Can I sue an apartment for lack of security after machete attack?

Question

I was visiting an apartment building when I was attacked by intruders inside one of the units. I was hit in the arm and head with a machete. At the time of the attack, there was no security present, and the security cameras were not working. I ran to the police and made a report on the incident, but I currently don't have evidence of this report. I am not a resident of the complex. Can I sue the apartment building for the lack of security and non-functioning security cameras?

Mitchell Feldman · Answer

Negligent security is a real and recognized claim under florida law.   These facts suggest the claim is worth consulting a lawyer.  The property had a duty here to exercise reasonable care, and if there's a history of violent crime that would have required heightened security, cameras, monitoring etc.

Stephen Arnold Black · Answer

An apartment owner has a legal duty to protect any person that is rightfully on the premises from criminal attacks that are foreseeable. A criminal attack would be foreseeable if the apartment building was located in an area that experienced crime of this type in the past. If so and the building owner did not have any security measures, then you most likely have a case. This would be especially true if you were visiting the property as a social guest. If you suffered serious injuries, you should retain an attorney on contingency fee here in Florida,  which means you pay nothing unless you win.

Gregory C. Maaswinkel · Answer

From the facts as you present them, you may have a claim for negligent security. You should consult and hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so that critical evidence is gathered before it disappears.

James Clifton · Answer

Yes, you can sue the apartment complex/landlord. The non-working security cameras are a huge red flag and will likely impart liability on the landlord. If other similar crimes have occurred in the complex, this will further show the landlord knew of the danger and failed to protect the occupants and guests of the occupants. Schedule a free consultation today to make sure the landlord is held liable and to get maximum compensation for your injuries.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You may have grounds to sue the apartment building for negligence, especially if the lack of security contributed to the attack. Property owners and managers have a duty to ensure reasonable safety for both residents and visitors, which includes maintaining functioning security systems. If the building’s security cameras were not working at the time of the attack, and there was no security presence, that could potentially be seen as a failure to uphold their responsibility. 
 
Even though you are not a resident of the complex, as a visitor, you still have the right to expect a safe environment. If you can show that the apartment management was negligent in maintaining adequate security, you might be able to pursue a claim for the injuries and trauma you suffered. The police report could help substantiate your case, so try to obtain a copy of it for documentation. 
 
Consulting with a personal injury attorney who handles premises liability cases will be important to assess the strength of your claim. They can help gather evidence, such as maintenance records for the security cameras and the building’s security protocols, to determine if the apartment complex is liable for your injuries.

Q: Can I sue an apartment for lack of security after machete attack?