Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
A recent shooting in Miami’s Design District left one man injured and, while police made three arrests, one suspect remains on the loose. WSVN News 7 Miami reported that the gunmen approached the victim in a store and confronted him, while one ripped a $22,000 gold chain from the victim’s neck.
While criminal charges apply, there are additional legal remedies that victims may pursue. Trust a Miami crime victims attorney for legal help, but some information about options is useful for explaining your rights.
What are Your Legal Options After a Shooting in Miami?
While criminal cases punish the shooter, victims can seek financial justice through civil remedies. Your legal options in Miami primarily involve premises liability and negligent security claims. These lawsuits target the business or property owner whose failure to protect patrons led to the incident.
By pursuing a civil case, you can secure the necessary resources for medical care and family support, holding negligent parties accountable for their role in the tragedy. This path helps address the economic fallout of the crime.
Negligent Security and Business Owner Liability
In Miami-Dade County, property and business owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for their customers. If a shooting occurs at a store, the owner may be liable if they failed to provide adequate security. A breach of duty may include:
- Missing or defective surveillance cameras
- Poor lighting in parking lots
- A lack of trained security guards
When a business ignores known risks or fails to implement basic safety protocols, it can be held financially responsible for victims’ losses.
Recovering Damages After a Store Shooting in Miami
A store shooting often results in life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one. Survivors can recover damages for hospital bills, future rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. In cases of wrongful death, Florida law allows families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, the loss of companionship, and the emotional support the deceased provided. These legal remedies aim to alleviate the immense financial burden in the devastating aftermath of a violent encounter.
How Crime Rates in Miami-Dade Impact Your Case
To win a negligent security claim in Miami, you must prove the shooting was foreseeable. This means the property owner should have anticipated the danger, typically based on prior criminal activity in the area. Legal teams analyze local Miami-Dade crime grids and past police reports to establish this pattern. If a store operates in a high-crime district or has a history of previous incidents but fails to increase its security measures, its inaction becomes the central factor in proving liability.
Consult with a Miami Crime Victims Lawyer Right Away
It is a relief to know that you have options after being hurt because of criminal activity, as separate from a criminal case. Financial compensation is available to help you recover from medical bills and emotional trauma. Gerson & Schwartz, PA, serves clients from offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Our firm holds negligent businesses accountable for their failures, so please call (305) 371-6000 to schedule a free consultation.