Georgia Shooting & Assault (Negligent Security) Lawyer

Shooting/Assault (Negligent Security) Claims 

Crime is an unfortunate hazard of living in the Atlanta metropolitan area.  Everyone understands that if someone is shot, attacked, or sexually assaulted, they can press criminal charges against their attacker.  Most people also understand that they can bring civil claims against the person who hurt them. 

What many people don’t realize, however, is that if the assault/shooting occurred on commercial property (a hotel, gas station, apartment, etc.), they may have a claim against the property owner or the company that runs the business. 

Under Georgia law, companies that hold their property open for commercial purposes have a duty to make it safe for visitors.  This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crime, such as hiring security, using proper lighting, employing a surveillance system, and screening tenants and employees. 

Your safety is partially out of your hands when you enter a store, the common area of an apartment, or another business. It is the responsibility of the landlord or business owner to take measures to prevent crime on their property. You have a right to feel safe when you pump gas, when you stay in a hotel, and when you are in the parking lot at an apartment complex.  You have a right to rely on the landlord or business owner to take reasonable action to prevent you from being injured by criminal acts in these areas.  If landlord or business fails to take such action to prevent criminal conduct, they can be held liable for your injuries.  These types of claims are often called “negligent security” or “premises liability” cases.

A Property Owner, Apartment Manager, or Business May Be Liable For

• Inadequate security measures; 
• Failure to hire security staff;
• Lack of proper lighting;
• Failure to screen tenants (in apartment complexes);
• Failure to screen employees (in hotels or similar service industries)
• Inadequate surveillance systems;
• Failure to take action in response to prior crime on the property;
• Lack of, or inadequate, methods to control access to the property, such as fences, security gates, and locks

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you look at the circumstances of your case to determine whether there are grounds to hold the business liable.

Do I Have A Claim Against The Business Where I (Or A Loved One) Was Shot Or Assaulted?

Yes, as a survivor of a shooting or assault, or as the loved one of someone who was killed, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. This can include:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement/scarring
• Loss of income
• Mental and emotional distress
• Wrongful death

What Steps Will A Lawyer Take In My Case?

An experienced apartment shooting lawyer or negligent security attorney will:

• Advise you about your rights
• Investigate the case
• Help you get the medical care you need
• Advocate for you with the insurance company; 
• Negotiate a potential settlement;
• File a lawsuit on your behalf, if no settlement is reached; 
• Guide you through the litigation process; and
• Bring your case to trial, if necessary;

What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured In A Shooting Or Assault:?

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a shooting or assault on commercial property, it is important for you to gather documents and evidence as soon as possible.  You should consider taking the following steps, if it is safe to do so: 

• If you need it, get medical attention immediately;
• Call 911 if you are still at the scene;  
• If you are not at the scene, report the incident to authorities;
• Write down what you remember about the incident; 
• Include a list of anyone you think may have witnessed the incident;
• Obtain and keep copies of your medical records;

You should also consider speaking with an experienced negligent security attorney as soon as possible.  A personal injury lawyer can get involved immediately and help make sure all critical evidence is preserved.  

Contact Our Shooting/Assault Lawyer Now

If you have been injured, or if a loved one has been injured or killed, due to crime at an apartment complex, store, gas station, hotel, or other commercial property, speak with an apartment shooting attorney or negligent security lawyer as soon as you can.  Your attorney will help guide you through your case and ensure you receive maximum compensation.  We are happy to provide you with a free consultation about your case.  Please give us a call at 678-904-3464 or email us at contact@dsrlawyer.com.