Businesses in Lakeland have a legal duty to provide adequate security measures to protect customers, employees, and visitors from foreseeable harm. When a business owner or property owner fails to take necessary precautions, criminal activity such as violent crimes, criminal attacks, or property damage can occur, leading to suffered injuries and financial losses.
If you or a loved one were harmed due to inadequate security measures at a business, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit to seek compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine liability and pursue legal action against the responsible parties.

What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to implement reasonable security measures to prevent harm. These cases typically involve businesses, apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, or other public places where security is necessary.
Examples of negligent security measures include:
- Lack of security cameras or broken security systems
- Insufficient security personnel or poorly trained security guards
- Broken locks, poor lighting, or unsecured entry points
- Failure to respond to known threats or previous criminal activity
When property owners fail to take reasonable security measures, they can be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises.
When Can You File a Negligent Security Claim?
To file a negligent security claim, you must prove that:
- A criminal act occurred on the property, such as an assault, robbery, or attack
- The property owner failed to provide adequate security measures
- The injury or harm was foreseeable, meaning similar crimes had happened in the area before
- The lack of security contributed to the injuries suffered
These elements establish the basis for a premises liability lawsuit. If a business knew or should have known about security risks but failed to act, they may be held liable.
Common Locations for Negligent Security Incidents
Negligent security incidents can happen anywhere, but they are more common in locations where security risks are high, such as:
- Apartment complexes with broken locks or insufficient lighting
- Hotels with unsecured entrances or no security personnel
- Shopping malls or retail stores with a history of criminal activity
- Parking garages with no security cameras or security guards
- Bars and nightclubs where violent crimes or fights frequently occur
If you were harmed in any of these locations due to inadequate security, a negligent security lawyer can help you file a claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Negligent Security Case?
Victims of negligent security incidents may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to injuries
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Property damage from theft or vandalism
An experienced attorney can help you seek fair compensation by proving that the property owner’s negligence directly contributed to the harm you suffered.

How a Lakeland Negligent Security Lawyer Can Help
Filing a negligent security lawsuit can be complex, as property owners and insurance companies often try to deny liability. A Lakeland negligent security lawyer can:
- Gather evidence to prove insufficient security measures
- Consult with security experts to determine liability
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
An experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation.
Contact a Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
If you were injured due to negligent security in Lakeland, you may have the right to seek compensation. A knowledgeable legal team can help you pursue legal action and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Learn more about your options in a negligent security case. Call Lopez & Humphries, P.A. at (863) 709-8500 to schedule your free case evaluation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.
FAQ
What qualifies as negligent security?
Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to provide reasonable security measures, such as proper lighting, security personnel, or working security cameras, leading to harm or criminal activity.
Can I sue if I was attacked on someone else’s property?
Yes, if a property owner failed to provide adequate security measures and that failure contributed to the attack, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit.
What damages can I recover in a negligent security case?
Victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress.
How do I prove a property owner was negligent?
Evidence such as past criminal activity in the area, lack of security personnel, broken locks, or insufficient security cameras can help prove negligence.
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, victims generally have two years to file a negligent security lawsuit. Speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is recommended.