Negligent Security Litigation in Florida

Businesses, restaurants, hotels, and other places that make themselves available for public use have many legal obligations to their patrons, customers, and clientele. One of these obligations is a duty of reasonable care pertaining to the safety of guests on the premises. This duty manifests itself in a need to keep the premises clean, safe, and secure. Adequate security is a fundamental necessity of any location that holds itself out for public patrons. If you or anyone you know has been injured due to a premises’ negligent or lackluster security measures, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

How Much Security is Required?

The level of security required will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Some places that may require a certain level of security for the benefit of their patrons include:

–       Malls;

–       Restaurants;

–       Bars;

–       Parking lots;

–       Hotels;

–       Parking structures/ramps; and

–       Apartment/shared living complexes.

Each of these entities holds itself out to offer services to patrons. The entity has a legal duty to ensure the reasonable safety of the patrons while they are on the premises. “Reasonableness” is a legal term of art that changes dependent on the circumstances of each case. The amount of security required at an apartment complex in a bad neighborhood, for example, may differ significantly from the amount and type of security required in a nicer neighborhood that has more sufficient surrounding lighting.

Owners and managers of shared living spaces such as apartments have an obligation to ensure that they are adequately monitoring the premises, deterring outsiders, and keeping up with repairs and general maintenance and safety concerns. Failure to do so may lead to liability on behalf of the ownership, as exemplified by a recent Florida case where an apartment complex failed to secure residents due to a faulty gate, which led to the death of two young adults.

Bars are also another type of premises that require a particular level of security, given the nature of the services provided. With alcohol playing a role, the amount of security needed to keep patrons safe inside, keep those who are too intoxicated outside, and to keep amicable relationships between intoxicated persons, a high level of security may be required. Does the bar cater to a college crowd? Or is it more of a lounge that caters to an after-hours business meeting type of crowd? The answers to these questions will help determine what level of security is considered “reasonable” in these contexts.

Negligent Security Premises Liability Attorneys

Regardless of whether you are at your own home, a bar, a restaurant, or a supermarket, the owners and managers of these premises have an obligation to keep you safe. This is a legal duty that, if breached, can lead to liability. If you have been injured in a public place due to a lack of security or inadequate security, you may be entitled to compensation to assist with your medical bills, pain and suffering, and work you missed due to your associated injury. At Alan Goldfarb, P.A., our knowledgeable Miami-based premises liability attorneys know how to navigate these legal claims to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. If you have questions about your legal rights, contact our Miami, Florida office today.