Florida Negligent Security Lawyer

At ROSELLI McNELIS, our Attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in handling Premises Liability cases, particularly those involving Negligent Security. Property owners and business operators in Boca Raton and South Florida have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and take necessary precautions to protect individuals from foreseeable harm, including criminal acts. Negligent Security claims arise when property owners fail to provide proper safety measures, leaving their premises vulnerable to criminal activity that results in serious injuries or even death. These cases hold property owners responsible when they fail to provide adequate security in areas where criminal incidents are foreseeable, such as parking lots, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and other public spaces.

Understanding Negligent Security in South Florida

In areas like Boca Raton and across South Florida, high-traffic locations such as hotels, shopping malls, schools, and apartment complexes often need increased security due to the risk of criminal activity. When a property or business owner does not take reasonable steps to implement measures like security cameras, guards, adequate lighting, or restricted access, they may be held liable for any harm suffered by people on their property.

Negligent security cases hinge on the concept of foreseeability, which refers to whether a property owner should have anticipated that a crime could occur. If a crime has been previously reported or the area is known to have high crime rates, property owners must take extra precautions to prevent future incidents. Failure to do so can be seen as negligence, making the property owner legally liable for the criminal act and the resulting injuries.

Examples of Negligent Security Incidents

Negligent Security cases can involve a wide range of criminal acts, such as:

1. Robberies: Inadequate lighting or security in parking garages or lots can make people easy targets for theft.
2. Rapes and Sexual Assaults: Lack of surveillance cameras or security personnel in residential complexes, hotels, or public areas may leave individuals vulnerable to assault.
3. Assaults and Battery: Property owners who do not install working gates, alarms, or security systems in high-risk areas can allow criminal elements to enter undetected.
4. Kidnappings: Failure to provide proper surveillance or secure access points in public spaces can lead to tragic incidents of abduction.
5. Murders: In extreme cases, violent crimes such as homicides can occur due to insufficient security measures, leaving the property owner responsible.

For example, a shopping center in Boca Raton that has been the site of previous robberies should implement additional security measures such as hiring patrol officers or installing better lighting. If such measures are not taken, and a customer is assaulted or robbed, the shopping center can be held liable under Florida’s premises liability laws.

Legal Requirements for Negligent Security Cases

Under Florida law, property owners and business operators must provide a reasonable level of security to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. This means that if there have been previous incidents of crime in the area or on the property, owners are legally required to take action. Negligent security can include failures such as:

• Not hiring or providing adequate security personnel.
• Failure to install or maintain security cameras or alarms.
• Poorly lit areas, which increase the risk of criminal activity.
• Lack of gates or other physical barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
• Failing to repair broken locks or fences, allowing criminals easy access to a property.

One key element in these cases is foreseeability. This concept is critical because it establishes whether the property owner knew or should have known that a criminal act could occur. Attorneys handling these cases, such as the experienced team at ROSELLI McNELIS, will often rely on police reports, previous complaints, or other historical data to demonstrate that the crime could have been predicted, and therefore, security should have been enhanced.

Consequences of Negligent Security

When a property owner or business operator fails to provide proper security, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may suffer from severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, or even death. In addition to the immediate physical and psychological impact, victims often face long-term financial hardships due to medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

At ROSELLI McNELIS, we understand the gravity of negligent security cases and the lasting effects they have on victims and their families. Our goal is to hold property owners accountable for their negligence and obtain the compensation victims deserve, which may include:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatment.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering due to physical injuries or emotional trauma.
• Funeral and burial costs in cases involving wrongful death.

Why Choose ROSELLI McNELIS for Your Negligent Security Case?

Handling a negligent security case requires an in-depth understanding of both premises liability law and the factors involved in establishing foreseeability and negligence. The attorneys at ROSELLI McNELIS have extensive experience representing clients in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and throughout South Florida in these types of cases. We work with a network of experts, including security consultants, architects, and crime analysts, to build a strong case that maximizes your chances of recovery.

Our firm’s approach includes:

• Conducting thorough investigations of the crime and the property’s security measures.
• Reviewing police records and prior complaints to establish the foreseeability of the criminal act.
• Identifying specific security failures and demonstrating how they contributed to the victim’s injuries.
• Pursuing all avenues for compensation, including settlements and, when necessary, litigation.

Contact ROSELLI McNELIS Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime due to negligent security in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced attorneys at ROSELLI McNELIS are here to help you hold property owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in navigating the legal process.

By focusing on ensuring property owners and businesses meet their legal responsibilities, our firm is committed to improving public safety while securing justice for those who have been harmed due to negligent security.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one from Criminal Acts as a Result of Negligent Security,
contact us so that we can evaluate your case and recover all of the financial support and compensation required for a lifetime.