Hotels in Florida have a legal responsibility to keep guests reasonably safe. When a guest is injured during a robbery or assault at a hotel, the hotel itself may be legally responsible if poor security contributed to the crime. These cases are often referred to as negligent security claims, and they fall under Florida premises liability law.
If you or a loved one were injured during a robbery or assault at a Florida hotel, you may have the right to seek compensation — even if the attacker is never identified or arrested.
This article explains how Florida hotel injury claims work and when hotels may be liable for crimes committed on their property.
Are Florida Hotels Responsible for Guest Safety?
Hotels and motels owe a duty of care to guests and visitors. This duty includes taking reasonable security measures to protect guests from foreseeable criminal activity.
While hotels are not automatically responsible for every crime that occurs on the property, they can be held liable when inadequate security contributes to an attack.
Common examples of hotel security failures include:
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Broken or missing door locks
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Unsecured exterior entrances
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Poor lighting in parking lots or hallways
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Lack of security cameras
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Non-functioning key card systems
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Failure to repair damaged locks or gates
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Lack of trained security personnel in high-crime areas
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Failure to warn guests about known safety risks
When a hotel ignores known dangers or fails to implement reasonable security measures, it may be responsible for injuries caused by robberies or assaults.
Common Locations for Hotel Robberies and Assaults
Criminal attacks at hotels often occur in areas where security is weakest.
These include:
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Parking garages and parking lots
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Hallways and stairwells
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Elevators
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Pool areas
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Hotel bars and lounges
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Exterior walkways
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Hotel room entrances
Guests are particularly vulnerable when walking alone to their rooms or vehicles at night.
What Makes a Hotel Legally Liable in Florida?
To recover compensation, an injured guest must typically prove that:
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The hotel owed a duty of care to the guest
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The hotel failed to provide reasonable security
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The attack was foreseeable
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The lack of security contributed to the injuries
Foreseeability Is Critical
One of the most important factors in a Florida hotel assault case is whether the crime was reasonably foreseeable.
Foreseeability may be established through:
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Prior robberies or assaults at the hotel
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Police calls to the property
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Crime in the surrounding area
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Prior guest complaints
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Security incident reports
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Employee testimony
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Corporate safety audits
If similar crimes occurred previously, the hotel may be required to increase security measures.
Examples of Negligent Hotel Security
Examples of situations that may lead to a valid Florida hotel injury claim include:
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A guest robbed in a poorly lit parking lot with no security cameras
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An intruder entering through an unlocked side door
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A broken room lock allowing a criminal to enter
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A guest assaulted in a stairwell with no lighting
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A robbery in a hotel with a known history of violent crime but no security guards
Hotels in tourist-heavy areas of Florida are often expected to maintain stronger security due to increased risk.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Hotel Assault Cases
Victims of hotel robberies and assaults often suffer serious physical and emotional harm.
Common injuries include:
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Broken bones
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Head injuries
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Lacerations and scarring
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Internal injuries
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Dental injuries
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Neck and back injuries
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Psychological trauma
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Post-traumatic stress symptoms
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Anxiety and sleep disturbances
Even when physical injuries heal, emotional trauma can last for years.
Compensation Available in Florida Hotel Assault Claims
Victims of hotel robberies or assaults may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
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Medical expenses
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Future medical treatment
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Lost income
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Reduced earning capacity
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Therapy and counseling costs
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Mental anguish
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or scarring
In some cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
What to Do After a Hotel Robbery or Assault
Taking the right steps after an attack can protect your health and strengthen your claim.
Important steps include:
1. Call Police Immediately
A police report creates critical evidence.
2. Seek Medical Care
Medical records help document your injuries.
3. Report the Incident to Hotel Management
Request a written incident report.
4. Preserve Evidence
If possible:
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Take photographs of the area
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Photograph broken locks or poor lighting
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Keep medical records
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Save hotel reservation documents
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Identify witnesses
5. Speak with a Florida Injury Lawyer
Hotels and their insurance companies often begin defending these claims immediately. Early investigation is often critical because surveillance footage and incident reports can disappear quickly.
Time Limits for Filing a Florida Hotel Injury Claim
Florida law generally allows two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, waiting too long can make it harder to preserve key evidence such as:
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Security footage
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Incident reports
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Maintenance records
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Witness statements
Early legal investigation can be crucial in negligent security cases.
When the Criminal Is Never Found
Many victims assume they cannot recover compensation if the attacker is never identified.
This is not true.
A negligent security claim focuses on the hotel’s failure to provide reasonable safety, not just the criminal's conduct. A hotel may still be liable even if no arrest is ever made.
Why Hotel Assault Cases Require Careful Investigation
Florida hotel robbery and assault cases often require investigation into:
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Prior crime reports
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Security policies and procedures
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Employee training
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Maintenance records
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Surveillance footage
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Incident logs
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Police call histories
This evidence can reveal whether the hotel failed to protect its guests.
Speak With a Florida Hotel Injury Lawyer
Being injured during a robbery or assault at a hotel can be traumatic and overwhelming. You should not have to bear the financial burden when inadequate hotel security contributed to the attack.
An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can investigate the incident, preserve evidence, and determine whether the hotel or property owner may be legally responsible.
If you or a loved one were injured during a robbery or assault at a Florida hotel, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
