If you were attacked, robbed, or sexually assaulted on a business property in Ocala, FL, you may be entitled to compensation through a negligent security claim. Under Florida law, property owners that don't maintain property or implement proper security measures can be liable for third-party criminal attacks. An Ocala negligent security lawyer at Spetsas Buist can help you seek compensation for what you have been through.
Our legal team used to defend security firms and insurance companies in negligent security cases. We switched sides to help injured people instead. That means we know how the defense approaches these cases, and we understand their tactics.
Call Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers at (321) LAWSUIT for a free consultation. When you work with us, you will speak with your lawyer, not a call center. We don't get paid unless we get money for you, so you don't have to worry about upfront costs or retainer fees.
Negligent Security and Premises Liability
Negligent security falls under premises liability law in Florida. It applies when a property owner fails to keep their space safe, and someone gets hurt because of it. Under Florida law, property owners must take fair steps to guard against known risks. This includes crimes that could be stopped with basic safety and security measures.
If the property owner knew about dangers, like past crimes nearby, broken locks, poor lighting, broken entry gates, or missing cameras, and did nothing, they can be held liable. You do not need to prove the property owner wanted the crime to happen. You just need to show they failed to act when a fair person would have. Our Ocala premises liability lawyers look into these failures to build the strongest possible negligent security case.
A Property Owner's Duty to Protect Visitors
Under Florida law, property owners owe a duty of care to customers, guests, tenants, and other lawful visitors. In Ocala, owners failing to meet that duty can put people at serious risk. Steps a property owner should take to protect guests and visitors include:
- Installing and maintaining working security cameras
- Keeping parking lots, stairwells, and entry points well lit
- Making sure locks, gates, and access systems work properly
- Hiring security guards at locations that call for them
- Responding to past complaints and known crime on or near the property
- Posting silent alarms linked to law enforcement
Florida Statutes § 812.173 also sets specific rules for convenience stores. These stores must have working cameras, bright lights, and at least two workers on site between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Where Negligent Security Claims Arise in Ocala
Security cases happen at many types of properties. In the Ocala area, common settings include:
- Apartment buildings and gated communities
- Hotels and resorts near the World Equestrian Center
- Retail centers and malls along the SR 200 corridor
- Bars and nightclubs near the Historic Downtown Square
- Gas stations and convenience stores along I-75, US 441, and US 301
- Parking garages and lots near Silver Springs State Park and Heath Brook
Each setting carries its own risks. For example, a bar owner who serves alcohol but does not hire security staff may be held responsible if a patron is attacked. An apartment complex with a broken gate and a history of break-ins could face a premises liability case if a tenant is harmed. Our firm handles premises liability cases across the Ocala area.
Compensation for Victims of Negligent Security
Crimes caused by poor security can leave victims with lasting injuries. If you suffered harm because of a negligent property owner, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, including:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, PTSD, and depression
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one
An insurance company will often try to pay less than your personal injury claims are worth. Working with skilled injury attorneys helps level the field and push for fair value.
Parties Who May Be Held Liable
Blame in an Ocala negligent security case can go beyond the criminal. Our personal injury lawyers look into all parties who may be held responsible, including:
- Property owners and landlords
- Property management firms
- Business owners and operators
- Hotels and hospitality companies
- Hired security firms
- HOAs and event organizers
Every liable party we find could mean more insurance coverage for the injury claim. Accordingly, this can help us get a better result in the case.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You
When we sign a case, our team gets to work identifying defendants and gathering evidence. Typically, our work includes the following:
- Saving surveillance footage, security logs, and incident reports before they disappear
- Bringing in security experts to judge whether the property met safety standards
- Reviewing the property's crime history and past complaints
- Tracking down every liable party and insurance policy
- Talking with police officers, investigators, and witnesses
Our negligent security lawyers used to defend businesses and insurance companies in these types of cases. We know how the defense approaches them, and we understand their tactics. We work our cases and prepare them like we're ultimately going to trial. That strategy of preparing and over-preparing can push the other side to pay proper value. You can read what our clients have to say and review our case results to see how we have helped others.
Filing Deadline for Negligent Security Claims
You do not have unlimited time to file a negligent security claim in Florida. Under the current statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action. If it is a wrongful death case, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death.
Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek payment. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin to prove your negligent security claim and build your case.
Contact an Ocala Negligent Security Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured because of a lack of security at a property in Ocala or the wider Marion County area, you may have a right to payment for your losses. Our Orlando personal injury law firm takes negligent security cases on a contingency basis. That means we do not get paid unless we recover money for you.
You can call us at (321) LAWSUIT to schedule a free consultation with an Ocala negligent security lawyer at our firm. You can also reach us online. We can talk to you about what happened and your legal rights moving forward.
We serve clients in Ocala and nearby areas, including Belleview, Silver Springs, Silver Springs Shores, Marion Oaks, Dunnellon, Anthony, Summerfield, The Villages, and all of Central Florida.