Parking Lot Negligent Security Wrongful Death in Florida

Parking lots are common sites of violent crime in Florida. Whether at shopping centers, apartment complexes, nightclubs, or office buildings, poor lighting, lack of security patrols, and missing cameras can create dangerous conditions. Tragically, many shootings, assaults, and robberies in parking lots end in death. When these fatalities occur because property owners failed to take reasonable safety measures, families may have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit for negligent security.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents families across Florida in wrongful death claims involving parking lot crimes. These lawsuits can provide financial support for grieving families and hold businesses accountable for failing to protect visitors and residents.

Why Parking Lots Are Dangerous in Florida

Parking lots and garages often become targets for crime because they are transitional spaces where people may feel vulnerable. Common risk factors include:

• Poor lighting that allows criminals to hide.
• No surveillance cameras or cameras that do not work.
• Broken gates or barriers that allow unrestricted access.
• Lack of security patrols, even in high-crime areas.
• Failure to warn visitors despite repeated crimes on the property.

When property owners ignore these risks, violent crimes may occur that could have been prevented.

Common Parking Lot Wrongful Death Scenarios

• Shopping centers and malls – Fatal robberies or assaults in parking lots without proper lighting or patrols.
• Apartment complexes – Residents attacked due to broken gates or lack of cameras.
• Nightclubs and bars – Violence spilling into parking areas where bouncers or staff fail to intervene.
• Hotels and resorts – Guests attacked in poorly lit garages or outdoor lots.
• Office buildings – Employees assaulted walking to their cars after work.

Florida Law on Parking Lot Negligent Security

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a lawsuit for the benefit of survivors. To prove negligent security, families may have to show that:

1. The property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security.
2. The crime was foreseeable, often based on prior incidents.
3. The owner failed to take reasonable steps, such as providing lighting, cameras, or patrols.
4. This failure contributed to the fatal crime.

Evidence may include police reports, incident logs, security contracts, and testimony from safety experts.

Who Can File a Parking Lot Wrongful Death Claim?

Eligible survivors under Florida law may include:

• A spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Other dependent relatives

The lawsuit is filed by the estate’s personal representative on their behalf.

Damages Available for a Florida Wrongful Death Claim

Families may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills from the final injury
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship and protection for a spouse
• Loss of parental guidance for children
• Emotional pain and suffering (in certain cases, such as parents of a deceased minor)
• Net accumulations (future financial value the deceased would have left to heirs)

Statute of Limitations in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim

Florida law requires most wrongful death claims, including those from parking lot crimes, to be filed within two years of the death. Because security footage and maintenance records may be erased quickly, early legal action is often essential.

Why Parking Lot Wrongful Death Cases Can Be Complex

Businesses and property owners often argue that only the criminal, not the property, is responsible. But Florida courts may recognize that if crimes are foreseeable and the owner failed to provide reasonable safety, they may share responsibility. These cases may involve:

• Multiple defendants, such as property owners, management companies, and security contractors.
• Corporate owners with strong legal teams.
• Detailed investigation into prior crime data and industry standards.

Why Work With a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer

A lawyer may:

• Investigate prior crimes at the property and surrounding area.
• Demand security footage, patrol logs, and lighting maintenance records.
• Consult security experts to evaluate what measures should have been in place.
• File lawsuits in state or federal court to hold all parties accountable.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin handles negligent security wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis — no fees or costs unless money is recovered.

Final Thoughts

Wrongful deaths from parking lot crimes are often preventable. Florida law may give families the ability to hold businesses and property owners accountable when they fail to provide reasonable safety measures.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we can fight for families across Florida in parking lot negligent security wrongful death cases. Call 800-337-7755 or use our live chat for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless money is recovered.