Assaulted in a Boynton Beach Parking Lot: Can I Sue?

If you were assaulted in a Boynton Beach parking lot, you might be wondering whether you can sue. This type of lawsuit is called a “negligent security” claim, and it may be possible under various circumstances. The first thing you should know is that this process may be easier if you work alongside an experienced Boynton Beach negligent security lawyer.

What Is a Negligent Security Lawsuit? 

A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability claim. With this type of claim, you will need to sue the property owner for breaching their duty of care. This duty of care involves providing you with sufficient protection from predictable harm. If they fail to take reasonable steps to improve their security plans, they may become liable for your injuries. In simple terms, you are suing the owner of a business for having poor security.

Examples of Negligent Security 

So what does a negligent security claim actually look like? These claims typically involve some kind of violence against a victim. This might be a physical assault, shooting, stabbing, car ramming attack, or sexual assault. Parking lot violence is relatively common in Florida. Often, physical and verbal altercations start inside establishments but end in parking lots.

Aside from fights and shootings, sexual violence is also quite common in parking lots. Women walking alone to their cars are often targets, and the resulting assaults can be extremely traumatic and life-altering.

Sometimes, victims are struck by crossfire despite having nothing to do with the people involved in shootings. These incidents can also be life-altering and in some cases, fatal.

How Do I Know Whether the Property Owner Was Negligent? 

If you think that the property owner could have done more to protect your safety, you’re probably right. You might want to discuss these suspicions with a lawyer, as these legal professionals have the experience necessary to identify potential negligence.

Properties with a “history of violence” should take reasonable steps to improve security. If a specific parking lot seems to be a magnet for break-ins and assault, property owners should install more cameras and hire security guards to patrol the area. Lighting is also extremely important in parking lots, particularly those located underground. Dark areas are ideal spots for would-be sexual predators to lie in wait. If a property owner repeatedly fails to replace light bulbs, this may represent clear negligence.

A lawyer can help you access the property owner’s written records, policies, security camera footage, and many other pieces of evidence as you pursue justice and accountability.

Find a Negligent Security Lawyer in Boynton Beach

If you’re serious about filing a negligent security claim in Boynton Beach, it makes sense to work alongside experienced legal professionals. A lawyer who has dealt with these kinds of cases before may be able to help you understand whether a claim is even possible. From there, they can help you gather evidence, negotiate, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with Steinberg Law today to learn more.

Source:

 uwf.edu/finance-and-administration/departments/police/safety-tips/parking-lot-safety/