Tampa Negligent Security Lawyer

Have you recently been attacked, assaulted, or become the victim of a crime in Tampa, Florida? Did this happen while you were on someone else’s property? If so, it’s essential to consider your legal rights. The property owner could potentially be liable for your injuries if they didn’t have adequate security protocols in place. 

The experienced Tampa negligent security lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue a premises liability claim and fight to maximize your financial recovery.

Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for injury victims and families in Tampa and across the state of Florida. When you trust us with your negligent security case, you’ll benefit from the experience of a Board Certified trial attorney and a team that’s won over $100 million in damages in tough cases like yours.

We have 50+ years of combined experience handling all types of cases including Tampa construction accidents, birth injuries, bad faith insurance claims, Tampa workers’ compensation, slip and fall accidents, and more.

Contact our law office in Tampa, FL, today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and are always available to take your call at (813) 686-7588. 

How Our Tampa Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help With Your Negligent Security Case

How Our Tampa Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help With Your Negligent Security Case

As the victim of a crime, you can pursue compensation from the person who caused you to get hurt. If inadequate security was a contributing factor, you may also have a legitimate claim against a property owner or business in Tampa.

But you might have many questions. How do I prove that security was inadequate? What can I do if the property owner refuses to accept responsibility or admit the security was lacking? What if I start getting blamed for my injuries?

That’s where our Tampa premises liability attorneys can help. 

We are experienced, respected, and accomplished trial attorneys who understand just how tough it can be to take on a negligent property owner.

Our team will handle every aspect of your negligent security case for you; we’ll:

  • Oversee a thorough investigation, paying specific attention to security measures that could have prevented your injuries
  • Gather evidence, with a particular emphasis on security protocols that were in place and what information the property owner had about potential criminal activity in the area
  • Interview witnesses and speak with experts who may be able to provide insight into more technical aspects of your case
  • Negotiate with the property owner and/or their insurance company on your behalf
  • Prepare your case for trial in the event that you aren’t offered a fair settlement deal

Our personal injury law firm in Tampa works on a contingency fee basis. We know times are tough, which is why you’ll only have to pay us if we win your case. No win, no fee – that’s a guarantee.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team to discuss the specifics of your negligent security case today. We’re here to schedule your free consultation now.

What is Negligent Security?

Property owners have a responsibility to protect visitors and guests when they’re on the premises. This doesn’t just mean trying to prevent slips and falls or dog bites – it also involves having adequate security measures in place to protect against reasonably foreseeable criminal acts.

If you get hurt in a criminal attack because of a lack of security, you could bring a negligent security claim against the landowner (or person responsible for maintaining the premises).

What Kind of Security is Necessary to Satisfy a Property Owner’s Duty of Care?

It depends. Some businesses or establishments in Tampa might need to have bouncers or security guards stationed at the door. Others might just need some security cameras and door locks to fulfill the requirement. Others, still, might fall somewhere in between.

Ultimately, it will depend on:

  • The neighborhood
  • The history (or lack thereof) of crime in the area
  • Prior criminal activity at that specific location
  • The type of criminal activity or crime that could be anticipated

The higher the degree of likelihood that crime will occur – and the more serious the crime – the greater the security measures will need to be to protect guests.

Additionally, the Convenience Business Security Act provides specific requirements for gas stations and grocery stores that are open between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM. Under the law, owners must have a fully lighted parking lot, at least one security camera, and at least two trained employees working between these late night hours.

What Kind of Evidence is Helpful in a Tampa Negligent Security Case?

Ultimately, you’ll have to establish that you were the victim of a reasonably foreseeable crime. You’ll also have to prove that the owner knew (or should have known) that this specific type of crime could happen on the premises.

To establish this, you’ll need facts and evidence on your side.

What kind of evidence might be helpful?

Our negligent security attorneys in Tampa will work to gather:

  • Crime maps of the neighborhood
  • Reports of crime on the street and in the general vicinity
  • Calls to 911 or the police reporting incidents at the location or in the neighborhood
  • Reports or documentation the property owner may have had which suggest they knew about the crime problem – like recommendations for security upgrades
  • Statements from witnesses who have seen criminal events unfold nearby
  • The employer’s security and training protocols
  • Other security measures in place in other establishments nearby

We’ll work to establish that the criminal event that occurred was reasonably foreseeable and that the owner’s security was far too lax under the circumstances.

What’s My Tampa Negligent Security Case Worth?

The value of your negligent security case will depend on many factors, such as:

  • The type of criminal attack or assault that occurred
  • The type of injuries you’ve suffered
  • The likelihood that you’ll make a full physical recovery
  • Your ability (or inability) to continue working
  • Out-of-pocket costs and expenses
  • The extent of the pain and suffering you’ve endured
  • Your age at the time of the criminal attack

The more serious your injuries and trauma, and the more your life changes, the more your case will typically be worth.

You can learn more about your specific situation by speaking with an experienced Tampa negligent security attorney near you. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to get started with a free case evaluation today.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Tampa Negligent Security Lawsuit?

In a negligent security claim, you can potentially recover both economic and non-economic damages for your losses. Punitive damages may also be available in a very limited number of cases.

Economic damages are paid to compensate for your financial losses, including:

Non-economic damages are awarded to make up for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, like:

Punitive damages can be awarded, but only if there’s clear and convincing evidence that an owner acted with malice or displayed a reckless disregard for your safety. For instance, an owner of a bar in a high-crime neighborhood could be forced to pay punitive damages if they intentionally disregarded the risk and had no security measures in place at all.

When Do I Have to File a Florida Negligent Security Claim?

Under Florida state law, you’ll have up to two years to file a negligent security claim for damages. The statute of limitations used to give you four years, but Florida laws were updated on March 24, 2023. Accordingly, you must adhere to the two-year deadline if your Tampa negligent security incident happened after 3/24/23.

If a family member is killed because of inadequate security, you’ll have two years from their date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Once the statute of limitations expires, so does your right to recover compensation from a third party. Don’t let that happen. Contact us to protect your rights. We can begin to implement a plan as soon as you ask for our help.

Inadequate Security Can Result in Serious, Life-Changing Injuries

A violent criminal act can leave victims struggling with severe, debilitating injuries. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we are here to help you seek compensation for every ounce of trauma you’ve endured.

We represent clients who, because of lax security, have suffered:

Be sure to seek medical treatment immediately after you’re attacked or assaulted. Then don’t hesitate to contact our law office in Tampa to discuss your legal rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Tampa Negligent Security Lawyer

Landlords, businesses, property owners, and even government agencies have a responsibility to have adequate security protocols in place to protect you. If you’re the victim of a crime because of inadequate security, you can bring a claim against the owner or person responsible for the premises.

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will help you seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.

Contact our Tampa negligent security lawyers to learn more about how we can help. We offer a free consultation and are here to take your call around the clock.

Our personal injury law firm in Tampa also provides: