Articles Posted in Public Service Announcement

ParkingLotSafety-300x202Parking facilities present inherent security challenges as they frequently occupy a large space with low levels of activity and numerous hiding places for would-be attackers. While Georgia parking facility owners are required by law to protect patrons from any foreseeable harm, the Savannah Police Department urges patrons to take security precautions of their own:

SPD Parking Lot Safety Tips for Patrons

  • Always lock the car and roll up the windows all the way. If you have any valuables or packages, lock them in the trunk.
  • If you’re staying late, park the car near an exit or the attendant — not in an area that will be empty and remote when you leave.
  • As you approach the car, have your keys ready and check the seats before getting in.
  • You might also ask the security guard or a co-worker to escort you to your car.
  • By taking a common sense attitude towards one’s security, owners and users can both greatly increase the safety of the parking lot.

Victims of Georgia Parking Facility Violence: Know Your Rights

Parking lot and parking garage patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By Georgia law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking garage owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a parking facility owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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NightClub-300x200Georgia bar and nightclub owners have a responsibility to protect their patrons from violent crime, sexual assault, and foreseeable harm. Nightclub and bar parking lots are often targets for such criminal activity due to late hours, (frequently) impaired patrons and dark hiding places. However, all too often, outdoor security measures are overlooked.

In 2016, five bystanders were shot when gunfire broke out in the parking lot of Club Crucial in Atlanta. The AJC reports, the “incident began when two groups of people got into a dispute inside the club and were asked to leave. They complied, and shortly after, gunfire erupted in the club’s parking lot.”

The horrific incident serves as a grave reminder that bar and nightclub owners need to provide a safe and secure parking lot for patrons entering and exiting their establishment. Parking lot security measures may include bright lighting, security patrols, off-duty police officers, and surveillance cameras. Further, staff should be properly trained to de-escalate disputes inside and outside the property, making efforts to call police and safely and separately remove all those involved from the premises prior to an escalation to violence.

Victims of Nightclub Assault or Injury: What Are My Legal Options for Justice and Compensation?

As each case and property is unique, victims of bar and nightclub 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.

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ApartmentCrime-300x200Georgia 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. The Gwinnett County Police Department offers apartment complex owners a unique three-part training program to reduce crime and protect tenants.

Gwinnett County Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a partnership among property owners/managers, residents, and law enforcement personnel in an effort to eliminate crime in multi-family properties….The Gwinnett County Police Department implemented the CFMH Program in 2012 with the goal of reducing the number of violent crimes and police calls-for-service in apartment properties….This program is solution-oriented and designed to be easy, yet very effective in reducing the incidence of crime on rental property. The program uses a three-part approach, which ensures the crime prevention goal while maintaining a tenant-friendly approach….

After a property is fully certified, apartment management must host one safety-related crime prevention meeting with the residents per year to maintain their active membership in the Crime Free Multi-Housing program. They are then issued a gold certificate, which expires 18 months after the crime prevention meeting.”

Victims of 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.

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