Articles Posted in Negligent Security

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Sufficient Security? Our Legal Take: Fatal Houston Apartment Shooting

Local News

A 33-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed outside the Durham at City View Apartments on Greens Road in Houston Saturday night, October 31, 2015.

According to Click2Houston News, “evidence at the scene determined that [the victim] might have been taking out the trash when an unknown person shot him several times” shortly before 11:00pm “at the Durham at City View Apartments.” Police have apparently not yet identified a suspect or motive in the shooting.

Our Legal Take

Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. The Murray Law Firm questions whether this tragedy may have been prevented and the level of security provided to those on the premises of the apartment complex.

  • How did the reported assailant gain entry to the property? What access-controls and security measures, such as gated entry, fencing, security patrols, bright lighting, and surveillance cameras, were in place to deter crime and protect residents at the time of the shooting?

Generally, 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 to protect those on its premises, the family of the young victim may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death.  Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.  Based upon its prior experience in handling apartment security negligence claims, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.

We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Apartment Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame 11Alive DeskThe Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. 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.

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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.

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.”

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HotelOpenDoorHotel owners and managers are responsible for providing guests with a safe and secure premises during their stay. Lodging magazine encourages hotel owners to implement 5 safety precautions to protect guests during their stay:

1. Update locks. Locks that can track who goes in and out of rooms can serve as a deterrent to theft. “When employees realize there’s an audit process on door security, it makes rooms less prone to theft,” Callaghan says. Other upgrades include automatic deadbolts, which can better prevent external threats from thieves, or systems that eliminate the need for master keys.

2. Make time for safety meetings. Perhaps as part of a regular meeting, schedule time to talk about guest safety. Part of this time could also be spent watching training videos, such as those produced by Safety Source Productions. These videos, accompanied by handouts, are a low-cost way to share information about guest safety and can train employees about how to spot suspicious behavior.

3. Monitor activity with software. Having closed-circuit television to monitor the property doesn’t matter too much if no one is looking at the monitors. Recent innovations in software have solved that problem. Coupled with software, video cameras can now recognize activity in an area and provide an alert. One example: the system can alert when there is activity in a valet parking area. Other options include using a third party to monitor the exterior of the hotel. Some of these systems have voice command capability, where operators can see and warn off people captured on surveillance.

4. Evaluate and improve—quickly. Darrell Clifton, director of security for the 1,572-room Circus Circus Reno Hotel and Casino in Nevada, conducts weekly reviews of the property and even has checklists for staff to ensure areas, such as stairwells, are clean, safe, and well lit. “We concentrate on our liability,” Clifton says. “If we know of something that’s happened, if someone was robbed or there was an accident, that area is quickly addressed. We can’t ignore it. We do something immediately to protect from another event happening.”

5. Meet and greet. One of simplest, but most effective, ways of securing a property is to provide excellent customer service. “Engage customers you encounter,” Clifton says. “Ask them about their stay and if there’s anything you can do to help. You don’t have to throw more labor at security. Just make employees a little smarter.” By talking with people on your property, staff can determine if there’s a non-guest who may intend to commit a crime. Employees should also look out for people who don’t fit the profile of the hotel’s typical guest.

Read Complete List of Hotel Safety Tips at Lodging Magazine

We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Security and Safety Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame Fox News FireThe Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of property security and safety negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. 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.

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.”

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PoliceLineNightGas station and convenience store robberies have increased over the last 10 years, according to FBI and NACS reports. As such, it is crucial convenience store owners take proper safety and security precautions to protect employees and patrons from violent crime.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) outlines preventative measures to assist store owners in deterring such crime:

Preventative Measures

Store security begins with store layout and design….The three basic rules in designing your overall safety and security, according to CPTED, are:

Territoriality: the use of physical features to show ownership over your property. It discourages outsiders by defining private space, and it allows employees to see intruders. This way, you can tell if people are there to shop or to loiter.

  • Define your territory with: Landscaping, Fences and Signs
  • If graffiti is written on your property, take a picture of it, report it to the police, and immediately remove it.
  • Keep the store and parking lot clean and free of litter.

Access control: a way to limit the number of people who should not be on the property. The property and store are designed for convenience to customers, but do not make it too convenient for criminals.

  • Limit the number of entrances and exits to the store and the parking lot.
  • Close off some parking lot entrances and doors at night.
  • Consider installing gates, locks or turnstiles, if necessary.

Surveillance: the use of physical features, such as electrical and mechanical devices, to maximize visibility.

  • Use effective lighting both on the lot and in the store.
  • Remove signs from windows to provide clear lines of visibility to the cashier.
  • Move displays that block visibility to the cashier from the outside.
  • Be alert to your surroundings and report any problems.
  • Train employees to be vigilant for potential threats

Robbery Deterrence

Employee Training: essential to robbery and violence deterrence. A comprehensive training program, such as the one offered by NACS offers guidance on:

  • Robbery deterrence measures
  • How to avoid violence during a robbery
  • What to do after a robbery
  • What to do in other potentially dangerous situations

Cash Control and Signage: Minimize cash available at your store can reduce the risk of robbery. The program will address deterrents such as:

  • Using a drop safe
  • Posting signs stating that the amount of cash on hand is limited
  • Keeping cash in registers low

Lighting: Maintain adequate lighting inside and outside the store.

Visibility: Criminals seek out locations where they can’t be easily noticed by bystanders outside the store, or by employees entering the store. People outside the store, including police, should be able to see into the store, and employees should be able to see their surroundings.

  • Keep windows clear of signs and merchandise
  • Keep shelving units low so there are no hiding places within the store
  • Mirrors can help, too

Escape Routes: Criminals want to blend into the surroundings after committing crimes. Make blending in more difficult by fencing the property and limiting the number of entrances and exits and making exit routes visible to others.

See Complete NACS Article Here

We Fight for Victims of Workplace Violence and Retail Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame 11Alive DeskThe Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of workplace violence and retail security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. 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.

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.”