Inadequate Security Assaults in Fort Myers: Your Rights Under Premises Liability

Why Inadequate Security Leads to Injury on Another’s Property

When a person is assaulted on another’s premises in or around Fort Myers, the incident may give rise to a premises liability/negligent security claim. Property owners and occupiers owe a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for guests, invitees and, under certain circumstances, even trespassers. They must anticipate foreseeable criminal acts and take appropriate measures—such as proper lighting, functioning locks, security personnel and surveillance systems. 

Types of Causes for Assaults and Inadequate Security

• Poor lighting or dark parking areas – when a parking lot, garage or walkway is dimly lit, it creates opportunity and reduces witnesses, increasing risk of assault.
• Lack of security cameras or broken surveillance systems – without monitoring or recording, dangerous activity may go unnoticed or un‑detected until harm occurs.
• Absence of adequate access control or locks – when unauthorized persons can gain entrance to the property (building, nightclub, apartment complex) that should have been secured.
• Under‑staffed or untrained security personnel – if guards are absent, inattentive or poorly trained, they may fail to intervene or prevent foreseeable attacks.
• History of criminal incidents at the location or neighborhood – if the property is in a high‑crime area and the owner failed to consider or respond to prior incidents, the risk becomes foreseeable.
• Failure to repair known hazards (broken gates, unsecured doors, damaged fencing) – such physical lapses contribute directly to unsafe conditions that permit assaults.
  In each of these scenarios, the injured victim must show the property owner knew (or should have known) of the risk and failed to act, thereby allowing an assault or injury to occur. 

The Scope of the Problem in Southwest Florida (2024‑25)

In Lee County — which includes Fort Myers — the latest available data show significant violent crime levels. From 2019‑2023, Lee County recorded approximately 11,672 violent crimes and 1,669 aggravated assault incidents, for an annual averaged violent crime rate of about 687.5 per 100,000 residents. While specific “inadequate security assault” statistics for 2024‑25 are not separately published, these figures reflect a broader context in which property‑owners in the Southwest Florida region must remain vigilant.

For victims in Fort Myers and neighboring communities within Southwest Florida, the presence of elevated violent crime rates underscores the importance of property owners taking preventive security steps—otherwise, they may face legal liability for injuries that result.

Legal Help from Pittman Law Firm, P.L.

If you or a loved one was assaulted in Fort Myers due to inadequate security on someone else’s property, the experienced injury attorneys at Pittman Law Firm, P.L. are ready to help. With offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, the firm provides legal representation across all counties of Southwest Florida and the Naples, FL area. They focus on personal injury claims involving negligent security and premises liability, helping clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Why Partner with Pittman Law Firm, P.L.?

• Local knowledge of Fort Myers and Southwest Florida premises liability law
• A track record of handling injury cases involving assaults, slip and fall accidents, and other premises‑liability incidents
• Personalized service where clients work directly with attorneys who understand the nuances of negligent security claims
• Serving clients across Southwest Florida and Naples, including all counties—from Lee County to Collier, Charlotte and beyond

What to Do After an Assault Due to Inadequate Security

1. Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor, document your condition.
2. Report the assault to the property owner or manager and ask for an incident report.
3. Preserve evidence–photos of the scene, lighting conditions, access gates, security camera placement, broken locks or fencing.
4. Get witness contact information from anyone who saw the incident or the hazard.
5. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible so your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.

Act Now: Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in Fort Myers or anywhere across Southwest Florida due to an assault linked to inadequate security on someone else’s property, don’t wait. Contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L. for a free consultation. Their team will assess whether you have a negligent security / premises liability claim and guide you through the legal process. They serve the injured throughout Southwest Florida & Naples with offices in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.