Responsibility for Property Crimes

You are at a bar when a person comes up to you and starts fighting you for no reason. You end up with a broken jaw.

Bar fights and other forms of assault are common occurrences. In some cases, people end up seriously injured or even killed. When this happens, who is responsible? Obviously the criminal, or person who caused the fight, should be to blame, but what about the property owner? Should they be held liable as well?

It’s a question that Florida residents often wonder. They have an expectation of safety when at a grocery store, bar, office, apartment complex, or other commercial building. What happens when they are not safe for some reason?

Violent crime has become a major issue at apartment complexes in Florida. In 2023, at least 46 people were shot and 23 people were killed by gunfire in Jacksonville alone.

House Bill 837 eliminates consumer protections related to negligence and insurance lawsuits. Apartment owners can reduce their risk of liability for crimes against tenants on their property by following these seven steps:

1. A recording security camera at points of entry and exits
2. A lighted parking lot from dusk until dawn
3. Lighted walkways, laundry rooms, common areas, and porches
4. A 1-inch deadbolt on doors
5. Door peepholes
6. Locks on windows and sliding doors
7. Locked gates with key access in pool areas

Apartment owners must also train employees and review the prevention plan every three years. While this may seem like a lot of work, is it really doing anything to protect people and prevent violent crimes? Many believe it takes away incentive for properties to provide security. Security guards are often a helpful tool to prevent crimes, but they are expensive, and having that extra expense will make housing even more attainable for people.

Some believe more can be done. Property owners can encourage a safer environment;, although they will likely never be able to completely prevent the risk. From a security perspective, it may be better to have somebody on the property for a certain number of hours per day if a property owner cannot afford 24/7 security. In fact, it could be said that apartments in rough neighborhoods adding security shows they care about their tenants. But the risks will always be there.

In any case, many victims are suing apartment owners for their negligence in allowing shootings to occur. Will they prevail? Time will tell.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today 

Security is a major issue on commercial properties. Some neighborhoods are worse than others and without adequate security, a person can suffer serious or fatal injuries.

Property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care from all hazards, including criminal acts. If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, seek legal help from a Tampa negligent security attorney from Moore Law. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling 813-510-5400.

Source:

news4jax.com/news/local/2024/02/12/safe-space-whos-responsible-when-a-crime-occurs-on-a-property/