Negligent Security Attorney in Fort Myers

We all deserve to feel safe when visiting a restaurant, bar, retail store, or another establishment. However, according to the New York Times, violent crimes and incidents such as mass shootings and assaults are increasing. Now more than ever, business and property owners are called upon to make their properties safe and reduce the risk of injuries and deaths due to violent crime. 

Unfortunately, some property and business owners neglect the security of their premises to save money and maximize profits. However, you should not have to pay for a property owner’s mistake if you came to harm due to negligent security. 

Morgan & Morgan sees the devastating effects of violent crimes every day. We know the physical, mental, and financial consequences that victims and their families face after brutal attacks or assaults. However, you are not alone. Our motivated negligent security lawyers in Fort Myers could help you recover the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us now to find out whether you could sue. 

What Is Negligent Security?

When we visit a property, such as a restaurant, convenience store, or government building, we have the right to be reasonably safe. Therefore, a property owner must take the necessary steps to install adequate security. This is particularly crucial in high-crime areas and when assaults, attacks, or violent robberies have already happened at nearby similar properties. 

If a property owner or another responsible party fails to provide adequate security, they could be liable for the damages of individuals injured on their premises. Negligent security incidents can occur in a variety of places in Fort Myers, including:

• Gas stations
• Apartment buildings
• Convenience stores
• Parking lots and parking garages
• Offices
• Government buildings
• Workplaces
• Amusement parks
• Schools and colleges
• Theaters
• Concerts and sports events
• Public transit stations and airports
• Shopping malls

What Is Considered a Lack of Adequate Security?

Property owners can take numerous steps to make their properties safer, including installing security cameras, locks, and alarms. If a property owner fails to take basic precautions, customers and visitors are in danger of experiencing criminal activity. Negligent security can include:

No Security Systems or Defective Installations 

A lack of adequate security systems can put staff, visitors, and guests at risk of violent robberies or attacks. Installing proper security systems can be as basic as keeping fencing and gates in good repair and ensuring doors have working locks. Depending on the prevalence of crime nearby, business owners may have to take additional steps, such as installing security cameras or alarms. 

If a business or property owner ignores faulty alarms or defective security cameras, they could become liable for injured victims’ damages.

Lack of Lighting 

A poorly-lit property is an easy target for criminals. Property owners should ensure that their premises are adequately illuminated, including outside areas such as parking lots and sidewalks. Failing to replace broken lightbulbs or install proper lighting can amount to negligent security. 

Failure to Hire Security Guards

Some properties, such as nightclubs, bars, and concert venues, can be at a higher risk of criminal activities, especially if they are located in a high-crime area. Failing to hire security personnel or hiring untrained and unqualified security guards can be negligent. 

Required Security Installations Can Vary

There is no one-size-fits-all security solution that covers all properties and locations. For example, a retail store operating in the daytime will have very different security needs than a late-night bar or entertainment venue. Therefore, consulting with one of our experienced Tampa premises liability attorneys can be crucial to determine whether your incident qualifies for a negligent security claim.  

Negligent Security Incidents in Fort Myers

Although crimes are generally decreasing in Fort Myers, violent crimes remain a concern. According to City Data, the crime rate in Fort Myers is above average and higher than in 80.9 percent of cities nationwide. Violent crime, in particular, outpaces the U.S. average. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Fort Myers saw 486 violent crimes in 2019, including nine homicides, 34 sexual attacks, and 349 aggravated assaults. Negligent security incidents can include various violent crimes, such as:

• Shootings
• Armed and violent robberies 
• Rape
• Murder
• Stabbings
• Battery

Experiencing assaults, attacks, and robberies can be terrifying and upsetting. After the incident, knowing how to react and what to do for the best can be challenging. If you suffered injuries in a negligent security incident, get to safety as soon as possible, call the police, and seek medical help. After receiving treatment and filing a police report, consider seeking legal advice to determine your next best steps. 

Our negligent security lawyers in Fort Myers are here to help. We can determine your legal options and the best way forward after an attack or assault. You could be entitled to damages from the property owner.  

Injuries From Negligent Security Attacks and Assaults

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), violence is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Violent crime can have devastating consequences for victims, who may never recover fully and suffer the emotional and physical aftereffects for the rest of their lives. 

Injuries in negligent security incidents can vary depending on the nature of the assault and whether assailants used weapons, such as bats, bottles, knives, and guns. Physical injuries from attacks or violent robberies can include:

• Cuts
• Facial injuries such as black eyes and broken teeth 
• Fractures
• Internal bleeding 
• Bullet and stab wounds

However, physical injuries are not the only consequences for victims. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), victims of violent crimes can experience similar emotional trauma to combat troops, with effects lasting longer than physical injuries. Adverse emotional effects can include feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, depression, flashbacks, and others. 

Help for Victims Is Available

If you or a loved one suffer the physical and emotional consequences of a horrific attack or assault, we are here to help. Our compassionate and tenacious attorneys can assess your case and determine whether you qualify for compensation. While no settlement can turn back the time, getting adequately compensated could help you or your loved one access important medical and psychological resources, aiding healing and recovery. 

Proving a Negligent Security Claim in Fort Myers

Proving a negligent security claim in Florida can be tricky. The plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) must prove that:

• The property owner failed to protect visitors from harm
• Security installations fell short of legally established safety standards
• The victim suffered injury or financial losses due to the lack of security
• The responsible party’s negligence must have directly caused the victim’s losses 

A seasoned attorney can help establish a property owner’s liability by researching past crimes in the area and proving that the crime was foreseeable. Evidence that can help with establishing your claim includes:

• Photographs of defective cameras, faulty locks, or other security problems
• The police report documenting the crime
• Medical records detailing the victim’s injuries
• Crime statistics and records for the property and nearby area
• Evidence of previous negligent security claims and lawsuits involving the property

Damages Recoverable in Negligent Security Claims

If you win a negligent security claim or lawsuit, you could be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on your injuries and financial losses. You could receive economic damages such as: 

• Healthcare expenses and future medical costs
• Property damage as a result of the incident
• Lost wages and future lost wages
• Out-of-pocket expenses

You could also qualify for non-economic damages intended to compensate victims for non-monetary losses such as emotional or physical suffering. While non-economic damages can be tricky to calculate, they could make up a significant amount of your settlement, especially if you suffered severe or permanent injuries. A negligent security lawyer in Fort Myers can determine the value of your non-economic damages, which could include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced life quality
• Inconvenience