Miami Negligent Security Attorneys

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures, and that failure leads to a foreseeable criminal act causing injury or death. In Miami, businesses and property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for lawful visitors. This includes protecting guests, tenants, customers, and patrons from known or reasonably foreseeable dangers—including criminal activity.

If prior crimes occurred on or near the property, the owner may be required to take enhanced security measures. When they ignore these risks and someone is harmed, they can be held financially responsible.

Common Forms of Security

Effective security measures vary depending on the type of property, its location, and prior crime history. Common forms of security that property owners may be required to provide include:

• Adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, hallways, and entrances
• Surveillance cameras and monitoring systems
• On-site security guards or patrols
• Controlled access systems such as key cards, gates, or security codes
• Functioning locks on doors, windows, and gates
• Alarm systems and emergency call stations
• Clear visibility and elimination of hidden areas
• Proper fencing around the property

Failure to implement or maintain these safety features can expose visitors to serious harm and open the door to a negligent security claim.

When Is Security Necessary?

Not every property requires the same level of protection. Under Florida law, security becomes legally necessary when criminal activity is foreseeable. Factors that influence foreseeability include:

• Prior criminal incidents on the property
• Crime rates in the surrounding neighborhood
• The nature of the business (bars, nightclubs, hotels, and apartment complexes often require higher security)
• The volume of foot traffic and operating hours
• Previous complaints or warnings about safety concerns

For example, a Miami nightclub that stays open late and serves alcohol may require trained security staff, crowd control, and surveillance. An apartment complex with a history of break-ins may need controlled access gates and proper lighting. When owners ignore these warning signs, they may be liable for resulting injuries.

Common Examples of Inadequate Security

Negligent security can take many forms. Some of the most common examples include:

• Poor lighting in parking garages or walkways
• Broken or missing locks on apartment doors or gates
• Lack of security guards despite known violent incidents
• Unmonitored or non-functioning security cameras
• Unsecured entrances allowing unauthorized access
• Failure to respond to previous criminal activity
• Inadequate crowd control at bars or event venues
• Broken fences or gates left unrepaired

These failures often contribute directly to crimes such as assaults, muggings, sexual assaults, stabbings, or shootings.

Who Is Liable for Negligent Security?

Multiple parties may be held responsible in a negligent security case, depending on who controlled the property and security measures. Potentially liable parties include:

• Property owners
• Landlords and apartment complex owners
• Property management companies
• Business owners or tenants
• Hotel and resort operators
• Nightclub and bar owners
• Event organizers
• Security companies contracted to provide protection

At Raposo & Lukacs, our Miami negligent security lawyers thoroughly investigate ownership records, management agreements, and security contracts to identify all liable parties and maximize your recovery.

Injuries Commonly Associated with Negligent Security

Crimes caused by inadequate security often result in severe and life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Gunshot and stab wounds
• Broken bones and internal injuries
• Facial fractures and dental injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Sexual assault-related injuries

In the most tragic cases, negligent security can lead to wrongful death.

Compensation Available in a Negligent Security Claim

Victims of negligent security in Miami may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological treatment
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Insurance companies often try to downplay these claims or shift blame to the victim. Having an experienced Miami negligent security lawyer on your side is critical.

Negligent Security FAQs

What must I prove in a negligent security case?

You must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care, failed to provide reasonable security, and that this failure directly caused your injuries due to a foreseeable crime.

Can a business be liable for a crime committed by a third party?

Yes. While the criminal may be directly responsible, property owners can still be held liable if their lack of security contributed to the incident.

What if the property owner claims the crime was unforeseeable?

Our attorneys analyze crime data, police reports, and prior incidents to establish foreseeability and counter these defenses.

How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Florida?

Florida law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. Speaking with a Miami negligent security lawyer as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Do these cases go to trial?

Many negligent security cases settle, but our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial to strengthen your position.