Practice Area
Negligent Security
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that arises when a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures and someone is harmed as a result. This area of law recognizes that property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, tenants, and customers from foreseeable criminal acts on their property. When inadequate security — such as broken locks, missing surveillance cameras, poor lighting, or lack of security personnel — contributes to an assault, robbery, sexual assault, or other violent crime, the property owner may share liability for the resulting injuries. These claims are distinct from the criminal case against the attacker, as they focus on the property owner's failure to prevent the harm.
Common Locations for Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security claims can arise at any property where people gather, but certain types of locations see these claims more frequently. Apartment complexes and condominiums — especially those in areas with known crime activity — have a duty to secure common areas, entrances, and parking lots. Parking garages, hotels, shopping centers, and nightclubs are also common settings for negligent security claims in the Boca Raton and South Florida area. Office buildings, college campuses, gas stations, and convenience stores may also be held responsible if they fail to implement reasonable security measures. Properties with a documented history of criminal activity on or near the premises face a higher standard of care, as prior incidents establish that the risk of future harm was foreseeable to the property owner.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim in Florida
To succeed in a negligent security claim in Florida, you must demonstrate that the property had a foreseeable risk of criminal activity, that the property owner failed to implement reasonable security measures to address that risk, and that the lack of adequate security was a contributing factor in the harm you suffered. Prior criminal incidents on or near the property are often used to establish foreseeability — if the owner was aware of previous crimes and did not take steps to improve security, that strengthens your case. Evidence such as police reports, crime statistics for the area, security audit records, maintenance logs for locks and cameras, and witness testimony can all play a role. An attorney experienced in negligent security cases can help you identify and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong claim.
See related: Premises Liability
Free Consultation
Harmed Due to Inadequate Security? Get a Free Consultation.
Contact Caproni LawFree consultation · No fee unless we win