Miami Negligent Security Lawyer – Protecting Victims of Property Owner Negligence

Injured Due to Inadequate Security in Miami? Get Help Now.

If you or a loved one was attacked, assaulted, or harmed due to poor or missing security on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida premises liability law. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Miami negligent security lawyers help victims take legal action when property owners fail to provide the safety measures required by law, such as proper lighting, working locks, and trained security staff. We aim to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a legal term under the broader umbrella of premises liability. It refers to situations where a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures to prevent foreseeable crimes or injuries. When basic security protocols are neglected, tenants, customers, or guests may be placed at risk.

This failure can include:

Broken or missing security cameras – Without functional video monitoring, suspicious activity can go unnoticed, and critical evidence may be lost after an incident.
Inadequate lighting in parking lots – Poor lighting creates an environment conducive to crime, making it easier for attackers to hide or ambush unsuspecting victims.
Lack of security guards – Properties in high-crime areas often require trained security personnel to deter criminal behavior and provide immediate response.
Unsecured entrances or gates – Failing to restrict unauthorized access increases the risk of intruders entering residential or commercial premises.
Failure to respond to previous criminal activity – Ignoring past incidents, police reports, or neighborhood crime trends may be seen as a reckless disregard for safety.

For more on how inadequate security falls under premises liability law, visit our page on Premises & Property Injuries.

Duty of Care: Property Owner Responsibility

Under Florida Statutes §768.075, commercial and residential property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for lawful visitors. This duty includes taking steps to reduce the risk of criminal acts that are foreseeable.

Examples of properties where negligent security may apply:

Apartment buildings – Tenants expect safe living conditions. If management fails to fix broken gates or respond to known security threats, residents can suffer avoidable harm.
Nightclubs and bars – Late-night establishments are prone to altercations and attacks. Staff must monitor activity, eject violent patrons, and coordinate with police if necessary.
Hotels and motels – Guests are particularly vulnerable to theft and assault. Proper door locks, controlled access, and surveillance in hallways are essential.
Shopping centers – These public places attract both foot traffic and potential offenders. Security patrols, emergency phones, and well-lit parking lots can reduce incidents.
Parking garages – Enclosed spaces with poor visibility often create ideal conditions for ambushes or vehicle thefts.
College campuses – Campuses with poor lighting and minimal security staff pose risks for students walking home at night.
Office buildings – Professional spaces must also safeguard workers and visitors during and after business hours.

Learn more about your rights under Florida law by visiting our Slip & Fall and Wrongful Death service pages, which cover related legal duties and liabilities.

Miami Crime Stats Reveal a Need for Stronger Security

According to 2023 FDLE data compiled by Miami-Dade Matters, Miami-Dade County’s violent-crime rate was 191.2 per 100,000 residents (Florida: 150.7), indicating a higher-than-average risk.

Implementing even basic crime prevention strategies, such as better lighting, hiring licensed security, or installing surveillance cameras, has been shown to reduce criminal incidents by up to 30% according to a University of North Carolina study on offender behavior. To explore additional crime and safety resources in your community, visit Safehome.org’s Miami Crime Stats.

How Our Miami Negligent Security Attorneys Help

Rafaeli Law PLLC investigates the facts of your case to determine whether you have a viable claim. Our firm handles negligent security cases with a methodical and evidence-driven approach.

We pursue every angle to establish liability, including:

Reviewing security camera footage – Identifying failures in surveillance or capturing the incident to support liability.
Interviewing witnesses and reviewing police reports – Statements and official documents help establish patterns and context.
Obtaining prior crime data in the area – Public crime databases and police records are used to argue that the property owner knew—or should have known- about risks.
Consulting with negligent security experts – These professionals analyze industry standards and identify where the defendant fell short.

Our legal team also coordinates with our personal injury lawyers to help build strong, holistic cases for compensation.

Types of Compensation in a Negligent Security Claim

Victims of negligent security may be entitled to damages, including:

Medical expenses (past and future) – Hospital bills, therapy, surgeries, and long-term treatment costs.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity – Time missed from work or inability to return to prior employment.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain caused by the attack and any chronic conditions.
Emotional distress and trauma – Mental health struggles such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
Permanent disability or disfigurement – Lifelong impacts from injuries that alter quality of life.
Wrongful death damages – For family members who lost a loved one due to inadequate security, compensation may cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future income.

