Hotels and motels in Miami-Dade County must take extra precautions to protect their guests from harm. This includes implementing security measures on their property, such as installing video surveillance, hiring security guards, improving lighting, and installing locks.
Unfortunately, many hotel chains in Miami fail to do this – putting their guests at risk of suffering severe injury from criminal attacks.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a hotel due to negligent security, contact the Miami hotel negligent security lawyers at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today. You may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the hotel chain or property owner to recover compensation for your injuries and the harm you suffered.
What is Negligent Security?
Property owners, including hotel chains, must ensure their properties are safe. This means that if you are a victim of a violent crime in a hotel, the owners of that property might be responsible for the injuries you suffered.
This is known as premises liability law. To win a premises liability case in Miami, you must prove three things:
- That the hotel had a duty of care to ensure the safety of their property
- The hotel failed in this duty
- This failure or negligence contributed to the harm you suffered
Negligent security is a form of premises liability. Hotels must implement safety measures and protocols to deter ongoing criminal activity from occurring. They must also take steps to protect their guests from suffering harm in attacks or assaults in parking garages, in stairwells, and throughout their facilities.
Negligent security claims allow injured victims to hold the property owner accountable when a criminal injury occurs. While the police investigate the criminal aspects of the incident, accident victims need someone who can fight for them and their rights to file a civil claim against the property owner.
What Is a Hotel Liable For?
A hotel can be responsible for any crime on its property if it knew of the risks and failed to take action before the crime occurred. Some of the most common crimes that occur in a hotel due to negligent security include:
- Shootings
- Assault and battery
- Sexual assaults and rape
- Robbery and theft
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
It is important to know that just because you are a victim of a crime on a hotel property does not mean that the hotel is responsible. Premises liability laws in Florida are difficult to navigate on your own. Hotel chains employ large legal teams that will fight aggressively to reduce or eliminate the hotel’s liability. That’s why you need to hire a negligent security lawyer who can fight aggressively for you.
How Can Hotels Prevent Injuries from Negligent Security?
One of the ways hotels can keep their visitors, guests, and patrons safe is by deterring criminal activity. The security measures they put in place can do this, but only if hotel staff and managers follow those protocols.
Hotels can install a variety of security measures to help prevent criminal activity from occurring. Some examples include:
- CCTV cameras: Installing cameras in public areas such as lobbies, elevators, and corridors can help deter criminal activity and provide evidence if a crime does occur.
- Security guards: Hiring security guards to patrol the property can keep guests safe and prevent violent attacks.
- Keycard access: Installing keycard access systems for guest rooms can help prevent unauthorized access to guest rooms.
- Locking mechanisms: Installing deadbolts or other locking mechanisms on guest room doors can provide guests with added security.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting in public areas, such as parking lots and walkways, can help deter criminals and make it easier for security cameras to capture clear footage.
- Limited access: Installing limited access to certain areas, like the rooftop or pool, can also help prevent criminal activity.
- Background check: Conducting background checks on employees can be an excellent measure to prevent insider crime and ensure they are trustworthy.
- Emergency plans: Having emergency plans in place, such as procedures for evacuating the hotel in case of a fire, can help ensure the safety of guests and staff in the event of an emergency.
What to Do If You’re A Victim of Negligent Security in a Hotel
If you are a victim of negligent security in a Miami hotel, there are several steps you can take:
- Report the incident to hotel management: Inform the hotel management of the incident as soon as possible. They may be able to provide assistance and help ensure your safety.
- File a police report: Report the incident to the local police department and file a police report. This will provide a record of the incident and may be used as evidence in court.
- Seek medical attention: If you were injured during the incident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep any documentation of your injuries, including photographs and medical bills.
- Collect evidence: Gather evidence of the incident, such as photographs, video footage, and witness statements.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: Consult a personal injury attorney in Miami with experience fighting against large hotel chains and property owners. Your attorney can help you determine if you have a valid claim and can represent you in court if necessary.
How Can a Negligent Security Lawyer Help?
You might not know where to turn when you suffer an injury due to negligent security in a hotel. That’s where a Miami negligent security lawyer can help. When you hire an attorney, they will go to work for you immediately. They will gather evidence and investigate the incident to determine the cause of your injury and identify any liable parties.
Your attorney will help you file a claim against the hotel for negligent security and negotiate with the hotel or its insurance company to reach a settlement or award. Without a lawyer fighting for you, you may not recover the money you need to rebuild your life.
Contact Our Florida Negligent Security Lawyers Today
Miami Attorney Prosper Shaked works quickly to help injured Florida victims and their families obtain compensation for their injuries after suffering harm due to negligent security in a hotel, motel, VRBO, Airbnb, or other vacation property. We know the ins and outs of premises liability law and hold negligent hotel property owners accountable for failing to protect their customers and patrons. For a free consultation on your case and help understanding your options, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676 or fill out our confidential contact form.