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$50 million 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, a jury in Escambia County awarded $50 million to plaintiff David Saldana in a negligent security case. Saldana was shot six times by a neighbor after rejecting his unwanted advances. Evidence showed that the property management and owners were aware of the tenant’s previous harassment and threats, but nevertheless placed Saldana in the adjacent apartment and ignored repeated warnings.

The jury apportioned damages as follows:

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

The defendants have requested that the judgment be set aside, a directed verdict be entered, and a new trial be held.

Why It Matters
  • Duty of care and safety expectations in facilities: Owners and management companies have a legal obligation to respond proactively to known risks. Failure to act on warnings, including those from tenants, can result in significant civil liability.
  • Financial exposure in reputation-sensitive environments: Such high judgments highlight how quickly costs can spiral when risk mitigation is ignored. Insurance, security policies, and management decisions are coming under increasingly rigorous 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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