Port St. Lucie Negligent Security Lawyer
Although Florida’s crime rate has declined recently, the fact is that anyone could be the victim of a crime. For this reason, businesses should have adequate security on their premises to make sure that customers are safe. Sadly, reasonable security is often lacking, and innocent people are mugged, stabbed, raped, or shot.
At Smith, Ball & Báez, our legal team can help crime victims determine whether they have a legal right to compensation. Under Florida law, many of our clients can bring a lawsuit against a business for substandard security on the premises. Please call to speak with one of our Port St. Lucie negligent security lawyers today.
How Much Security is Necessary?
Businesses like hotels, motels, and shopping malls must protect their customers. But how much security do they need? Florida law doesn’t state the precise security measures a business must have, but there are general principles.
First, no business needs to guarantee that you won’t be the victim of a crime. That is impossible. Instead, they need to take reasonable measures based on their location.
Second, what’s reasonable will depend on the history of crime in the area, as well as specific crimes at the business. Although Port St. Lucie is generally pretty safe, a business might have had armed robberies or attacks recently—and they need to adopt security measures to prevent them from happening again.
Third, businesses must take reasonable actions if they suspect a person is dangerous. For example, motel staff should call the police or investigate if someone is loitering in the hallway when they shouldn’t be there.
Many businesses have the following security:
- Front desk clerks
- Security guards who walk around the property
- Security cameras
- Locks on doors and windows
- Gates
- Front door buzzers
- Lights on footpaths and in stairwells
The amount of security a business needs will depend on many factors. Generally, however, businesses need some security. They should also train staff to respond appropriately to an emergency.
If you were hurt, we can investigate. Our clients have suffered assault, battery, sexual assault, kidnapping, and other crimes. We are also prepared to sue:
- Apartment buildings or complexes
- Property management companies
- Grocery stores
- Pharmacies
- Restaurants and bars
- Retailers
- Big box stores
- Schools and universities
These businesses rarely want to admit to any responsibility for the crime you suffered. Maybe they fear negative media attention, or they simply don’t want to pay compensation for your injuries.
Contact Us to Find Out More
After a violent attack, you might want to curl up into a ball and not leave home. That is a natural feeling. Still, Florida law gives crime victims important rights when negligent security has contributed to an attack.
These lawsuits are often necessary to receive any compensation. Although you can sue your attacker, this person might have no money to pay a settlement. To cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, you should consider suing the business where the attack happened. Let us be the firm that helps you seek justice. Call to speak with a Port St. Lucie negligent security lawyer.
