Legal Recourse for Victims of Criminal Activity in Miami Businesses
If you’ve been harmed because a business failed to address or prevent criminal activity, you may have legal options. At Bello Law, we help victims hold negligent businesses accountable and fight for the compensation they deserve.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- The responsibility businesses have to keep their premises safe.
- Common types of crimes that occur on business properties.
- When a business can be held liable.
- Legal steps victims can take to seek justice.
Miami Businesses’ Duty to Ensure Customer Safety
Under Florida law, businesses are responsible for providing a safe environment for their customers and employees. This legal obligation is called premises liability.
Businesses must:
- Regularly inspect their property for potential hazards.
- Fix or address any dangers they find, including security risks.
- Warn visitors about any threats they cannot immediately resolve.
If a business fails to meet these obligations and someone gets hurt as a result, they can be held legally responsible.
Common Crimes Businesses May Ignore
When businesses fail to take proper safety precautions, it opens the door for criminal activity. Some of the most common crimes that occur due to a lack of security include:
1. Assault and Battery
Fights, physical attacks, or other violent incidents often happen when businesses don’t provide proper security. This could mean not hiring security guards or failing to install cameras and adequate lighting.
2. Robbery and Theft
Businesses located in high-crime areas must take steps to protect their customers and employees from theft and robbery. Ignoring the need for security systems or guards can lead to preventable crimes.
3. Sexual Harassment and Assault
In places like bars, restaurants, or retail stores, sexual harassment and assault can occur if businesses fail to monitor their premises or respond to complaints.
4. Identity Theft and Fraud
When businesses mishandle customer information or fail to secure their payment systems, they put their customers at risk for identity theft and fraud.
Circumstances When a Business Can Be Held Liable for Criminal Activity
A business isn’t automatically responsible for every crime that happens on its property. However, they can be held liable in certain situations, including:
1. The Crime Was Predictable
If a business is located in a high-crime area or has a history of criminal incidents, future crimes may be considered predictable or “foreseeable.” In these cases, businesses are expected to take extra precautions.
2. Inadequate Security
Businesses that fail to provide basic security measures—such as cameras, lighting, or security guards—can be found negligent. If their lack of security contributed to the crime, they may be held responsible.
3. Ignoring Previous Incidents
If a business has experienced similar criminal activity before but didn’t take steps to improve safety, they could be liable for future incidents.
Legal Options Available to Victims of Criminal Activity
If you’ve been the victim of a crime on a business’s property, you have several options to seek justice and compensation.
1. File a Premises Liability Lawsuit
A premises liability lawsuit allows you to hold the business accountable for failing to provide a safe environment. Through this lawsuit, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (both current and future).
- Lost wages if you missed work or can’t return to work.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress.
- Property damage or loss.
2. Pursue a Negligent Security Claim
A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability lawsuit that focuses specifically on the business’s failure to provide proper security. To win this type of case, you need to prove:
- The business had a duty to keep you safe.
- They failed to meet that duty by not providing reasonable security.
- Their failure directly caused your injuries or losses.
3. File an Insurance Claim
Many businesses carry insurance that covers injuries on their property. You can file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
4. Report the Crime to the Police
In addition to pursuing a civil case, it’s crucial to file a police report. Criminal charges can hold the perpetrator accountable and provide valuable evidence for your civil case.
How Bello Law Can Help You
At Bello Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a crime. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Here’s how we can help:
1. Investigate Your Case
We’ll gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, to build a strong case.
2. Identify Responsible Parties
In some cases, more than one party may be responsible for your injuries—for example, the business owner, a security company, or a vendor. We’ll identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation.
3. Negotiate with Insurance Companies
We have experience dealing with insurance companies and won’t let them undervalue your claim. We’ll negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
4. Take Your Case to Court
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Steps to Take If You’re a Victim of Crime on Business Property
If you’ve been the victim of criminal activity on a business’s property, here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical care for any injuries.
- Report the Crime: File a police report and inform the business about the incident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the area, including any security features or hazards, and collect witness information.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to an experienced premises liability attorney to discuss your legal options.
Contact Bello Law Today for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to face this alone. If you’ve been the victim of a crime due to a business’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. At Bello Law, we’re dedicated to helping victims in Miami hold negligent businesses accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation:
Address: 7340 Southwest 90th Street, Miami, FL 33156
Phone: +1 (786) 885-3425
Email: Bello@bellolawmiami.com
Let us help you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to move forward.
