Weston Negligent Security Lawyer

When property owners fail to provide basic safety measures, and someone gets hurt as a result, the law allows victims to seek justice. If you or a loved one were attacked, robbed, or injured due to poor security in Weston, Florida, you may have a claim under the negligent security law.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we represent victims of violent crimes and accidents that could have been prevented with proper safety precautions. Our Weston negligent security lawyers help clients hold property owners and businesses accountable and fight for the full compensation they deserve.

What Is Negligent Security Under Florida Law?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. Property owners have a legal duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect lawful visitors. When they fail to do so, and that failure leads to harm, the injured person can file a civil lawsuit.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

These are frequent failures we see that may give rise to a claim:

Poor Lighting: Dimly lit parking areas, stairwells, or alleys invite criminal behavior. Without adequate lighting, attackers are more likely to strike unnoticed. Learn more about local public safety standards via the City of Weston Public Works.
Broken Locks or Barriers: Malfunctioning doors, gates, or locks allow unauthorized access. Landlords must routinely inspect and repair these safety features to ensure tenant protection.
Lack of Cameras or Alarm Systems: Video surveillance acts as both deterrent and documentation. When absent, critical evidence may be lost or crimes may go unprosecuted.
No Security Personnel: Some properties, like hotels or nightclubs, need trained staff to monitor and respond to risks in real time, especially during high-traffic hours.
Ignoring Prior Incidents: If a business has a history of theft or violence and fails to act, that inaction may be considered negligence and a breach of duty.

Where Do Negligent Security Incidents Happen in Weston?

Negligent security claims can arise from a variety of public and private settings:

Shopping centers like Weston Town Center, known for evening foot traffic and limited patrols.
Hotels and motels that cut corners on guest safety with lax access controls or poor lighting.
Nightclubs and bars where overcapacity or a lack of trained bouncers increases altercations or opportunities for assault.
Apartment complexes with defective intercoms, broken gates, or no security patrol.
Office buildings and parking garages that lack security systems, especially during late hours or weekends.

For more details on injury cases in these environments, visit our premises and property injury lawyer page or learn about our results through our case results page.

What Injuries Can Result from Inadequate Security?

Crimes or accidents caused by insufficient security often lead to serious, life-changing injuries:

Assault and battery: Victims may suffer visible injuries like bruises or broken bones, or internal damage requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
Robbery or mugging: Often accompanied by physical threats and trauma, leading to PTSD or chronic anxiety that affects daily functioning.
Sexual assaults: These cause both physical harm and deep psychological wounds that may require long-term counseling and legal support.
Shootings or stabbings: Critical injuries, sometimes fatal, occur when violent actors are unchecked in unmonitored areas.
Kidnapping or carjacking: These life-threatening crimes are more likely in areas without monitored access or emergency response systems.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that over 60% of violent crimes occur near the victim’s home or workplace, highlighting the need for proactive security in daily spaces.

Who Is Liable in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility. Liability may fall on:

Property owners or landlords who control access, lighting, locks, and general upkeep.
Business tenants who fail to train staff or install appropriate surveillance or alarm systems.
Property management companies hired to oversee safety protocols, inspections, and emergency readiness.
Private security firms that failed to monitor or act despite warnings or ongoing incidents.

We investigate insurance policies, duty contracts, and surveillance records to uncover fault.

Elements of a Successful Negligent Security Claim

Florida law requires that the following elements be established for a claim:

Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty to provide safe premises, including proper lighting, surveillance, and access control to reduce foreseeable criminal risks.
Breach of Duty: That duty was violated by lack of basic protections, such as broken locks, no security guards, or ignoring prior incidents of criminal activity.
Causation: A direct link exists between the breach and your injury, meaning that the lack of security created conditions that made the crime or injury more likely.
Damages: You suffered actual harm, physical, emotional, or financial, as a direct result of the security failure, with medical records, bills, and witness statements to support the claim.

Key Components of a Negligent Security Claim in Weston, Florida

Element	Description	Example
Duty of Care	Property owner has a legal obligation to provide reasonably safe premises for lawful visitors.	A hotel is expected to maintain working locks and lighting in hallways and guest areas.
Breach of Duty	The owner fails to uphold that duty by not addressing foreseeable security risks.	A shopping center ignores months of criminal complaints and doesn’t install surveillance.
Foreseeability	It must have been reasonably predictable that a crime or injury could happen due to poor security.	Previous break-ins at the location were reported, but no security upgrades were made.
Causation	There must be a clear link between the owner’s failure and the harm suffered by the victim.	A mugging occurs in an unlit parking lot with no cameras or staff presence.
Damages	Victim must have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to the incident.	The injured party faces medical bills, emotional trauma, and loss of work.
Incident Documentation	Police reports, medical records, and security footage help establish the timeline and severity of the incident.	A security video showing an assailant entering through a broken gate helps prove negligence.
Location of Incident	Must be on private or commercial property where the defendant has a duty to provide security.	Apartment complexes, nightclubs, and shopping plazas are common negligent security sites.
Negligence Pattern	Evidence of recurring issues strengthens the claim, especially if similar crimes happened in the past and were ignored.	A landlord fails to repair broken locks after repeated tenant complaints.
Third-Party Involvement	Security companies or property managers may share liability for failing to carry out responsibilities under contract.	A hired guard never showed up on the night of a violent incident.
Legal Deadline	Florida currently enforces a 2-year statute of limitations on negligent security claims following recent tort reform legislation. (Fla. Stat. § 95.11)	A claim filed after this window may be dismissed, even with strong evidence.

