Property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition.  This duty extends to protecting visitors and guests from unwanted criminal activity.  When a visitor or guest is injured as a result of a physical or sexual assault, robbery or otherwise harmed as a result of inadequate or negligent security, the property owner may be liable for damages. In addition to the owner of the property, others may also be responsible, such as the property management company and/or the security company that was hired to protect the property.

Examples of Inadequate or Negligent Security

There are numerous preventative security measures available to the property owner. Failure to provide adequate security often results in attacks, sexual assaults, robberies and even death. Examples of inadequate security include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Complete lack of security – no security measures taken at all
  • Inadequate security – inattentive security personnel, negligent supervision, and inadequate security equipment
  • Failure to patrol area – lack of security personnel, no security vehicles, failure to regularly patrol area in vehicles or on foot
  • Lack of cameras or non-functioning cameras – failure to provide security cameras to monitor and record; failure to install dummy cameras as a deterrent
  • Lack of radio communication - between and within security headquarters and personnel
  • Complete lack of lighting – garages, walkways, corridors, elevators, restrooms and elsewhere around the property where owners knew or should have known people walk or gather
  • Inadequate lighting – insufficient or non-functioning light bulbs and fixtures
  • Gates and entryways unlocked – failure to lock gates and fences, failure to install locks, broken gates and locks
  • Failure to provide gates and fences – extremely unsafe, as there are no visible barriers to intruders

Inadequate Security Can Result in Harm in Virtually Any Type of Venue or Property

Assaults, physical attacks, robberies, sexual assaults, shootings and other acts of violence and harm may occur on or in virtually any type of private property. Examples include, but are not limited to private homes, condominiums, apartment buildings, office buildings, businesses, gyms, shopping centers, malls, stadiums, university and school campuses, dormitories, restaurants, stores, hotels, spas, marinas, motels, parking garages and bars.

Proving Your Case

It is important to understand that even if it was obvious to you and others that you were injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence, your case must still be legally proven. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney to secure evidence, obtain witness statements and prepare your case for resolution, either by settlement with the insurance company or in court. There are countless steps your attorney must take to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.

You can reach Miami Personal Injury Attorney 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 J.P. directly at [email protected].

J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo
J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A.