Negligent Security Attorney in Coral Springs

Over 100 Years of Combined Experience Investigating Property Security Failures

In 2013, the Florida Supreme Court was presented with a case in which negligent security led to two deaths. The victims were shot by unknown assailants inside their apartment in a complex described as a “gated community.”

How did this horrible crime occur? The property owners failed to fix a broken front gate, prevent dangerous individuals from entering the premises, and warn residents about 20 prior crimes that had occurred at this complex. Such failures can leave residents exposed to foreseeable violence and may support holding property owners accountable.

Property owners have certain duties to the people who visit or live at their properties. Depending on the property and circumstances, those duties may include addressing hazards such as faulty wiring or a large, hard-to-see hole at a rental home. They may also require reasonable precautions against foreseeable security risks. Breaches become more likely when owners ignore known dangers or cut security measures to save money.

Negligent security can lead to loss of property, serious injuries, and in some cases, death. Property owners whose failures contribute to that harm should be held accountable so dangerous conditions are corrected before others are injured.

Where Can Negligent Security Incidents Take Place?

Many incidents involve residential properties, such as:

Other incidents occur at public-facing or commercial properties, such as:

Workplaces that lack proper security can be particularly dangerous. Inadequate access control, poor lighting, missing security personnel, ignored complaints, or known risks that weren’t addressed can expose employees to criminal harm. Depending on the facts and applicable law, business owners may be liable when those failures contribute to an employee’s injuries.

Security Failures We Investigate

A property doesn’t make crime impossible. The question in a negligent security claim is whether reasonable precautions were taken in light of a foreseeable risk. Foreseeability can depend on prior criminal activity, complaints, police reports, and conditions at or around the property.

Security issues that may warrant investigation include:

• Broken gates, fencing, locks, or deadbolts
• Inadequate lighting in entrances, walkways, stairwells, or parking areas
• Nonfunctioning, poorly placed, or unmonitored security cameras
• Missing or ineffective access-control measures
• Insufficient security guards or security staffing
• Failure to respond to prior complaints or criminal incidents

Property Owners & Other Potentially Responsible Parties

Our negligent security attorneys near Coral Springs can evaluate whether a property-side failure to provide reasonable protection contributed to an injury. That claim is distinct from a case involving the person who committed the criminal act. Responsibility can depend on who controlled the property, what notice they had of a risk, the security measures used, and the connection between the failure and the injury.

Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include a property owner, landlord, property manager, business operator, security company, or another entity involved in property security. Our attorneys identify potential at-fault parties and handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies. Our team includes a former insurance company defense lawyer, bringing an informed perspective to evaluating these claims.

Evidence After a Security-Related Attack

Prompt action can matter because surveillance footage, incident records, and physical conditions may change after an attack. Our injury lawyers gather police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and accident-scene photographs as part of the investigation. When specialized analysis or testimony is needed, we can engage accident reconstructionists or other experts.

Evidence may include:

• Surveillance footage and security camera records
• Police reports, 911 records, and incident reports
• Prior crime reports, resident complaints, and security policies
• Maintenance logs for gates, locks, lighting, and access controls
• Security staffing records and witness statements

Document the location and your injuries, seek appropriate medical care, and report the incident when appropriate. Before providing a recorded statement to an insurer, understand your rights and options.

Florida Negligent Security Laws & Filing Deadlines

Under Florida Statutes section 768.0701, in claims involving injuries caused by third-party criminal acts, the trier of fact must consider the fault of all persons who contributed to the injury. Florida Statutes section 768.0706 provides a presumption against liability for qualifying multifamily residential properties that substantially implement listed security measures, with the burden on the owner or operator to demonstrate substantial implementation.

Florida Statutes section 95.11 generally provides a two-year limitations period for negligence actions, although exceptions and claim-specific rules can apply. These laws can turn on the property type, date of injury, parties involved, and incident facts. Our negligent security lawyers serving Coral Springs can review the details of a particular claim rather than relying on a general legal summary.

Accessible Guidance for Negligent Security Claims

At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we bring over 100 years of combined experience to personal injury claims. We have recovered millions of dollars each year for people we represent. Our attorneys can assess the available information, investigate the security failure, and explain the next steps for a negligent security claim.

We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we settle or win the case. We’re available 24/7, offer home and hospital visits for clients who can’t travel, and provide Spanish-language service. Our recognitions include AV Preeminent, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Florida Justice Association Eagle Member, and Florida Legal Elite listings.

Discuss Your Coral Springs Negligent Security Claim

Tell us what happened, where it occurred, the injuries involved, and any evidence you have. We serve Coral Springs and communities throughout South Florida, including Boca Raton, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach.