Property owners across Lee County have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, residents, and guests. When owners fail to provide adequate security—such as broken gates, poor lighting, or absent surveillance—they may be held liable if a criminal attack occurs. At Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we help victims and families navigate the complex legal process of holding negligent businesses and landlords accountable.
Whether you were visiting a bustling shopping center near the Edison Mall, staying at a resort along Fort Myers Beach, or walking through an apartment complex parking lot, you have a right to expect a secure environment. Florida premises liability law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to deter foreseeable criminal acts. If a property has a history of crime and the owner ignores the danger, they can be considered negligent when someone gets hurt.
Negligent security can take many forms depending on the property type. In Lee County, inadequate security lawsuits frequently involve broken perimeter fencing, unlit stairwells in multi-family housing, lack of functioning security cameras, unmonitored gates in gated communities, or an absence of trained security personnel where large crowds gather. When these safeguards are missing or neglected, criminals find opportunity, leaving innocent people to suffer the consequences.
Pursuing a claim for negligent security in Florida involves strict legal timelines and procedural rules. Under Florida's statute of limitations, victims generally have a limited window from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit. Additionally, insurance companies and defense teams often attempt to shift blame onto the victim using comparative fault arguments. Having knowledgeable legal counsel helps ensure your rights are protected while evidence is preserved and investigated.
Negligent security is a form of premises liability where a property owner fails to take reasonable precautions to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts committed by third parties.
Apartment complexes, hotels, motels, shopping malls, parking garages, bars, nightclubs, and office buildings in Lee County can all be held responsible if their security measures were unreasonably deficient.
Proving liability typically requires showing that the property owner knew or should have known about a foreseeable risk of crime, yet failed to implement adequate security measures to prevent harm.
Yes, Florida law establishes strict limitation periods for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. It is important to consult with a legal professional promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault standard, which may affect your recovery if you share a percentage of blame for the incident. An attorney can evaluate how these rules apply to your specific situation.
Contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your Lee County negligent security case with an experienced attorney. Call (305) 373-3730.