When violence happens where people are supposed to feel safe, it changes lives forever. If you or a loved one has been shot or attacked at an apartment complex in Florida, one of the most important questions to ask is: Could this have been prevented?
The answer, legally speaking, often comes down to whether the apartment complex took reasonable steps to keep residents and guests safe. In Florida, property owners—including apartment landlords and management companies—can be held responsible when violent crime occurs due to negligent security.
At Ward Ruddock, we’ve worked with families across the state who have faced these tragedies. We understand how these cases work, what evidence is needed, and how to move forward.
Negligent Security: What It Means Under Florida Law
Negligent security is a type of premises liability. It applies when a property owner fails to take reasonable precautions to protect people from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties—such as shootings, stabbings, or assaults.
In apartment complexes, this often includes:
- Failing to maintain working locks, gates, or security cameras
- Ignoring prior incidents of crime on or near the property
- Hiring untrained or unqualified security staff
- Failing to respond to tenant complaints about threats or unsafe conditions
Under Florida law, property owners are not responsible for every crime that happens on their property—but they are responsible for crimes that were foreseeable and preventable.
What Makes a Shooting “Foreseeable”?
A key issue in these cases is whether the shooting or violent act was foreseeable.
In Florida, courts consider a shooting foreseeable if:
- There was a history of similar crimes on the property or in the immediate area
- The landlord or manager had been warned about threats, suspicious behavior, or poor lighting
- The victim had previously reported danger or requested protection
- There was a general pattern of violent crime that would have prompted a reasonable property owner to take action
Example: If police records show that multiple robberies or assaults occurred at the complex in the months leading up to a shooting, and the landlord failed to add lighting, gates, or security patrols, that could be considered negligent.
What Must Be Proven in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
To bring a claim, the injured person or family must typically show:
- The property owner owed a legal duty of care.
Landlords have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for tenants and lawful visitors. - The property owner failed to meet that duty.
This means showing that the apartment complex knew or should have known about risks and failed to take action. - The injury or death was caused by that failure.
The connection between the lack of security and the shooting must be clear. - You suffered damages.
This includes physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, or, in wrongful death cases, funeral costs and other losses suffered by the family.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Depending on the case, more than one party could be held accountable:
- The apartment complex owner
- The property management company
- A third-party security company
- In some cases, the developer or contractor (if a security system failed due to defective design or maintenance)
It’s important to investigate the chain of responsibility to identify every potential source of liability.
Types of Compensation That May Be Pursued
Victims and families may pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital care
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost income or future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Loss of companionship, support, and guidance
Every case is unique. The extent of compensation depends on the facts and damages involved.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Florida law sets strict time limits (statutes of limitations) on bringing negligent security claims. In most cases:
- Personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the incident
- Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline
However, evidence can disappear quickly—especially surveillance footage or witness testimony. It’s critical to act sooner rather than later to preserve your rights.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Was Shot at an Apartment Complex
If you’re reading this because something terrible happened to you or someone close to you, we first want to say this: You’re not alone.
Here are some important steps to consider:
- Get medical treatment and keep all documentation.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Take photos of the area, especially lighting, cameras, gates, or broken locks.
- Write down any prior complaints you or others may have made.
- Speak to an attorney who understands negligent security law in Florida.
At Ward Ruddock, we handle these cases with the attention, care, and commitment they deserve. We are thorough, responsive, and focused on helping clients pursue justice when safety is ignored.
Speak With Our Team Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured—or worse—due to a shooting at an apartment complex, we’re here to help you understand your legal options. Our team will review your situation confidentially, explain your rights under Florida law, and help you decide what steps to take next.
