The Haggard Law Firm Secures $16.25 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Case Involving Fatal Shooting in Florida Short-Term Rental Community
Attorneys Pedro Echarte and Michael Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm, together with co-counsel Joey Rafaeli and Erik Feingold, secured a global settlement totaling $16.25 Million, along with additional confidential settlements, on behalf of the family of Jeremiah Brown.
Brown was vacationing in Osceola County, Florida, when he was fatally shot during a carjacking at the ChampionsGate community, a large development known for its short-term rental properties and sub-communities.
The case alleged that multiple entities failed to provide adequate security despite a history of criminal activity within the community.
The negligent security case at one of Central Florida’s largest short-term rental communities, raises important questions about safety standards, security protocols, and accountability within residential developments that cater to tourists and vacation renters, including the platforms that allow them to operate.
Fatal Shooting at ChampionsGate Vacation Rental Community
In July 2022, Jeremiah Brown traveled to Central Florida with his girlfriend, her children, and friends for a vacation stay at an Airbnb property located within the ChampionsGate community.
Brown was outside the short-term rental property when he was confronted by the assailants, who attempted to carjack him at gunpoint. He was shot during the attack and later died from his injuries.
Brown’s death left behind his surviving parents, who pursued a wrongful death claim seeking justice for his death from the entities involved in the operation of the community, including its security.
Investigation Revealed History of Crime and Security Failures
The litigation uncovered evidence that ChampionsGate had experienced numerous prior criminal incidents before Brown’s death, including numerous crimes where tourists (like Brown) were specifically targeted. In addition, evidence was uncovered that many of the prior crimes involved some of the same individuals that attached Brown on the night in question.
According to allegations developed during the case:
- Access-control gates serving the community were reportedly broken at the time of the incident.
- Surveillance camera coverage throughout the property was limited and inadequate.
- Security staffing levels were insufficient for a community of its size and nature.
- Security personnel on duty allegedly failed to perform services in accordance with accepted industry standards.
- The homeowners’ associations, management companies, and security providers allegedly failed to implement reasonable measures to deter foreseeable criminal activity.
The Haggard Law Firm attorneys argued that these failures contributed to an environment that allowed violent crime to occur despite a known history of criminal activity within the community.
$16.25 Million in Reportable Settlements
The Haggard Law Firm obtained $16,250,000 in settlements from the following defendants:
- ChampionsGate Master Association, Inc.
- The Retreat at ChampionsGate Community Association, Inc.
- Ramco Protective of Orlando, Inc.
- Orlando Short Term, LLC
- ICON Management Services, Inc.
The firm also secured additional and separate confidential settlements with:
- Lennar Homes, LLC
- Airbnb, Inc.
- Bright Liberty
- Greenroad Holdings, LLC
A Significant Florida Negligent Security and Wrongful Death Case
The case highlights the legal responsibilities of property owners, homeowners associations, security companies, vacation rental operators, and management entities to address known security risks and take reasonable steps to protect residents and guests.
The settlements reflect the complex nature of the litigation, involving multiple defendants and a combination of policy-limit settlements, extra-contractual and bad-faith settlements, and negotiated resolutions.
For families impacted by violent crime on commercial, residential, or vacation rental properties, negligent security litigation can provide a pathway to uncover failures, promote safer practices, and seek accountability when preventable tragedies occur.
About The Haggard Law Firm
For more than 50 years, The Haggard Law Firm has represented victims and families in complex cases involving wrongful death, negligent security, catastrophic injury, drowning incidents, sex abuse cases, and crime victim litigation throughout Florida and across the United States.
