The Legal Herald
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on property. Although it is the responsibility of the apartment complex owner and management to protect those legally on premises, prospective tenants should thoroughly investigate safety measures prior to signing a lease.
Apartments.com urges residents to review the following “7 Apartment Safety Questions…Before Signing a Lease”:
- Are window treatments included? Window treatements are paramount for privacy and safety, so figure out if you need to buy your own.
- Have the locks been changed? Your locks should be changed before you move in. Make sure to specify that new locks should be placed on your doors, not recycled ones.
- Is the complex safe at night? What are the concierge hours? Will you park your car in a garage, or an open, uncovered lot? If the latter, is it gated and well-lit?
- Is there a fire extinguisher on the premises? Find out if your apartment comes with a fire extinguisher (most do), and where it’s located if you need it in an emergency.
- Has it been checked for mold? Mold can be a serious problem, causing allergic reactions, respiratory problems, headaches and eye iritation.
- Do the appliances work properly?
- What’s the neighborhood like? SafeWise recommends CrimeReports.com, CrimeMapping.com and SpotCrime.com as valuable resources.
I am the Victim of Apartment Violence. Should I Hire an Attorney that has Telephoned Me or Contacted Me Directly?
The American Bar Association Rule 7.3 states that a lawyer “shall not” contact a prospective Client through a “live telephone” or an “in-person” visit. 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.
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.
You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent security at apartment complexes. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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.
CALL NOW: 888.842.1616
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:
A 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.
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.”