Negligent Security Attorney Tampa

Negligent security occurs when a residential or business owner or manager doesn’t take reasonable precautions to safeguard their visitors, guests, customers, or associates.

Property owners and managers in Florida need to implement basic security measures to prevent or minimize the incidence of robberies, assaults, and other threats. We're here for you if you survived a reckless action or a crime caused by negligent security measures. The experienced Tampa negligent security attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett can help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

What is Negligent Security Under Florida Law?

Inadequate security claims in Florida arise when a property owner, security company, business establishment, or transportation service fails to undertake reasonable precautions to protect others from violent or dangerous acts. Property owners have a duty of care to provide adequate security measures to people invited to their property. These are a few basic security measures that property owners should have:

Restricted access
Functional locks on rooms and exterior doors
Security cameras and alarms
Security guards
Proper lighting
Fencing or gates

If adequate security measures or devices are not in place, victims of assault, robbery, or any other criminal activity may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.

Florida Regulations for Convenience Store Security

Convenience stores are often the site of robberies and other violent crimes. They have special provisions in place concerning security measures. Stores that adhere to the regulations listed under Florida Statute § 812.173 are protected from civil liability related to any crimes committed by individuals, not the business's owner, employees, or operator. These are a few essential security devices and standards that need to be followed by convenience stores:

Working security camera
Cash management device
Well-lit parking lot
Height markers at the entrance

In addition, tinted windows are not allowed in convenience stores.

Proving Your Negligent Security Claim in Florida

Inadequate security measures in Florida require the following legal elements to be established for a successful outcome:

The victim was lawfully on the premises
The property owner should have reasonably foreseen potential criminal activity
The property did not have adequate security measures
Victim suffered damages

Property owners should have been able to anticipate and take the necessary steps to prevent criminal activity. For instance, if criminal offenses of similar nature have occurred on the property or in the near vicinity multiple times, the property owner should have strengthened the security in response.

Damages You Can Claim in Negligent Security Lawsuits

The type and amount of damages recovered depend on the individual facts surrounding your case. However, an experienced negligent security lawyer in Tampa will be able to secure compensation for the following:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Personal property damage
Pain and suffering

You need to move fast since the statute of limitations applies from the date of the incident. You may lose your right to compensation if you miss the statute of limitations deadline for filing a premises liability claim.

Discuss a Winning Legal Strategy with our Premises Liability Attorneys to Maximize Damages

The experienced attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett are dedicated to protecting client rights under Florida law.

If you or someone you love is the victim of a reckless action or crime due to inadequate security at a commercial, governmental, or residential establishment, our attorneys can:

Thoroughly investigate the case
Establish strong evidence
Negotiate with the defendants while remaining fully prepared to go to trial

You can count on our skilled attorneys to fight for you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case review with our lawyers today. Call us at 727-306-0273 or contact us online.