When you visit a business, hotel, or apartment complex in Ft. Lauderdale, you have a reasonable expectation of safety. Property owners and management companies have a legal duty to provide adequate security measures to protect guests and residents from foreseeable criminal acts. When they fail to meet this standard, the consequences can be life-altering. At Altman Law Firm, we represent individuals who have suffered harm due to lapses in security across Broward County.
In Florida, premises liability law dictates that property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes implementing security protocols such as functional lighting, secure locks, gated access, and security personnel in high-risk areas. If a property owner knew or should have known about a history of criminal activity on their premises and failed to take corrective action, they may be held liable for injuries resulting from a subsequent attack.
Ft. Lauderdale is a vibrant city, but high-traffic areas near the beach, nightlife districts, and certain residential complexes require diligent oversight. Common security failures we see include broken security cameras, poorly lit parking garages, malfunctioning gate systems, and the failure to employ adequate security guards in areas known for criminal activity. Whether an incident occurs on Las Olas Boulevard or in a residential neighborhood, the focus remains on whether the owner exercised reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm.
Florida law involves complex factors such as the statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to file a claim, and the principle of comparative negligence, which examines the roles of all parties involved in an incident. If you lost a loved one due to a security failure, Florida’s wrongful death statutes may also apply. Our firm helps clients navigate these legal frameworks by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing security logs to establish whether the property owner breached their duty of care.
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures, such as lighting or guards, which leads to an injury caused by a third-party criminal act that could have been prevented.
Florida has specific statutes of limitations that dictate how long you have to initiate a legal action. It is important to consult with a legal professional promptly to ensure your rights are preserved.
Florida follows comparative negligence rules. Even if a party is found partially responsible for an incident, they may still be eligible to seek damages, though the total recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Evidence often includes police reports, maintenance records for security systems, witness statements, surveillance footage, and documentation of prior criminal incidents on or near the property.
If you have questions about your situation, contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your potential case with our team.