Wesley Chapel Negligent Security Attorney
Crime is a fact of life—even in beautiful communities like Wesley Chapel. The newspapers and internet daily bring stories of violent attacks, robberies, and rapes. For these reasons, business owners must provide adequate security to their customers. And, when they fail to do so, they become liable for any injuries sustained as a result of their negligent security.
If you or a loved one has suffered an attack, you have our sympathies. We also want to notify you that you might bring a claim for compensation against the establishment which did not have adequate security. Speak with a Wesley Chapel negligent security attorney today at Moore Law.
Providing Reasonable Security
No business ever guarantees that a customer will not be attacked. Even the government doesn’t guarantee that. However, Florida law does require “reasonable” security given the circumstances. What does that mean?
Essentially, a property owner must provide security that is appropriate to the area and the amount of crime that takes place there. In a large, urban area with sky-high crime rates, a business would need to provide more security than a store in a sleepy village.
Nevertheless, stores need to provide some level of security to their customers. This can include:
- Security guards
- Surveillance video
- Lighting in parking lots and parking garages
- Locks on doors and windows
- Intercoms or emergency alarms
- Gated areas
Businesses also need to take complaints seriously. If a customer has complained of an attack or a shady character loitering about, then the store must investigate. It cannot turn a blind eye to a possible crime threat.
Businesses Responsible for Security Lapses
Our clients have been injured in a range of businesses, such as:
- Shopping malls
- Strip malls
- Mom & Pop stores
- Parking garages
- Commercial real estate
- Apartment buildings
- Sports stadiums
- Restaurants and taverns
- Hotels and motels
Some people are surprised to see apartments on this list. But your landlord must ensure that there is sufficient security in the apartment complex. This can include intercoms at the door, door locks and window latches, security guards who make rounds, and lighted footpaths and common areas. The fact that you signed a lease does not give the landlord permission to let security lapse.
How to Make a Claim for Negligent Security in Wesley Chapel
A business is on the hook for compensation to victims when security is lacking, even though a stranger has committed the attack. For example, someone might have broken into your hotel room because the door didn’t have a working lock. While robbing you, the assailant stabs or shoots you.
In this example, you could sue the assailant. But a criminal probably does not have the resources to pay compensation. By contrast, a business should have a liability policy to cover injuries suffered on the premises, including violent attacks when security is negligent. As a result, businesses make ideal defendants whenever a person is violently victimized in a store or other business.
Meet with an Experienced Wesley Chapel Negligent Security Attorney
Violent attacks are traumatic. Survivors and their family members struggle to process what has happened and how to move on. Although compensation will not erase the trauma, it can help survivors with medical care and other expenses. A lawsuit might also force a business to increase its security to protect the public going forward. Contact us to schedule a meeting with our legal team.