Every case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, the long-term impact on the victim’s life, and the degree of the property owner’s negligence. Visit our Case Results to see how we’ve helped clients recover damages in similar premises liability claims.

Common Injuries in Negligent Security Cases

Inadequate security can lead to a wide range of serious, life-altering injuries. Common examples include:

Gunshot wounds – Often sustained in armed robberies or targeted shootings. These injuries may cause organ damage or paralysis.
Stab wounds – Can result from violent confrontations and require emergency surgery.
Head trauma or concussions – Frequently caused by blunt force during assaults or falls while fleeing.
Sexual assault injuries – Physical and emotional trauma with long-term psychological consequences.
Broken bones – Common in mugging situations or attacks where victims are thrown or struck.
Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression) – Mental health impacts may be lifelong, especially when the assault occurs in a trusted environment.

Many victims require long-term care, therapy, and support services, further emphasizing the importance of pursuing maximum compensation.

Common Locations for Negligent Security Cases in Miami

Location Type	Common Security Failures	Example Miami Areas
Apartment Complexes	Broken gates, no cameras, unlit hallways	Liberty City, Overtown
Nightclubs & Bars	No bouncers, poor lighting, no bag checks	Downtown, Wynwood
Hotels & Motels	Unsecured entrances, no security personnel	South Beach, Miami Beach
Parking Garages & Lots	No patrols, broken lights, no surveillance	Brickell, Little Havana
Retail Stores & Plazas	Untrained staff, lack of incident reporting	North Miami, Allapattah
Gas Stations	Unmonitored pumps, absence of security guards	Little River, Hialeah

These locations have been identified as high-risk based on incident reports, community feedback, and Miami-Dade police data.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney is crucial when you’ve suffered harm due to negligent security. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we go beyond the basics to deliver a strategic, compassionate, and results-focused approach. Here’s why injured clients in Miami trust us:

Deep Local Knowledge – We understand crime trends and property standards across Miami-Dade County, allowing us to present stronger arguments tailored to local conditions.
Proven Case Results – Our legal team has successfully recovered substantial compensation in complex premises liability and negligent security cases.
No Fees Unless We Win – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
24/7 Availability – Legal issues don’t keep business hours. We’re available around the clock to take your call or set up a free consultation.
Comprehensive Legal Team – From investigators to medical experts, we build a complete support system around your case to maximize outcomes.

We understand the emotional and financial toll of injuries caused by negligent security. Our job is to lift that burden, and fight for your future.

Need Help? Contact Our Miami Negligent Security Lawyers Today

We’re here when you need real support, legal clarity, and a proven strategy. Whether you were harmed at an apartment complex, shopping center, or hotel, our legal team is ready to guide you. Schedule your free case evaluation today and take the first step toward holding negligent property owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. We also proudly serve clients across Miami, North Miami Beach, North Miami, and throughout Miami-Dade County. For more insights into our values and team, visit our About Us and Our Attorneys pages.

Call us at 954-365-5639 for a free consultation.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as negligent security in Miami?

Negligent security includes lack of surveillance, broken locks, poor lighting, or missing guards on Miami properties where crimes were foreseeable and preventable.

2. Can I sue a business in Miami if I was attacked on their property?

Yes. Florida law allows victims to sue property owners or businesses if their failure to provide adequate security contributed to your injury.

3. How do I prove a negligent security claim in Florida?

You must show the property owner owed a duty of care, failed to provide reasonable security, and that this failure led to your injury.

4. What kinds of places in Miami are commonly involved in negligent security cases?

Common locations include apartment buildings in Liberty City, nightclubs in Downtown Miami, hotels in South Beach, and retail stores in Little Havana.

5. Can I file a claim if the person who attacked me was never caught?

Yes. Your civil claim focuses on the property owner's negligence, not the outcome of the criminal investigation.

6. How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Florida?

You generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file under Florida’s statute of limitations.

7. What types of damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more.

8. Do I need a lawyer for a negligent security case in Miami?

Yes. These cases involve complex investigations and legal standards. A local attorney can gather evidence and deal with insurers on your behalf.

9. Is Rafaeli Law familiar with Miami-Dade County crime patterns?

Yes. We regularly analyze crime data from Miami-Dade and work with local investigators and experts to build strong negligent security cases.

10. What does it cost to hire Rafaeli Law PLLC?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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