Florida is currently experiencing some of the lowest crime rate statistics in two decades. Even though Florida has gained over 6 million residents since 1993, the number of people murdered throughout the state was still lower by 217 in 2013.
Despite the improving trends, the crime rate statistics are not all rosy. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in 2013, the state had 9,863 forcible sex offenses, 23,176 robberies and 57,694 aggravated assaults.
The fact of the matter is that there is a chance that a certain percentage of the state’s 19 million residents will become a victim of violence each year. Specifically, in 2013, it was estimated that 476.1 residents per every 100,000 experienced some form of violent crime.
The sad reality is that many of these violent crimes may have been prevented by the implementation of relatively inexpensive measures. For example, the owner of a convenience store situated in a high crime area might have hired additional security guards to protect his or her employees and customers at night. Another example might include a grocery store owner who failed to discourage parking lot robberies by installing additional lighting outside of the store.
Premises liability is the legal concept that says that property owners owe a duty of care to their customers. They can be held to account for failing to implement safety measures designed to prevent reasonably foreseeable acts of violence. In other words, victims can sue property owners for injuries suffered as a result of dangers the property owner should have known about.
If you suspect your injury was the result of inadequate security, you may be able to sue a property owner for compensation. Your Florida premises liability attorney can examine the facts of your case and determine whether your circumstances merit a civil lawsuit. If successful, you may be able to recover costs related to your medical treatment and any time you may have missed from work.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement, “Florida’s Crime Rate at a Glance” accessed Jan. 28, 2015