New Port Richey Negligent Security Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / New Port Richey Personal Injury Lawyers / New Port Richey Negligent Security Lawyer

Property owners in Pasco County have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors and tenants. You expect basic safety measures when you visit a shopping center on U.S. 19, stay at a local hotel, or walk to your apartment at night.

Business owners and landlords sometimes cut costs by ignoring broken lights, failing to repair gates, or reducing security staff. Criminals take advantage of these lapses. A violent crime occurs, and the property owner often bears responsibility for creating the environment that allowed it to happen.

A New Port Richey negligent security lawyer helps victims hold these property owners accountable for their failure to protect the public. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers provides the aggressive representation you need during this difficult time.

Our team includes Board Certified Civil Trial Attorneys. This distinction validates our proficiency in civil trial law and demonstrates our high ethical standards. We treat you with compassion while we fight the corporate legal teams that try to deny your claim.

We handle the investigation and the litigation so you can focus on healing from the trauma.

What to know about negligent security claims

• Foreseeability is key: We must prove the property owner knew or should have known about criminal activity in the area.
• Civil vs. criminal: You can sue the property owner for damages even if the police never catch the criminal.
• Duty of care: Businesses must take reasonable steps to prevent crimes that are likely to occur based on past history.
• Security failures: Common issues include poor lighting, broken locks, lack of cameras, and untrained security guards.
• Victim compensation: You can recover money for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma of the attack.

Why Choose Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Case

The law firm you select impacts the outcome of your claim. You need a team that possesses the resources to investigate a property’s history and the trial skills to present that evidence to a jury. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers offers the credentials and local commitment you require.

Board Certification Validates Our Skills

Board Certification in Civil Trial Law sets us apart from most attorneys in Florida. It signals to the defense that we possess the skills to take a case to trial and win. Insurance companies know which firms settle quickly and which firms prepare for the courtroom.

Our Board Certification tells the defense that we are ready to take your case to a verdict if they fail to offer a fair settlement. This readiness often motivates them to resolve claims more favorably.

Deep roots in New Port Richey

We live and work in this community. We know which apartment complexes have a history of crime. We know the commercial districts where lighting is often inadequate. This local knowledge allows us to investigate your claim effectively.

We analyze police reports and crime grids specific to Pasco County to build a compelling case against the property owner.

A history of standing up for victims

We have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our firm has successfully represented victims of violent crimes, sexual assaults, and shootings caused by security failures. Our past results show that we have the legal acumen to handle high-stakes litigation against well-funded corporate defendants.

Key Points of Negligent Security Laws

Negligent security falls under the broader category of premises liability law. Florida law requires property owners to protect invitees from foreseeable criminal acts of third parties. We must prove specific elements to win your case.

Establishing foreseeability

The core of a negligent security case rests on foreseeability. We must show that the crime was not a random, isolated event. We pull police records for the property and the surrounding area for the years leading up to your attack.

A history of similar crimes puts the owner on constructive notice. They cannot claim ignorance if the police have visited their property dozens of times for robberies or assaults.

Proving inadequate security measures

We compare the security measures at the time of the attack against industry standards. A property owner likely failed their duty if they had broken gates in a high-crime area.

We hire security professionals to evaluate the property. They assess lighting levels, camera placement, and access control systems to identify the specific failures that allowed the attacker to reach you.

Proximate cause

We must link the security failure directly to your injury. We argue that the crime likely would not have happened if the lights worked or if the gate locked properly. The defense will try to blame the criminal entirely. We counter this by showing that the property owner’s negligence created the opportunity for the crime.

Common Locations for Security Failures

Negligent security incidents occur anywhere a property owner invites the public but fails to provide a safe environment. We frequently handle cases arising from specific types of properties in New Port Richey.

Apartment complexes

Landlords must provide safe housing for tenants. This includes maintaining common areas, parking lots, and laundry rooms. Broken security gates, burned-out hallway lights, and flimsy window locks are common issues. We sue landlords who prioritize profit over tenant safety.

Parking lots and garages

Criminals target poorly lit parking lots. Shopping centers and office buildings must ensure their lots have adequate illumination and visibility. We investigate whether the owner conducted regular inspections to replace broken bulbs and trim overgrown hedges that provide hiding spots.

Hotels and motels

Guests expect a safe room when they pay for a hotel stay. Hotels must use electronic key cards, secure side doors, and monitor the premises. We investigate if the hotel allowed non-guests to roam the hallways or if the front desk staff handed out room keys without checking identification.

Bars and nightclubs

Establishments that serve alcohol have a duty to maintain order. They must hire adequate security staff to handle aggressive patrons and break up fights. We hold the bar owner liable if a lack of bouncers or improper security training leads to an assault.

Types of Security Lapses We Investigate

We look for specific failures that indicate negligence. These lapses often serve as the foundation of your claim.

