$2.575 Million in Negligent Security Sexual Assault Case Involving Delivery Driver

 The Haggard Law Firm’s Maegan Bridwell, Kimberly Wald, and Michael Haggard secured a $2.575 Million recovery in a negligent security, sexual assault (abuse) case, demonstrating how property owners can be held accountable when their failures contribute to violent crimes—even when the assault occurs off-site.

The date of incident, name of defendants, and locations of case are confidential per terms of the settlement.

Case Overview: DoorDash Driver Kidnapped and Sexually Assaulted

Jane Doe, a 20-year-old DoorDash* driver, arrived at a business property to complete a delivery. As she exited her vehicle, she was immediately confronted at gunpoint by a known trespasser on the property.

She was then kidnapped and forced to drive to a nearby apartment complex, where she was sexually assaulted.

The incident raised serious questions about the business’ security failures, trespasser access, and the duty to protect lawful visitors on the premises.

(*DoorDash was not a defendant in this case)

Legal Strategy: Holding Property Owners Accountable for Negligent Security

Bridwell, Wald, and Haggard built the case around a core principle of Florida law:
Property owners and operators have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises and protect guests and visitors from foreseeable criminal acts.

The legal team demonstrated that:

• The assailant was aknown trespasser on the property
• The business where the kidnapping took place, failed to implement adequate security measures
• These failures created the conditions that allowed theabduction to occur
• Even though the sexual assault took place at a different location, the attorneys established adirect chain of causation beginning at the initial property.

Defense Arguments—and How They Were Overcome

The defense attempted to avoid liability through several key arguments:

• “The Area Was Safe”

Defendants argued the abduction occurred in a well-lit, low-crime area, suggesting the incident was unforeseeable.

• “She Was Only There Briefly”

They claimed Jane Doe was on the property for only a short period of time, attempting to minimize the defendant’s responsibility.

• “The Assault Happened Elsewhere”

The defense argued they could not be liable because the sexual assault occurred at a separate location.

• “Minimal Impact” Argument

Defense attorneys also attempted to use Jane Doe’s social media presence to suggest she was “thriving” and had been only minimally impacted by the trauma.

The Outcome

Despite these arguments, The Haggard Law Firm successfully developed the evidence that the initial security failures set the entire chain of events in motion, leading to the attack and sexual assault.

The result: a $2,575,000 recovery for the victim.

Why This Case Matters for Negligent Security Claims in Florida

This case reinforces a critical legal principle in Florida negligent security law:

Property owners and operators can be held liable when their negligence contributes to the conditions that allow violent crimes to occur—even if the ultimate harm happens off the property.

Key Takeaways:

• Foreseeability matters: Known trespassers and prior risks must be addressed
• Security failures have consequences: Inadequate measures can lead to liability
• Causation extends beyond the property
• Victim-blaming tactics can be challenged and overcome in court

Experienced Negligent Security Attorneys in Florida

The attorneys at The Haggard Law Firm have extensive experience handling complex negligent security, sexual assault, and premises liability cases.

Michael Haggard, Maegan Bridwell, and Kim Wald are committed to holding property owners accountable and pursuing justice for victims of violent crime.

Survivor Support

Survivors of sexual assault should know they are not alone—and that legal options may be available.

The Haggard Law Firm has extensive experience representing victims of sexual assault and approaching these cases with the sensitivity, discretion, and strength they require. In addition to seeking accountability through the civil justice system, support resources are available. The VictimConnect Resource Center offers confidential, compassionate assistance and can be reached at 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) or via chat at victimconnect.org.

Contact The Haggard Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a sexual assault or a violent crime due to negligent security, you may have legal options.

Contact The Haggard Law Firm today to learn how we can help you pursue justice and accountability.