Articles Posted in Health and Safety Reports

By
(Savannah Morning News)

(Savannah Morning News)

Community Calls for End to Violence

Two hundred people took to Savannah streets Saturday evening in an effort to raise community awareness of local violence. Marchers wore “We Must Do Something” t-shirts while praying, singing and engaging neighbors in topics, such as jobs and community resources for poverty-stricken neighborhoods.

Per media reports, marchers targeted “men ages 18-25, the group hardest hit by and, sometimes, involved in the violence.”

According to Savannah Morning News, the march capped off a week of Savannah anti-violence rallies.

“There was a rally Monday. There was a rally Wednesday after a 20-year-old man was shot to death at Fred Wessels homes the previous evening. There was a rally Thursday night in Savannah’s Metropolitan neighborhood, and another Friday in Midtown. There was one Saturday morning in Johnson Square. What’s notable is that, over the past week, rallying has become jst as routine as the violence residents are protesting.”

Savannah-Chatham Police have reportedly investigated over 170 shootings this year and media reports indicate, “violent crime is up more than 20 percent from this time last year.”

Many of the week’s rallies focused on the need for people to speak up and help police protect their community.

“People who protect killers need to step to the plate and give police information that will help them catch the people who are wreaking havoc on the city’s peace of mind.”

Rally organizer, Shawntray Grant, asked neighbors to “stop laying the blame on police and public officials” during his Wednesday rally. Mr. Grant reportedly reminded the community that law enforcement officials can’t do their jobs without “tangible help from residents.”

Assistant Police Chief Julie Tolbert believes, “everyday residents actually going out and calling on the community to to quit protecting killers is a big deal.”

What Can Property Owners Do to Help?

Equally as important as raising public awareness of the ongoing community violence, and its affect on Savannah families, is preventing it. Many of these violent crimes have occurred in apartment complexes, parking lots, hotels, and nightclubs throughout Savannah. It is time Savannah property owners follow the example of their neighbors and take measures to protect our families and deter such crime.

By law, Georgia apartment, parking lot, hotel, and nightclub owners have a duty to protect all patrons legally on their property from foreseeable harm. Should the property owners or managers fail in this responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

As the Savannah community raises awareness of local violence, responsible Savannah property owners can help us to prevent it. Perhaps, together, many lives may be spared.

We Fight for Victims of Violence in Savannah…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of violence and security negligence in Georgia, and we offer our legal assistance if desired.  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 912.385.9690. Consultations are free and confidential.

728x90 Justice

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:

ABA Center for Professional ResponsibilityA LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.

– 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.
SAC EM Update

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.”

By

ParkingLotSafetySignMost mall-related crime occurs in parking lots, making shoppers and drivers navigating these lots vulnerable to theft, assault and vehicle break-ins. Law enforcement officials who patrol the country’s busiest malls have coordinated with Consumer Reports to help shoppers reduce their risk of becoming victims. Their advice appeared in the December 2013 issue of Consumer Reports Magazine:

Be Choosy Where You Park

Sure, that isn’t always easy. But it could be worth driving around a little to find a spot in a populated area instead of settling on one in a dark, remote location, especially if you are alone. “Park in a well-lit area because criminals hate light; they don’t want to be identified,” said Officer Heidi Miller of the Police Department in Bloomington, Minn., home of the Mall of America.

Lock and Stow

Many parking-lot thefts occur because drivers neglect to perform the simplest task: locking the car and closing the windows. Don’t allow your car to be an easy target for thieves. Hide valuables such as GPS devices, cell phones, laptops, and ­iPods. If your GPS is mounted to your windshield, pull it off and try to clean off the suction marks so that thieves don’t break into the car looking for it. “Don’t even leave the GPS cable,” Miller said, because criminals think you’re simply putting the device away in your glove box or center console. In addition, if you have an aftermarket stereo with a removable faceplate, Miller suggests removing the face and taking it with you.

Stay Focused

“People walking through the parking lot don’t pay as much attention as they used to,” Capt. Robert Guidetti of the Paramus, N.J., Police Department said. Instead they are checking e-mail or making calls. Look to your front, side, and rear when walking to and from a store. Being aware of your surroundings lessens your chances of becoming a victim or getting struck by a car, Guidetti says.

Assume You’re Watched

Criminals watch for shoppers who put purchases in their car or trunk, then walk back into the store. Once you’re gone, it can take only moments to break in and grab items. If you need to stow packages while shopping, repark your car in a different location, away from anyone who could have been observing, says Detective Bob Welsome of the New York City Police Department. Other options are to find out whether the mall has storage lockers available or ask security to hold your packages until you’re ready to leave.

