Georgia Legal Report
(The Augusta Chronicle)
Apartment Security Breach? Our Legal Take: Teen Killed in River Ridge Apartment Complex
Local News
Augusta police are reportedly searching for a gunman who opened fire on a group of teenagers “at the River Ridge Apartment Complex on 13th Street,” killing one young man and injuring another, on Friday, October 9, 2015.
According to WAGT News 26, the two young men were “hanging out with…friends at the complex when an unknown suspect opened fire on the group.” Police are still searching for the gunman, leaving residents terrified for the safety of their families. One resident of the complex, told WFXG News that “the shooting has shaken the apartment community.” The resident continued, “If I could go back in time I’d probably live somewhere else now.”
Our Legal Take
Apartment complex residents have a right to feel safe and secure while in the community. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to those on the apartment property and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- How did the intruder gain entry to the property? What access-controls and security measures, such as gated entry, fencing, surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and security patrols, were in place to protect residents and deter crime?
- Have there been previous incidents of violence on property and, if so, were any additional security precautions implemented by the apartment owner or management company to protect residents?
By law, apartment owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment complex owner or management company failed to provide adequate security, the family of the young man who lost his life may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death. Additionally, the young may who was shot and injured may choose to pursue a legal claim for his injuries. Based upon its extensive and successful experience in handling negligent security cases against apartment complexes in Georgia, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the apartment and property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.
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