When Are Property Owners Responsible For Third-Party Attacks?

Visiting a business, apartment complex, or any public space is typically done without worry. After all, you expect a reasonable level of security. Unfortunately, violent crimes such as assaults, robberies, or other third-party attacks can still occur. When these incidents happen on someone else’s property, the question of liability could arise. Share your story with a Miami personal injury lawyer to pave a path forward.

What is a Third-Party Attack?

A third-party attack refers to an incident in which an individual is harmed by another person (the third party) while on someone else’s property. This can include muggings in parking garages, physical assaults in apartment complexes, or violent incidents in bars and nightclubs. While the direct perpetrator of the attack is criminally responsible, the property owner may also bear civil liability if negligence played a role in allowing the attack to happen.

Some examples of negligent security include:

• Poor lighting. Dark parking lots, stairwells, and hallways can create an environment where criminals can strike without being seen.
• Broken locks or gates. If an apartment building or business has non-functioning security measures, unauthorized individuals may gain access.
• Lack of security personnel. Some establishments, such as nightclubs or hotels, should have trained security staff to deter potential threats.
• Failure to respond to previous incidents. When a property has a history of violent crimes, the owner should do something to improve security. If they don’t, they may be held liable for future attacks.

Civil liability is possible because under Florida law property owners have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors and tenants. This duty extends to providing adequate security measures to prevent foreseeable harm.

How Can I Hold a Business Accountable?

In order to prove that a property owner bears some or all of the responsibility for a third-party attack, a victim must prove they were lawfully on the property and the owner had a responsibility to provide a safe environment. Also, there needs to be evidence that the owner failed to implement reasonable security measures. Demonstrating that damages were suffered, including physical, emotional, or financial harm, is key as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a third-party attack on someone else’s property, legal experts are available to guide you through the process of pursuing compensation. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the attack, gather evidence of negligence, and hold property owners accountable for failing to provide adequate security.

Victims of violent crimes should not have to bear the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress alone. If negligence played a role in your injury, contact a Miami personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and seek the justice you deserve.

Could a Florida business owner be held accountable for your injury expenses? Every case has its own specifics to review, share the details of your situation with the seasoned attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law. With years of experience on your side, the just outcome you seek could be in reach. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.