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$50M Verdict Against Apartment Complex for Negligent Security

BySwift Law, PA

Case: Saldana v. Schultz, No. 2023 CA 000292 (Fla. 1st Cir. Ct. July 16, 2025)

After a week-long trial, an Escambia County jury awarded $50 million to plaintiff David Saldana in a negligent security case. Saldana was shot six times by a neighboring tenant after rejecting unwanted advances. The evidence showed that the property’s management and owners knew of the tenant’s prior harassment and threats but nevertheless placed Saldana in the adjoining apartment and ignored repeated warnings.

The jury apportioned damages as follows :

  • Medical expenses (past): $180,000
  • Medical expenses (future): $10,000,000
  • Lost earnings (past): $265,000
  • Lost earnings (future): $477,000
  • Pain and suffering (past): $20,000,000
  • Pain and suffering (future): $19,078,000

The defendants have moved to set aside the judgment, for a directed verdict, and for a new trial.

Why It Matters
  • Duty of care and premises-safety expectations: Property owners and management companies have a legal obligation to respond proactively to known risks. Failing to act on warnings—even by tenants—can lead to massive liability.
  • Financial exposure in reputation-sensitive settings: Such large verdicts highlight how quickly costs escalate when risk mitigation is ignored. Insurance, safety policies, and leadership decisions are under sharper scrutiny.
  • Consumer protection value: Residents have a right to safe living conditions. This verdict underscores that tenants can hold landlords accountable for negligent management and oversight in residential housing.

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