When we visit a shopping mall, stay at a hotel, or park in a garage in Boca Raton, we expect a reasonable level of safety. Unfortunately, negligent property owners sometimes ignore security risks, leaving visitors vulnerable to violent crimes such as assault, robbery, or sexual battery. At Altman Law Firm, led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, we help victims of criminal attacks hold negligent property owners accountable for their failure to provide adequate security.
Under Florida premises liability law, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. Negligent security arises when a business or landowner fails to implement reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. Foreseeability is often established by looking at the history of crime on or near the property. If a business located near busy corridors like Glades Road or Federal Highway has a history of emergency calls or prior assaults but fails to warn visitors or upgrade security, they may be held liable for subsequent attacks. Common examples of negligence include broken security gates, burned-out parking lot lights, lack of security guards, and unmonitored security cameras.
Criminal attacks can happen anywhere, but they are more common in areas with poor lighting, blind spots, or unrestricted access. In Boca Raton, these incidents often occur in parking structures near popular dining districts like Mizner Park, residential apartment complexes with broken security gates, hotels, and retail parking lots. When property owners fail to address known security vulnerabilities, they create an environment where criminals can thrive. If you were assaulted or robbed in a commercial space, shopping center, or residential community in Palm Beach County, investigating the property's security protocols and past crime reports is a critical step in building a civil claim.
Pursuing a negligent security claim requires navigating complex Florida statutes. Under Florida's modified comparative fault system, a property owner may attempt to shift blame to the victim or the criminal actor to reduce their liability. Additionally, Florida law sets a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. For incidents occurring after March 2023, victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Because gathering evidence—such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and police reports from local law enforcement—is highly time-sensitive, consulting with a legal professional early is essential to protecting your right to seek compensation.
A negligent security claim is a type of civil lawsuit brought under premises liability law. It allows victims of violent crimes to seek compensation from a property owner or manager if the owner's failure to provide adequate security measures allowed the crime to occur.
Foreseeability is typically proven by demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk of crime. Attorneys often look at police call logs, history of similar crimes on the property or in the immediate surrounding neighborhood, and whether the property is located in a high-crime area.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including negligent security, is two years from the date of the injury. It is critical to take action within this timeframe to preserve your legal rights.
Yes. A negligent security claim is a civil action against the property owner, not the criminal. The civil case focuses on whether the property owner failed to protect you from a foreseeable danger, regardless of whether the police have identified or convicted the perpetrator.
Florida operates under a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially responsible for the incident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages under Florida law.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a lack of security in Boca Raton, contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options during a free, confidential case evaluation. Call (305) 373-3730.