Property owners in Fort Lauderdale have a responsibility to maintain safe premises for their visitors, guests, and tenants. When a business or property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures, innocent people can suffer the consequences of criminal acts. At Altman Law Firm, we represent individuals who have been harmed due to foreseeable criminal activity on someone else's property, helping them navigate the complexities of premises liability law.
In Florida, premises liability law dictates that property owners, including hotels, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and nightlife venues, must take steps to protect invitees from foreseeable criminal attacks. This might involve adequate lighting, working locks, security personnel, or surveillance cameras. If a property owner knew or should have known about a history of crime in the area but failed to implement basic safety measures, they may be held accountable for resulting injuries.
Fort Lauderdale is a bustling city with heavy tourism and nightlife, particularly around the beach areas and the downtown corridors. Unfortunately, high-traffic locations can sometimes attract criminal activity. Whether an incident occurred in a dimly lit parking garage near Las Olas Boulevard or due to broken gate access in a residential complex, our firm examines the specific circumstances of the security failure to determine if the owner breached their duty of care.
Pursuing a claim for negligent security involves establishing that the property owner's negligence was a contributing factor to the incident. Florida law considers factors such as comparative negligence, which may impact how liability is assessed. Furthermore, claimants must be mindful of the statute of limitations, which restricts the time available to file a civil lawsuit. We assist clients in gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and communicating with insurance companies to help them seek justice.
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to provide adequate protection, such as lighting, security guards, or locked gates, which makes a criminal act on their premises foreseeable and preventable.
Florida law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific time constraints applicable to your situation.
Yes, a negligent security claim is brought against the property owner for their failure to provide safety, not against the perpetrator of the crime. You may still have a viable case even if the assailant was never identified or apprehended.
Prioritize your medical care first. Once you are safe, report the incident to local law enforcement, document the scene if possible, and consult with a legal professional to discuss your potential rights.
If you have questions about a security-related incident in Fort Lauderdale, contact Altman Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.