Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
You shouldn’t have to suffer because a property owner failed to keep their space safe. If you or someone you love was attacked, assaulted, or injured on private property, like an apartment complex near Wilson Avenue or a parking lot behind a Bartow shopping center, you may have a negligent security claim. These cases fall under Florida’s premises liability laws and are about more than criminal acts. They’re about whether the property owner provided adequate security.
What negligent security means under Florida law
Property owners have a legal duty to implement reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable harm. When they fail, by not fixing broken locks, ignoring crime data, or skipping security patrols—they may be held liable. A negligent security case doesn’t require that the owner caused the attack, only that they didn’t do enough to prevent it. That could mean poor lighting, missing security cameras, or ignoring prior incidents on the property. Florida law allows victims to seek compensation for injuries sustained as a result.
Common negligent security incidents in Polk County
Inadequate security measures have led to assaults at bars near downtown Bartow, armed robbery in apartment complexes, and violent crime in poorly lit parking garages. Victims of negligent security may face serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. These incidents often happen where there’s a known history of criminal activity—but where the property owner failed to respond with adequate protection.
Why negligent security cases require quick action
Proving negligent security takes more than just pointing to a crime. You’ll need incident reports, crime data, witness statements, and sometimes video surveillance. The legal process may also involve showing how the property owners failed to provide adequate security, such as hiring security guards or installing proper lighting. Negligent security lawyers work to gather critical evidence before it disappears—and to hold property owners accountable for the harm caused.
Turn to López & Humphries, PA for your Bartow negligent security claim
At López & Humphries, PA, we help victims of negligent security hold negligent property owners accountable. Whether the incident happened in a Polk County apartment complex, office building, or retail space, our legal team understands how to build strong premises liability cases. We offer a free consultation to review what happened, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
FAQ About Negligent Security Claims in Bartow
What qualifies as negligent security?
Negligent security means a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect guests from foreseeable harm. This could involve broken locks, poor lighting, lack of security patrols, or ignoring prior criminal activity on the premises.
Who can be held liable in a negligent security case?
Property owners, property managers, and in some cases, security companies can be held liable. If they failed to provide adequate security and someone was hurt as a result, they may be responsible for damages.
What types of damages can I recover?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the injuries sustained. In some cases, victims may also pursue damages for emotional distress.
How do I prove negligent security?
Proving negligent security often involves showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk of harm and failed to take action. Security records, crime data, maintenance logs, and witness testimony may all serve as key evidence.
Is there a time limit to file a negligent security claim?
Yes. Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a premises liability claim. To protect your case, speak with a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible.
