Holding Careless Tamarac Property Owners Accountable for Security Failures
Walking through your apartment complex courtyard off University Drive or visiting a local shopping plaza in Tamarac, you deserve to feel secure. Unfortunately, property managers and business owners sometimes neglect basic safety precautions—like fixing broken perimeter gates or illuminating dark parking lots—leaving residents and visitors exposed to violent crime. When preventable assaults occur, the physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime. At The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we stand up for individuals and families across Broward County whose lives have been upended by criminal attacks that never should have happened.
Free case reviewCall now
Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
Recognizing Premises Liability and Foreseeability in Tamarac
Florida law requires commercial and residential property owners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. In cities like Tamarac, this legal duty often extends to anticipating foreseeable crimes. If a commercial plaza, apartment building, or hotel has a history of reported criminal activity in the surrounding neighborhood, owners cannot simply look the other way. They are expected to take proactive steps to deter crime, such as employing trained security personnel, repairing broken locks, or installing functional surveillance systems. When an owner fails to address obvious hazards and a visitor is assaulted or robbed, that negligence forms the foundation of a civil premises liability claim.
Investigating Evidence Before It Disappears
Building a strong negligent security case requires swift and meticulous investigation. Security footage from property cameras is frequently recorded over within days or weeks, and maintenance logs regarding broken lights or gates can be misplaced. At The Altman Law Firm, we act quickly to secure vital evidence, interview witnesses who frequent Tamarac commercial corridors, and review local police reports. This rigorous approach helps us demonstrate whether the property management knew about dangerous conditions and chose to ignore them, holding them financially responsible for the harm that followed.
Navigating Florida Legal Deadlines and Fault Rules
Navigating the aftermath of a violent crime involves dealing with strict legal timelines and insurance adjusters who look for ways to minimize payouts. Under Florida's statute of limitations, negligence claims generally must be filed within two years from the date of the incident for events occurring on or after March 24, 2023, while wrongful death claims also adhere to a two-year deadline. Furthermore, Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto victims, arguing they should not have been in a certain area or should have been more vigilant. Having dedicated legal representation helps counter these tactics so your voice is heard.
Frequently asked questions
What legally constitutes a negligent security claim in Florida?
A negligent security claim arises when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures—such as lighting, locks, or security staff—and that specific failure allows a criminal attack or assault to occur on the premises.
Can I sue a property owner if a third party committed the crime?
Yes. While the criminal is directly responsible for the attack, the property owner can still face civil liability if their carelessness or failure to provide adequate security made it substantially easier for the criminal act to take place.
What is the deadline for filing a negligent security lawsuit in Florida?
For negligence claims stemming from incidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the event. Wrongful death claims resulting from security failures also carry a two-year filing limit.
How does comparative negligence affect my Tamarac injury case?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence framework. If you are found partially at fault for an incident, your financial recovery can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to blame the victim, making thorough legal advocacy essential.
If you or someone you care about suffered harm due to inadequate property protection in Tamarac, contact The Altman Law Firm today to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney. Call (305) 373-3730.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The settlements and verdicts described are specific to the facts of each case and the law in effect at the time. Your case may involve different facts, legal issues, or insurance coverage, and results in other cases do not predict the outcome of yours. Amounts shown are gross recoveries before attorney's fees, costs, and liens. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.