Negligent Security Attorney in Orlando
20 North Orange Ave, Suite 1600
Orlando, FL 32801
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Negligent Security Lawyer in Orlando
Business and property owners can and should take steps to minimize the risks of violent crimes and other negligent security incidents on their property. Security measures, such as cameras and alarms, must be adequate for the property’s location and function.
Experiencing a violent incident can change a victim’s life forever and cause unprecedented physical, emotional, and financial consequences. However, if you were hurt in an attack or assault due to a property owner’s negligence, you could qualify for damages such as pain and anguish, medical expenses, lost income, and others.
Morgan & Morgan’s negligent security lawyers in Orlando could hold the responsible party accountable and fight hard for the settlement you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine whether you have a case.
What Qualifies as Negligent Security?
Negligent security in Orlando occurs when a business or property owner fails to keep visitors and guests reasonably safe. Examples of negligent security incidents can include:
- Armed robberies and assaults
- Shootings
- Sexual assaults
- Stabbings
- Murder
Most properties in Florida, such as apartment buildings, hotels, malls, and others, must have basic security measures. The following circumstances, and others, can potentially cause a negligent security incident:
- Lack of adequate lighting
- Unqualified and untrained security guards
- Lack of fences and gates around the property
- Unlocked doors and gates
- Lack of security guards
- Defective security cameras
- Malfunctioning alarms
The type of security installations required for premises can vary significantly. For example, a clothes store demands different security measures than a nightclub. To have a claim, victims must show that the property owner failed to install or maintain appropriate security measures for the premises and location.
Where in Orlando Do Negligent Security Incidents Happen?
According to the Marshall Project, statistics show that violent crimes are increasing nationwide. Media sources have determined that the city of Orlando follows and even outpaces the nationwide trend, with aggravated assaults and murders skyrocketing in the city in recent years. Orlando’s murder rate is now higher than state and national averages.
Negligent security attacks and assaults can practically happen anywhere on Orlando’s public or private property. Common locations for negligent security incidents can include:
- Convenience stores
- Apartment complexes
- Workplaces
- Gas stations
- Government buildings
- Shopping centers
- Daycare centers, schools, and colleges
- Hospitals and care facilities
- Hotels and resorts
- Airports
- Sports events and concerts
If you or a loved one got hurt in an attack or assault, you could file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. A Morgan & Morgan negligent security lawyer can walk you through your options and help you understand your legal rights.
The Physical and Emotional Consequences of an Assault
Negligent security incidents can cause significant physical and emotional injuries. Common injuries in attacks and violent robberies include facial injuries, fractures, lacerations, bullet and stab wounds, and others. Those injured in a particularly violent incident, such as a shooting, could be permanently disabled or die from their injuries.
However, while physical injuries may heal, the emotional trauma from a horrific attack or assault can cause long-lasting mental and emotional effects, including:
- Depression and anxiety
- Fear of leaving the house
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia
- Reduced productivity at school and work
You do not have to suffer in silence after an assault or attack. If you are unsure where to turn or what your next best steps might be, Morgan & Morgan can be here for you. Our compassionate and determined lawyers could help you assert your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Potential Liable Parties in a Negligent Security Claim
The individual or business responsible for a property is generally liable when someone gets injured or dies in a negligent security assault or attack. In most but not all cases, property owners are responsible for injured victims’ damages. However, other parties could be legally liable, including:
- Homeowners’ associations
- Property management companies
- Landowners
- Security companies
- Hotel and resort management
- Managers of restaurants
- School and college administrators
- Managers of gas stations and convenience stores
Property Owners Can Prevent Negligent Security Incidents
Negligent security claims are not only beneficial for providing injured victims with the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Legal cases can also highlight property owners’ duties to make their premises safe for visitors.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to premises security, business owners and lessees can take some simple steps to keep us safe, including but not limited to:
- Providing adequate lighting in and outside the property
- Installing and maintaining alarms and security cameras
- Ensuring locks on doors are modern and functional
- Keeping fencing and gates in good repair
- Employing qualified and trained security guards, where necessary
- Working with law enforcement on crime prevention
- Warning visitors of criminal activity in the location
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FAQ
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
When Should I File a Negligent Security Claim in Orlando?
Timing can be critical when filing a personal injury lawsuit. According to Florida Statute §95.11, you generally have to file a negligent security lawsuit within four years of the date of the injury. Filing too late could mean you are barred from recovering compensation for your injuries and expenses. If you are looking to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one killed in a negligent security assault or attack, you must generally do so within two years of your loved one’s death in Florida.
Timely action is advisable as evidence could disappear over time, and witnesses may not recall the events accurately after months have passed. Acting quickly can also help you obtain the settlement you deserve. The best course of action is to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you or a loved one were harmed in a negligent security incident. Our negligent security lawyers in Orlando can assess your claim, advise you on your options, and move forward with legal action on your behalf.
