(WOSU)
Following a disturbing history of violence, Columbus police and city leaders are now working with the Nelson Park and Wedgewood Village apartment complex owners to reduce crime and protect the thousands of families who call these complexes home.
A WOSU investigation reveals there have been “at least five murders at the Nelson Park Apartments” since May 2016. Despite this, city leaders “have been unable to shutter the complex, which was once again the scene of a fatal shooting [in February].” City Attorney Zach Klein told media, the owners have now “added security, installed new lighting and implemented new screening for tenants, including lifetime bans for some people.”
Mr. Klein also told WOSU, the “Wedgewood Village Apartments in the Hilltop…were the scene of at least seven homicides last year.” That complex is “home to about 2,000 people.” The property owners are apparently now “paying the Columbus Division of Police about $200,000 a year to station special-duty officers at the complex.”
These much-needed security measures will help to protect residents. However, the changes come too late for those families already devastated by violence on these properties.
Apartment Owner Responsibility and Resident Rights
Georgia apartment residents have a right to protect their families and feel safe and secure in their homes. By law, Georgia apartment owners have a responsibility to protect their residents from violent crime, sexual assault, and foreseeable harm. Should an apartment complex owner fail in this critical duty, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or deaths which occur as a consequence.
Victims of Georgia Apartment Assault or Injury: What Are My Legal Options for Justice and Compensation?
As each case and property is unique, victims of apartment crime should speak with an experienced security negligence firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage or broken lighting, is preserved and their best interests are protected.
We Fight for Victims of Apartment Security Negligence in Georgia. Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe properties in Georgia, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Clients in Fulton County State Court.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”
SaveSave
SaveSave