Don’t Dally

“Walk like you have a purpose,” said Officer Harry Nuskey of the Upper Merion Township, Pa., Police Department, near the popular Mall of Prussia. “Don’t wander, even if you don’t know where your car is.” Have your car key in hand before you leave the store. It can also act as a weapon if necessary, Guidetti says. Once in your car, lock the doors immediately and drive off. Don’t sit and do other things. That will lessen the chance of you becoming a target.

Beware of Stranger Danger

If you are approached or chased, yell or scream to get attention or go back to the store and alert security. If you are followed while driving, go to an open gas station or a populated area with plenty of light, Miller says. “Your best defense is a well-charged cell phone,” Miller said. “Get on the phone and call 911.”

Please visit Consumer Reports for the complete article.

Parking lot owners and managers are required by law to provide a safe premises for all patrons legally on their property and to prevent foreseeable third-party criminal attacks, such as rapes, shootings, assaults, or robberies. For example, should a proprietor have reason to anticipate a criminal act based on knowledge of a security lapse or a previous crime on or near property, he or she then has a duty to exercise ordinary care to deter such crime and protect those legally on their premises from harm.

We Fight for Victims of Parking Lot Security Negligence in Georgia…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of parking lot violence and security negligence in Georgia, and we offer our legal assistance if desired.  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.

728x90 Justice

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:

ABA Center for Professional ResponsibilityA LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.

– 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.
SAC EM Update

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.”

 

By
(WTOC News)

(WTOC News)

Solidarity in Savannah: Community Calls for Peace

The Savannah community is taking to the streets in an effort to end a violent string of shootings, which has recently plagued the city. Solidarity in Savannah, a grassroots campaign for peace seeks to end violence by educating the public.

“For the most part, there’s a lack of care for human life right now. It saddens me. It’s heartbreaking,” Ylana Abbot, Director of Solidarity in Savannah, told WTOC News.

Solidarity in Savannah is taking an innovative approach to fighting violent crime in the city. Treating violence as a disease, Ms. Abbot’s group is providing a public health message to their neighbors and community leaders. The group creates public awareness of the violence and educates the community on how this crime will affect everyone.

“This is who it affects, it’s the neighbors here, it’s the children here,” said Ms. Abbot.

Troy Smith’s children were among those innocents affected by violence in their community. A shooting down the street from the Smith home claimed the life of one man. Apparently the victim’s body was left uncovered during the investigation and his children witnessed the aftermath on their way to school.

“My kids had to see that, a dead man on the ground,” said Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith later stood with Solidarity in Savannah protestors on the street where the shooting occurred.

“No more killing, enough is enough. No more killing. No more killing,” chanted Mr. Smith, holding a sign for passersby, which read, “A shooting happened here today. It could be your doorstep next….”

Savannah Property Owners: Deter Crime Before It Happens

Equally as important as raising public awareness of the ongoing community violence, and its affect on all Savannah families, is preventing it. Many of these violent crimes have occurred in apartment complexes, parking lots and nightclubs throughout Savannah. It is time Savannah property owners follow the example of their neighbors and take measures to protect our families and deter such crime.

Apartment, parking lot and nightclub owners have a duty to protect all patrons legally on their property from foreseeable harm. Should the property owners or managers fail in this responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence. Many responsible property owners train and work with local police to prevent such crime, implementing security precautions and procedures to protect patrons and deter crime. These security measures may include:

Savannah Parking Lot Shootings and Assaults

  • Many Savannah parking lot shootings and assaults may be prevented by implementing and maintaining proper security precautions, such as bright lighting, frequent security patrols, emergency call boxes, and surveillance cameras.

Savannah Nightclub Shootings and Assaults

  • Many Savannah nightclub shootings and assaults may be prevented by implementing proper nightclub security measures, such as weapons screenings, surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and security patrols. As many nightclub assaults occur in the parking lot, these security precautions should extend outside. Additionally, many police departments will train nightclub owners, managers and staff to recognize and deescalate potentially dangerous situations.

Savannah Apartment Shootings and Assaults

  • Apartment residents have a right to provide a safe and secure home for their families. Apartment complex owners and management companies may deter crime and protect residents by implementing and maintaining proper access controls and security measures, such as gated-entry, fencing, bright lighting, security patrols, ID-controlled building entry, deadbolts, steel frame doors with viewers, security bars, and surveillance cameras. Additionally, many police departments will train apartment owners and managers to adequately secure their property and to implement procedures to keep residents informed and protected.

As the Savannah community raises awareness of local violence, responsible Savannah property owners can help us to prevent it. Perhaps, together, many lives may be spared.

We Fight for Victims of Violence in Savannah…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of violence and security negligence in Georgia, and we offer our legal assistance if desired.  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 912.385.9690. Consultations are free and confidential.

728x90 Justice

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:

ABA Center for Professional ResponsibilityA LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.

– 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.
SAC EM Update

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.”