The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that a 17-year-old young man was shot and killed during a party at the Lake Padgett Estates in Land O’Lakes, FL. The 2:00 a.m. shooting occurred allegedly in a parking lot outside of the evening festivities.
The reported information indicates that a group had gathered outside the development clubhouse, specifically in the parking lot. It is unknown what the Pasco County housing development knew regarding any other criminal activity in the area. This shooting may open up the development to liability as a Premises Liability action or what is coined a Negligent Security lawsuit.
Negligent Security actions are most commonly found in parking lots out front of clubs or convenience stores where criminal activity is known to be a problem in the area. Florida law obligates property owners to create safe environments and avoid foreseeable risks for their guests. The most obvious way for owners to help themselves and their customers can be simply to employ security and install cameras – but unfortunately, many do not. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate and may make an arrest in this case.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of Negligent Security, contact Florida Negligent Security Lawyer Whittel & Melton, LLC online or in the office at 727-847-2299.