I Was Hurt on Public Property in Orlando; Do I Have a Case?
Negligent security incidents can occur on various public properties, including government offices, public transit stations, parking garages, and others. While you may be entitled to damages, filing a lawsuit against a local or state government can be challenging as different laws and timelines apply.
In Florida, the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity traditionally protects the government from lawsuits. However, Florida Statute §768.28 waives government immunity under certain conditions. Claimants must first provide a written notice to the relevant agency and the state before they can file a lawsuit. There are also caps on the damages injured victims can pursue from a government agency.
Making a mistake or missing a crucial deadline could potentially invalidate your claim.
Therefore, consider contacting our negligent security lawyers as soon as possible to ensure that you observe the rules and regulations required to sue a government entity.What Is the Average Settlement for Negligent Security?
The worth of your negligent security case depends on the circumstances of the incident, the scope of your injuries, and other factors. Therefore, there is no such thing as an average settlement, and compensation can vary significantly from one case to another. Factors determining your settlement amount can include:
- Your medical expenses and future expected healthcare costs
- Wage losses during recovery
- Whether you can return to your job
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Property damage sustained in the incident
- The degree of fault of the negligent party
- Whether you have any responsibility for the accident
However, with a negligent security lawsuit, you could be entitled to various damages, such as medical bills, wage loss, reduced life enjoyment, and others. Our negligent security lawyers in Orlando can assess your case, calculate your damages, and determine the worth of your claim.
Could I Sue the Criminal Perpetrator Instead of the Property Owner?
If the criminal who caused your injuries is identified, nothing can stop you from trying to sue them for damages in civil court. However, in many cases, such lawsuits are a waste of time as perpetrators of negligent security crimes typically do not have the financial means to make victims whole.
Suing a negligent property owner or lessee is generally the better option and more likely to result in recovery. Property owners are usually insured against such incidents. A victim is more likely to recover a settlement from an insurance company than the perpetrator of the crime.
How Do I Prove a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Orlando?
Generally, to prove a negligent security lawsuit, you will have to show that:
- You were on the premises lawfully
- The property lacked appropriate security measures
- The property owner should have foreseen the crime
- You got hurt and suffered damages as a result of the incident
Negligent security claims can require an abundance of evidence and fact-finding since it can be challenging to prove that a property owner should have foreseen a negligent security incident. However, a skilled negligent security attorney can obtain evidence helping to establish the property owner’s negligence, such as criminal records of the area and other evidence of similar prior incidents.
How Much Does an Orlando Negligent Security Lawyer Cost?
Working with Morgan & Morgan will not cost you a dime upfront if you have a negligent security case in Orlando. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Other law firms may charge you out-of-pocket legal costs, such as court filing expenses, expert witness fees, and miscellaneous outlays. Not Morgan & Morgan. There are no unexpected fees or costs when you work with us.
Don’t be afraid to come forward and ask for our help if you are looking for legal advice or representation. First consultations are always free, and we look forward to hearing from you.
How Can an Attorney From Morgan & Morgan Help Me?
Negligent security claims can be complex. You might have to stand up to a powerful property owner or business with a team of lawyers. However, you do not have to struggle with a complicated lawsuit alone. We can be in your corner and:
Build a Case Against the Liable Party
Negligent security cases are not always straightforward and can involve several liable parties, such as:
- The property owner
- A security firm
- A property management company
After analyzing your negligent security incident, we can determine all responsible parties and opportunities for pursuing compensation. Our seasoned negligent security attorneys can collect relevant evidence and build a comprehensive case against the defendant(s).
Calculate Your Damages
Knowing the worth of your case gives you leverage in negotiations and prevents you from leaving money on the table or getting coaxed into accepting a lowball settlement offer. However, putting a dollar figure on damages such as pain and suffering or loss of life quality can be tricky. Our experienced and tenacious attorneys can calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the defendant or insurer.
Fighting for Maximum Possible Compensation
Negotiating with the insurer can be exhausting and time-consuming, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. Our lawyers can protect you, handle all communication with the insurer, and negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company is dragging its heels, we can take them to court and fight for what you deserve at trial.
Contact Morgan & Morgan for Help Today
Violent attacks and assaults can leave physical and emotional scars that time may never heal completely. However, if another’s negligence caused your injuries and damages, they should make you whole again and pay for your losses.
Morgan & Morgan knows the devastating consequences of violent crimes on victims’ lives. We want you to get justice and compensation for your ordeal. Having a dedicated negligent security lawyer by your side can not only help you get what you deserve but, importantly, provide you with peace of mind during a stressful and challenging time. Contact us now to find out what we can do for you.