When you book a hotel or resort in Florida, you expect to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of violent crimes, thefts, and assaults at Florida hotels and resorts. In some cases, these incidents have been the result of negligent security on the part of the hotel or resort.
What is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their guests or visitors. This can include a failure to install proper lighting, locks, or security cameras, or a failure to hire adequate security personnel. Negligent security can also occur when a property owner fails to warn guests of potential dangers, such as unsafe areas or criminal activity in the area.
Negligent security can result in serious injuries or even death. Victims of negligent security may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner to recover damages for their injuries.
Examples of Negligent Security at Florida Hotels and Resorts
There have been several high-profile incidents of negligent security at Florida hotels and resorts in recent years. In 2016, a gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people and injuring dozens more. The nightclub had inadequate security measures in place, and the shooter was able to enter the club with multiple firearms.
In 2018, a woman was sexually assaulted in her hotel room at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel. The woman had been staying in a room with a broken lock, and the hotel had failed to fix it despite multiple complaints from guests.
In 2019, a man was shot and killed in the parking lot of a La Quinta Inn in Orlando. The hotel had inadequate lighting in the parking lot and had not hired security personnel to patrol the area.
These incidents are just a few examples of the many cases of negligent security at Florida hotels and resorts. If you have been the victim of negligent security, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
How to Protect Yourself
While it’s the responsibility of property owners to ensure the safety of their guests, there are steps you can take to protect yourself when staying at a hotel or resort:
- Research the hotel or resort before booking. Look for reviews online and check the hotel’s safety record.
- Choose a hotel or resort with good security measures in place. Look for properties with security cameras, well-lit parking areas, and security personnel on staff.
- Keep your room key and valuables secure. Don’t leave your room key or valuables in plain sight.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you, and if you feel unsafe, notify hotel staff or security.
- Report any safety concerns to hotel staff. If you notice anything suspicious or feel unsafe, notify the hotel staff immediately.
It’s also important to note that the responsibility for providing a safe and secure environment at hotels and resorts does not solely rest on the property owners. Guests can also contribute to creating a safe environment by following basic safety practices such as keeping their room keys secure, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and being aware of their surroundings.
In addition, Florida state law imposes certain requirements on hotels and resorts to ensure the safety of their guests. For example, hotels are required to provide working smoke detectors in every guest room and to have a fire safety plan in place. Hotels and resorts are also required to ensure that their pools and spas are properly maintained and that guests are provided with appropriate safety information.
If you have been the victim of negligent security at a Florida hotel or resort, it’s important to take action to hold the property owner accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and recover damages for your injuries. It’s important to act quickly, as there may be time limits for filing a lawsuit.
Negligent security at Florida hotels and resorts is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for guests. While it’s the responsibility of property owners to provide a safe environment, guests can also take steps to protect themselves. By staying informed and following basic safety practices, guests can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of negligent security. If you have been the victim of negligent security, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your options for recovery.
As a law firm with extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including those involving negligent security at Florida hotels and resorts, we at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. can help clients who have been injured due to negligent security. Our team of skilled attorneys can provide legal advice and representation to help clients recover the compensation they deserve.
We begin by investigating the incident to determine the cause of the injuries and whether the hotel or resort was negligent in providing adequate security measures. We gather all relevant evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports, to build a strong case for our clients. We work with experts to determine the full extent of our client’s injuries, including any medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We then negotiate with the insurance companies on behalf of our clients to obtain fair compensation for their injuries. If necessary, we will represent clients in court to obtain a favorable outcome in their case.
At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a negligent security incident can have on our clients. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help clients recover and move forward.