What is Negligent Security?

Premises liability and negligent security are two terms that are often related. Property owners and business owners are liable for what happens on their premises. While most premises liability issues involve slips and falls, a property owner’s negligence can also lead to serious crimes, such as robbery,  assault, rape and murder.

Business owners have a responsibility to protect customers from dangers such as crimes. If you were assaulted while leaving a bar, for example, not only would the person who hit you be charged with a crime, but so could the bar owner. This is because business owners have a duty to engage in actions that will help prevent crimes, such as hiring security guards, adding or replacing lighting and adding surveillance cameras.

Adequate security is important now more than ever in Florida. In 2018, the crime rate in Florida dropped by 9%. At the same time, though, murders and rapes rose. From 2017 to 2018, the state saw 50 more murders and 502 more rapes.

Various businesses need to have proper security measures in place to protect employees and customers. They include bars, nightclubs, restaurants, malls, parking lots, schools, sports arenas, concert venues, apartment complexes, hotels and resorts.

What is Adequate Security?

It can be hard to determine what qualifies as adequate security, as there is no set standard in place. This will vary from place to place. Appropriate lighting, functioning locks and trained security guards during busy times and at night can help prevent crimes from occurring. In Florida, convenience stores must have specific security measures in place. They include security cameras, a drop safe and a sign saying that the cash register contains less than $50.

Being convicted of negligent security can be costly for a business and result in unfavorable publicity. If a business has concerns about whether or not adequate security measures are in place, they should consult with an attorney. An experienced lawyer can assess the premises and recommend security measures to prevent crimes and keep patrons safe.

Proving Negligent Security 

A victim of negligent security will need to prove that the business owner failed to exercise reasonable care to warn customers of the risk of criminal activity. The key factor in a negligent security case is whether or not the crime was foreseeable. This is based on whether or not there have been similar crimes in the area in the past that the business owner should have known about. For example, if three murders occurred in a bar’s parking lot in the past year, it is foreseeable that such a crime could happen again in the near future.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today 

Negligent security can lead to serious crimes and injuries. A lack of security can cause a person to suffer assault, rape or even murder. Those who survive the attack can face lifelong injuries and be unable to work.

The experienced West Palm Beach negligent security lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP can assess your negligent security case and help you obtain the damages you deserve. Contact us by calling 561-291-8298 or filling out the online form. We have offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington and Miami to serve you.

Resource:

sun-sentinel.com/news/crime/fl-ne-crime-rates-20190625-xvcmiiecanfjhgveodf4h67lfu-story.html