Parking lots and garages are everyday spaces most people don’t think twice about. But poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or missing security patrols can make them dangerous places. Crimes such as assaults, robberies, and carjackings frequently occur in these areas when property owners fail to provide proper safety measures. At Kelleher Law, we represent negligent security victims in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, and Roswell, Georgia, who were injured because property owners didn’t do enough to keep them safe.
Why Parking Lots and Garages Are High-Risk Areas
Parking areas are especially vulnerable to crime because:
- They often have poor lighting at night.
- They may lack security cameras or patrols.
- They provide concealed areas where attackers can hide.
Criminals assume victims are distracted while carrying bags, using phones, or getting in/out of vehicles.
The Legal Duty of Property Owners
Under Florida and Georgia law, property owners-including shopping centers, apartment complexes, hotels, and office buildings-must take reasonable steps to protect people in parking areas if crimes are foreseeable. This may include:
- Adequate lighting in parking areas and stairwells
- Functioning surveillance cameras and security patrols
- Properly maintained fencing, gates, and access points
- Quick responses to prior crime reports or complaints
If they fail to provide these protections and someone is attacked or injured, they may be held liable for negligent security.
Common Incidents in Parking Lot Security Failures
Victims of negligent security in parking areas often experience:
- Assaults and robberies
- Carjackings
- Sexual assaults
- Shootings or stabbings
- Wrongful death in tragic cases
Compensation Available to Victims
Victims of crimes in unsafe parking areas may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospital care
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages for families
Why Victims Need Legal Help
Negligent security cases can be complex because they require proving that the property owner knew or should have known that criminal activity was likely. At Kelleher Law, we:
- Investigate past crime records at the location
- Review security footage, maintenance logs, and lighting conditions
- Work with security experts to show what protections should have been in place
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers or take cases to trial if necessary
Serving Victims in Florida and Georgia
If you or a loved one were injured in a parking lot or parking garage in Naples, Fort Myers, or Roswell, Kelleher Law is here to help.
