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Premises Liability Security Expert Witness

Florida | Nationwide | Mark J. Lang, MCJ, CPP, CHPA

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Property owners and managers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to protect those who enter their premises. When security failures contribute to an injury or death — whether through criminal violence, inadequate supervision, or dangerous property conditions — premises liability law provides a legal remedy for victims.

Investigations HQ, LLC provides expert witness and consulting services in premises liability cases involving security negligence. With over 40 years of combined public safety, law enforcement, and corporate security experience, Mark J. Lang delivers the kind of authoritative, credentialed testimony that helps attorneys build — or defend — high-stakes premises liability claims.

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The Duty of Care in Premises Liability

Florida law imposes a duty on property owners and occupiers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. In security-related premises liability cases, this duty requires owners to:

  • Identify foreseeable risks of criminal activity on or near the property

  • Implement security measures commensurate with those risks

  • Maintain those measures in proper working condition

  • Respond appropriately when security threats are identified

  • Warn guests, tenants, or visitors of known dangers

When these obligations are not met and someone is harmed, premises liability claims may arise. Florida follows an invitee/licensee/trespasser framework, and the duty of care varies depending on the plaintiff's status on the property.
 

Security Failures That Give Rise to Premises Liability

A premises liability claim grounded in security negligence typically hinges on demonstrating that the property owner's failure to maintain reasonable security directly contributed to the harm suffered. Mark Lang evaluates the full security posture of a property, including:

  • Adequacy and functionality of surveillance systems (CCTV coverage, recording retention)

  • Lighting conditions throughout the property — especially in high-risk areas

  • Perimeter security: fencing, gates, access control, and their maintenance

  • Security guard deployment, training, and supervisory protocols

  • History of prior criminal incidents on or adjacent to the property

  • Whether prior security risk assessments were conducted and acted upon

  • Lease terms, contracts, or management agreements that define security responsibilities
     

Property Types Commonly Involved in Premises Liability Claims

  • Multifamily residential: apartments, condominiums, townhomes

  • Commercial: office buildings, warehouses, industrial facilities

  • Hospitality: hotels, motels, resorts, short-term rentals

  • Retail: shopping malls, strip centers, big-box stores

  • Entertainment: nightclubs, bars, stadiums, concert venues

  • Healthcare: hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities

  • Transportation: parking structures, transit stations, airports

  • Educational: schools, daycare centers, college campuses
     

Expert Witness Qualifications

An effective premises liability security expert must command respect on both sides of the courtroom. Mark Lang's qualifications include:

  • Certified Protection Professional (CPP) — ASIS International (highest security credential)

  • Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) — IAHSS

  • Master of Criminal Justice, Boston University

  • Retired Captain, Special Investigations Division, Orange County Sheriff's Office

  • Former Executive Senior Director of Security Operations, Orlando Health

  • Published in the Journal of Healthcare Protection Management

  • Florida Licensed Private Investigator, License #A170078

This combination of executive security management, law enforcement leadership, and academic achievement positions Mr. Lang as a credible and compelling expert witness in any jurisdiction.
 

What to Expect When You Retain Investigations HQ

Mark Lang's litigation support process is thorough and systematic. Upon case retainer, he will:

  • Review all provided case materials — incident reports, security logs, leases, prior complaints, CCTV footage, and property records

  • Benchmark the property's security practices against industry standards and applicable guidelines

  • Participate in as many case strategy consultations as needed

  • Prepare a comprehensive written draft report

  • Provide a final written expert opinion (additional fee)

  • Provide deposition and trial testimony as needed (additional fee)
     

Florida Jurisdiction Coverage

Investigations HQ, LLC is based in Orlando, Florida, and regularly works with attorneys in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Duval counties. National engagements are accepted.

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