Every day, millions of children and young adults walk the halls of Florida’s schools and universities. While every student leaves for school in the morning expecting that they will return home safely that evening, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
While every parent is aware of the normal (and sometimes abnormal) risks of sending their kids to school, they may not be aware of what type of security the school is actually accountable for.
Florida Negligent Security Laws In Schools
Florida's negligent security laws emphasize schools' duty of care to their students, staff, and visitors. Knowledge of these laws and cooperation between school districts and property owners can ensure a safe environment that meets mandated standards of care and reduces the risk of legal liability for incidents resulting from inadequate security.
Legal Concept And Duty Of Care
Schools are required by law to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their students, employees, and visitors. This includes reasonable safety measures that meet the recognized standard of care.
The Role Of School Districts And Owners
Creating adequate security measures in schools requires cooperation between various entities, including school districts and property owners. The school district establishes and enforces security policies and allocates resources to ensure compliance with the standard of care.
This includes hiring security personnel, implementing appropriate security systems, and maintaining school grounds.
Property owners, such as universities or private schools, share responsibility for creating a safe environment for all persons on their property. This duty requires them to be familiar with relevant laws and regulations, industry standards, and best practices for safety measures.
Some of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to school safety include:
- Limiting and monitoring access to school buildings and grounds is necessary to maintain a safe environment.
- The use of cameras and other surveillance equipment helps deter crime and aids in the investigation of incidents.
- Adequate security staff trained in school security protocols and response procedures can help prevent incidents and respond when needed.
- Schools should have clear emergency plans, review and update them regularly, and ensure that students and staff are aware of these plans.
Consequences Of Inadequate Security Measures
Depending on the case, additional damages (e.g., punitive damages) may also be sought to punish the institution for failing to prioritize the safety of its students and staff.
Legal recourse is an important option for individuals harmed due to negligent security, and it's important to consult with an experienced attorney to obtain the best possible outcome in such cases.
Physical Harm And Emotional Trauma
Neglecting appropriate safety measures can lead to students becoming victims of assaults, bullying, or other threatening situations caused by unsafe conditions. These incidents can lead to injuries that have long-lasting physical and emotional effects on those involved.
The lack of sufficient security measures can also contribute to a general atmosphere of fear and anxiety. Research studies have shown that the presence (or lack thereof ) of resources such as security personnel, metal detectors, and security cameras can affect students’ perception of safety and even increase anxiety in some students.
Liability And Damages
When educational institutions fail to take reasonable safety measures, they can be held liable for foreseeable harm resulting from failing to correct unsafe conditions. This includes but is not limited to, injuries resulting from assaults, bullying, or other incidents related to negligent security on school property.
To prove liability, the injured party must be able to show that the institution breached its duty of care by failing to take reasonable safety measures and that this negligence directly caused the injury. If the facility is found liable, it may have to compensate the injured party for various types of damages, including:
- All costs associated with the injured person's treatment, therapy, and ongoing care.
- Potential loss of income due to the inability to work during recovery or future impact on the person's earning capacity.
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma suffered as a direct result of the incident and the injury sustained.
Speak To A Negligent Security Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured on school property due to negligence, the Weinstein Legal Team will fight for you. Our experienced attorneys will gather evidence, file your claim, and fight on your behalf to ensure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact the Weinstein Legal Team at 888.626.1108 or click here to schedule your free case review with a Florida injury lawyer near you.
