Property owners in Coral Gables carry a legal obligation to maintain reasonably secure premises for residents, patrons, and visitors. When inadequate lighting, broken gates, or absent surveillance invite criminal acts, innocent people pay a devastating price. At The Altman Law Firm, we stand beside victims of violent crimes and assaults, holding negligent landlords, business operators, and management companies accountable under Florida law. Led by Jeffrey S. Altman, our Miami-based team investigates the security failures that allowed an incident to happen.
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Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
Recognizing Premises Liability Breaches Across Coral Gables
Negligent security takes many forms across the upscale residential neighborhoods, hotels, and bustling commercial districts of Coral Gables. Whether an assault occurs in a dimly lit parking garage near Miracle Mile, an apartment complex off Ponce de Leon Boulevard, or a retail parking lot close to the University of Miami, property owners must address known risks. If local crime reports or past incidents on the premises indicated danger, management had a duty to respond with functional locks, working security cameras, perimeter fencing, or trained guards. Failing to take these basic precautions transforms a safe destination into a dangerous environment.
Investigating Foreseeability and Landlord Knowledge
Building a successful civil claim for a criminal attack requires establishing that the property owner knew or should have known about potential security threats. The Altman Law Firm thoroughly examines police records, prior incident reports, maintenance logs, and tenant complaints tied to the location. We work to uncover whether management ignored broken entry doors, neglected burned-out security lights, or failed to employ standard safety protocols. Piecing together this evidence demonstrates how the property owner's inaction directly enabled the third-party criminal act to occur on their grounds.
Navigating Florida Statutes and Comparative Fault Rules
Pursuing accountability in Miami-Dade County requires strict adherence to Florida's legal framework and filing deadlines. Under revised state statutes, personal injury claims stemming from negligence generally must be brought within two years from the date of the incident. Furthermore, insurance adjusters frequently invoke Florida's modified comparative negligence rules, attempting to shift blame onto victims by arguing they lacked situational awareness or entered an unsecure area. Our firm counters these defense tactics by aggressively preserving surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and building a robust case focused entirely on the property owner's security lapses.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered negligent security under Florida law?
Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures—such as proper lighting, functional locks, secure gates, or surveillance systems—allowing foreseeable criminal acts to cause injury to a visitor or resident.
Can I sue a property owner if a criminal act was committed by a third party?
Yes. While the criminal perpetrator is criminally liable, the property owner or management company can be held civilly liable if their failure to provide adequate security enabled the crime to take place on their premises.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Florida?
For most negligence claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023, Florida law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. Prompt action is vital to preserve critical evidence like security footage before it is overwritten.
What happens if the insurance company claims I was partially at fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If an insurance company alleges you share blame for the incident, an experienced legal team can challenge those assertions and protect your right to seek fair compensation.
If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury due to compromised safety measures on commercial or residential property, reach out to The Altman Law Firm today to schedule your confidential consultation with Jeffrey S. Altman. Call (305) 373-3730.
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