Early on the morning of August 24, 2023, a man sustained injuries in a drive-by shooting close to a Miramar gas station, according to law enforcement officials. The incident took place near a Sunoco gas station, located on the 7500 block of Pembroke Road, and was first reported at approximately 3:50 a.m.
Authorities confirmed that the injured man was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries, which were assessed as not life-threatening.
Traffic disruption occurred as eastbound lanes on Pembroke Road had been temporarily shut down. They have since been reopened to the public.
Pursuing a Negligent Security Case in Florida After Getting Injured in a Criminal Attack at a Gas Station
Gas stations, often open during late hours, are unfortunately susceptible to criminal activities. If you've been a victim of a violent crime at a Florida gas station, you may be able to bring a negligent security claim against the property owner. In this article, we’ll outline some important steps and considerations involved in pursuing such a legal course.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security involves the failure of property owners, such as gas station operators, to adequately protect visitors from foreseeable harm. This can range from insufficient lighting to a lack of surveillance or security personnel.
According to Florida's premises liability law, property owners owe a "duty of care" to individuals on their premises. Failing to meet this duty could result in legal repercussions for the owner if someone gets hurt.
Gathering Evidence and Legal Procedures
Evidence plays a critical role in proving negligence. If you've been attacked, immediately document the state of the premises. This might include capturing photographs, obtaining security footage, and gathering eyewitness accounts. Also, make sure to file an incident report with the local police.
Your negligent security attorney can help you to gather and preserve valuable evidence. We send out spoliation letters or “letters of preservation” early on to make sure valuable evidence, like camera footage, isn’t lost, destroyed, or erased.
After gathering the necessary evidence, consult a lawyer with experience handling negligent security cases. Your lawyer can guide you through filing a lawsuit against the negligent property owner. In such cases, you may be eligible for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and even compensation for emotional distress.
Conclusion
Experiencing a criminal attack is traumatic, and the consequences can be long-lasting. However, Florida law enables you to take action against property owners if their negligence in providing adequate security measures contributed to your ordeal. With adequate evidence and a legal guide, you can seek the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
