Parking Lot Safety and Negligent Security

Burman, Critton, Luttier and Coleman LLP Blog

By Daniel Lustig

Poor lighting conditions, faulty or no security and instances of criminal activity are all dangerous components of unsafe parking lots that could lead to serious injuries and death. Learning to discern whether an area of a parking lot is a "safe" place to park your vehicle could save you, or your loved one, from sustaining incapacitating injuries as a result of a crime committed by a perpetrator hiding in dark areas of the lot.

Whenever traumatic injuries or a tragic death occurs as a result of a crime in a parking lot, we think in hindsight about how this terrible incident could have been avoided. Unfortunately, sometimes certain steps could have been taken by the victim to minimize his or her exposure to predators. It is important to remember that whether is daytime or night time, parking your vehicle near the entrance of the building you intend to visit minimizes the opportunity of a criminal to hurt you, as the criminal runs a higher risk of encountering opposition and facing security personnel. Parking near a light post is also extremely important. If the the sun sets, you want to ensure that you are parked in a well lit area near the building. Maintaining yourself visible to others as you walk towards your vehicle prevents your from becoming a target. Remember to keep your car keys in your hand and ready for easy access into your vehicle. If possible, do not walk to your vehicle alone. Whenever a security office is available, ask to be escorted to your vehicle.

Predators prowl dark parking lot areas, hide between vehicles and tend to strike near easy escape routes. Certainly, investigation often reveals that in most circumstances security measures could have been implemented by the owner of the parking lot to deter criminal activity. Owners and those who exercise control over unsafe parking lots may be held liable for damages to victims of tragic crimes occurring in their property.The law in Florida in negligent security cases places a duty on the owner and on the party in control of the parking lot where the crime occurred, to maintain the premises in a reasonable safe condition.

As a consumer and victim of a tragic crime, or as a family member of a murdered victim, you have the right to recover damages against the party who could have placed preventive measures in a parking lot to avoid a foreseeable crime. The attorneys at Burman, Critton, Luttier and Coleman are experienced in handling negligent security cases.  Should you have any questions about your rights, please do not hesitate to contact our office.