Inadequate lighting

Darkness invites crime. We measure the light levels at the scene of the attack. We check maintenance logs to see how long lights remained broken before the incident. A simple light bulb replacement often prevents a tragedy.

Broken locks and gates

Access control keeps criminals out. A landlord knows that a broken gate invites trouble. We review maintenance requests to see if tenants complained about the broken lock before the attack. Ignoring these complaints serves as strong evidence of negligence.

Lack of security personnel

Some properties require human security guards due to high crime rates. We evaluate whether the property should have had guards on duty. We also check if the guards present were properly trained and positioned. A guard sleeping in a car offers no protection.

Negligent hiring

Employers must background check their staff. A property management company or cleaning service may be liable if they hire an employee with a history of violent crime who then attacks a tenant or customer. We subpoena personnel files to check for background screenings.

The physical and emotional toll

A violent crime causes damages that go far beyond the initial hospital bill. We calculate the full impact of the incident on your life.

Physical injuries

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and beatings require extensive medical care. We account for surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term pain management. We also include the cost of cosmetic surgery to repair scarring or disfigurement.

Psychological trauma

The mental impact of a violent attack often lasts longer than the physical pain. Many victims develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. You may feel unsafe in your own home or unable to go out at night. We seek compensation for the cost of therapy and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Financial losses

You lose income when you cannot work due to your injuries. We calculate your lost wages and your loss of future earning capacity. We ensure the settlement provides for your financial stability while you recover.

The Risks of Using AI Tools for Legal Advice

You might turn to an artificial intelligence tool to ask about premises liability. AI programs can provide general definitions. They cannot apply Florida case law to the specific crime grid of your neighborhood in New Port Richey.

They cannot evaluate the deposition of a property manager or interpret the security logs of an apartment complex. Relying on automated tools for legal advice may lead to costly errors. Always consult a qualified attorney from Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for guidance based on real-world experience.

Building a Strong Case

We move immediately to preserve evidence that the property owner controls. This evidence can disappear if we do not act quickly.

Preservation of video evidence

Surveillance cameras often capture the attack or the criminal entering the property. Property owners often record over this footage within days. We send preservation letters immediately to stop the destruction of this vital evidence.

Crime grid analysis

We hire professionals to analyze the crime statistics for the specific location. We create a “crime grid” that shows every police call to that property and the surrounding radius for the past several years. This visual evidence proves the owner knew about the danger.

Witness interviews

We locate and interview other tenants, employees, and customers. They often provide information about long-standing security issues that the owner ignored. We record their statements to lock in their testimony.

FAQ for New Port Richey Negligent Security Lawyer

Can I sue if I was attacked by someone I knew?

You might still have a claim. The property owner has a duty to limit access to the premises regardless of your relationship with the attacker. A landlord may be liable if a broken gate allowed an estranged partner to enter the complex without a key. We evaluate the specific facts of entry.

What if the crime happened in the parking lot?

Property owners are responsible for their parking lots. They must provide lighting and security patrols if the area has a history of crime. We investigate the lighting conditions and the history of parking lot incidents.

Does the criminal have to be caught for me to sue?

No. The civil case against the property owner is separate from the criminal case against the attacker. We sue the property owner for their negligence in allowing the crime to happen. You can recover damages even if the police never identify or arrest the criminal.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations on negligence claims. The legislature recently shortened this timeframe for general negligence. You must file your lawsuit within this window or the court will dismiss your case. We urge you to contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you. We advance the costs of the investigation and the lawsuit. This allows you to hire top-tier legal representation without worrying about upfront expenses.

Can I sue if I was attacked by someone I knew?

You might still have a claim. The property owner has a duty to limit access to the premises regardless of your relationship with the attacker. A landlord may be liable if a broken gate allowed an estranged partner to enter the complex without a key. We evaluate the specific facts of entry.

What if the crime happened in the parking lot?

Property owners are responsible for their parking lots. They must provide lighting and security patrols if the area has a history of crime. We investigate the lighting conditions and the history of parking lot incidents.

Does the criminal have to be caught for me to sue?

No. The civil case against the property owner is separate from the criminal case against the attacker. We sue the property owner for their negligence in allowing the crime to happen. You can recover damages even if the police never identify or arrest the criminal.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations on negligence claims. The legislature recently shortened this timeframe for general negligence. You must file your lawsuit within this window or the court will dismiss your case. We urge you to contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you. We advance the costs of the investigation and the lawsuit. This allows you to hire top-tier legal representation without worrying about upfront expenses.

We Stand with Survivors

A violent crime changes your life in an instant. The property owner who allowed it to happen should bear the cost of your recovery. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers fights to make our community safer by holding negligent owners accountable.

We have the resources, the local knowledge, and the trial experience to pursue the best possible outcome for you.

We invite you to reach out to our New Port Richey office. We will listen to your story in a confidential setting and explain your legal options. Contact us today to begin the journey toward justice.

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 472-9831