what someone else did?
Yes, if they failed to provide basic security and that failure contributed to the crime, they can be held legally responsible.
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of the incident. It’s important to act quickly so we can gather and preserve key evidence.
What if I was injured at a bar, club, or hotel?
Business owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, especially in places where alcohol or large crowds increase the risk of violence.
Injured Because of Negligent Security? Call Cohen Injury Law Today
If you were attacked or assaulted on someone else's property because they failed to provide reasonable security, contact Cohen Injury Law today. We help clients across Florida recover physically, emotionally, and financially from incidents that never should have happened.
Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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