What To Do After a Negligent Security Incident in Weston

Immediate actions you take can preserve your case and improve your chance of receiving fair compensation:

Prioritize your safety: Get away from danger and call emergency services to ensure your safety is secured first before taking any further steps.
Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation from a medical professional is vital for establishing your claim.
Report the incident: Notify law enforcement immediately and make sure an official police report is filed and retained for legal use.
Document evidence: Take photos and videos of the area, including lack of cameras, broken lights, or unlocked gates that contributed to the incident.
Gather witness info: Collect full names, phone numbers, and statements of anyone who witnessed the crime or hazardous condition.
Preserve physical evidence: Keep any damaged clothing, personal items, or objects from the scene that can support your account of the event.
Avoid speaking to insurers: Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Consult your attorney before giving any statements.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Weston-Based Representation: We know the streets, buildings, and courtrooms in your community.
Proven Case Results: Our track record includes six-figure and seven-figure outcomes for victims of premises liability.
Direct Access to Attorneys: You speak directly with the lawyer handling your case, not a paralegal or call center.
No Fee Unless We Win: You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Client-Focused Service: We believe in clear communication, prompt responses, and genuine care.

Your case isn’t just paperwork. It’s a chance to hold negligent parties accountable—and prevent future harm.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Victims of negligent security may qualify for economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment.
Lost wages: Income lost due to time off or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain and long-term emotional hardship.
Permanent injuries: Including disfigurement, scarring, or paralysis.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders, and fear of public spaces.
Property losses: Phones, wallets, or vehicles stolen or damaged.
Wrongful death: Funeral costs and loss of companionship for survivthe ing family.
Punitive damages: Where willful disregard or egregious misconduct is proven.

Florida’s Laws on Negligent Security

Recent changes to Florida’s legal landscape include:

Statute of Limitations: Victims now have 2 years (previously 4) to file claims under tort reform (see Florida Statutes §95.11).
Comparative Negligence: Your damages may be reduced if you’re partly at fault (e.g., ignoring posted warnings).
Duties to Trespassers: Property owners owe minimal duty, unless the trespasser is a child or there’s intentional harm.

Real Stories, Real Results

Visit our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations.

We also invite you to meet our attorneys and learn about our story and core values.

Explore more helpful insights on our legal blog or contact us to learn about your legal rights.

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 Weston, Florida?

Negligent security occurs when a property owner in Weston fails to take reasonable steps—like installing lighting, cameras, or locks—to prevent foreseeable harm. If someone is injured as a result, the owner may be held liable under Florida premises liability law.

2. Do I have a case if I was assaulted in a Weston parking garage?

Yes, you may. If the parking garage lacked basic security measures like lighting, cameras, or guards, and the property owner knew about prior incidents but did nothing, you may have grounds for a negligent security claim.

3. Who can be held liable in a negligent security lawsuit in Weston?

Depending on the situation, the liable party could be a landlord, commercial tenant, property management company, or private security firm. In some cases, multiple parties share legal responsibility.

4. How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Florida?

As of the 2023 tort reform law, victims in Florida—including Weston—have only 2 years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security claim. (Florida Statutes §95.11)

5. What types of damages can I recover in a Weston negligent security case?

You can recover compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, therapy costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and in severe cases, wrongful death or punitive damages.

6. Are businesses in Weston required to have security cameras?

There is no statewide mandate for every business, but in high-risk areas like nightclubs, apartment complexes, or parking structures, the lack of surveillance could be considered negligent—especially if prior incidents occurred.

7. Is negligent security the same as premises liability?

Negligent security is a subcategory of premises liability. While general premises liability includes slip and falls or unsafe conditions, negligent security focuses on crime-related injuries due to poor safety measures.

8. What should I do immediately after being hurt on someone else’s property in Weston?

First, get medical help and call the police. Then document the scene, gather witness info, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters. Contact a Weston negligent security attorney right away to protect your rights.

9. How much does it cost to hire a negligent security lawyer in Weston?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is 100% free.

10. Where do negligent security incidents commonly happen in Weston?

Local hotspots for security failures include Weston Town Center, large apartment communities, hotels, parking garages, and nightlife venues that attract large crowds but don’t provide adequate monitoring or staff.

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

Open 24 hours