Articles Posted in Negligent Security

By
(WMC NEWS 5)

(WMC NEWS 5)

Apartment Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Man Shot, Killed in Apartment Robbery

Local News UPDATE

Police have allegedly made an arrest in the murder of an individual who was fatally shot in a Prescott Place apartment robbery Sunday morning, August 16, 2015.

According to WMC News 5, “[t]he shooting happened in the Prescott Place Apartments located in the 1700 block of Morlye Street.”  The news story indicates that, per neighbors, the victim “returned from getting groceries to find two men in his apartment’s parking lot” shortly before noon.  The news story further reports that “the victim went up the stairs to his home and was approached by the men, who demanded he open the door and tried to rob him.  When he refused, they pointed a gun at him and when he still refused to open the door, they shot him.”  The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a white car, opening fire on neighbors who heroically tried to block the apartment complex entrance.

Per media reports, gunfire has become a “daily” occurrence along Prescott Street. Neighbors are now calling on community leaders to increase law enforcement in their neighborhood.

Our Legal Take

Recent crime reports indicate other reported criminal activity in the area of this tragic incident, including multiple assaults, robberies and thefts. As police continue to search for suspects, and in light of the prior reports of violence, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a potential apartment security lapse may hold some responsibility in this shooting.

  • August Crime Map (spotcrime.com)

    August Crime Map (spotcrime.com)

    How did the gunmen gain entry to the apartment complex parking lot? What property access-controls, such as gated-entry, fencing, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to deter crime at the time of the shooting?

  • How many prior incidents of violence have occurred on or near the property?
  • What increased security precautions, if any, have been implemented by the Prescott Place apartment complex owner and management to protect residents and guests?

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 to protect those on its premises, the victim’s family may elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death. Under such a claim, the victim’s family may be entitled to substantial compensation for their loss.

Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim 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 in the Memphis area, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a through, 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.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in representing victims of gun violence and apartment security negligence.  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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Hablamos Español

La Firma del Abogado Murray, extensiva y exitosamente ha representado familias que han perdido seres queridos como consecuencia de ataques violentos en apartamentos y propiedades negligentes, si lo desea, le ofrecemos nuestros servicios y experiencia. A quien busque ayuda o representación legal, le alentamos que se contacte con nosotros (haga clic aquí) al 888.842.1616. La consulta no cuesta nada y es confidencial.

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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.

By
(News 4 JAX)

(News 4 JAX)

Was Security Sufficient? Our Legal Take: Man Shot, Robbed at Savannah Springs Apartments

Local News

A 22-year-old man was reportedly shot, beaten and robbed at the Savannah Springs Apartments in Jacksonville Friday afternoon, August 14, 2015.

According to The Florida Times Union, “three men approached the victim about 4:30 p.m. in a hallway in the back of the Savannah Springs apartment complex at 6945 Morse Ave.”  The “22-year-old man was shot in the stomach, then beaten and robbed by three men.” Per media reports, the victim attempted to run away, but the suspects chased him across the apartment complex parking lot.   After committing the crime, the suspects apparently fled the scene in a small gray vehicle.  The victim was transported to the hospital for emergency care, and his current condition has not been released.

Our Legal Take

This is apparently not the first incidence of violence on property. Jacksonville.com reports that a shooting occured in the apartment complex parking lot in May 2015. As police continue to search for suspects, and in light of the prior reports of gunfire, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a potential apartment security lapse may hold some responsibility in this shooting.

  • How did the assailants gain entry to the apartment complex? What property access-controls and parking lot security measures, such as gated-entry, fencing, security patrols, bright lighting, and surveillance cameras, were in place to deter crime at the time of the shooting?
  • How many prior incidents of violence have occurred on or near the property?
  • What increased security precautions, if any, have been implemented by the apartment complex owner and management to protect residents and guests?

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 to protect those on its premises, the victim or the victim’s family may elect to pursue a legal claim for his injuries. Under such a claim, the victim or his family may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim 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 through, 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.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in representing victims of gun violence and apartment security negligence.  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.

By

ApartmentCrimeAll families have a right to provide a safe and secure home for their children.  Yet, apartment complex security is all too often out of the hands of residents, leaving tenants at increased risk of intrusion or burglary. Safewise offers renters the following guide to selecting a safe apartment complex and tips on keeping your apartment home secure:

Before Moving In

Before deciding on a new residence, it is important to consider security. Follow these guidelines before signing a lease to help protect yourself and your family.

1. Research Local Crime

When you think you’ve found your dream apartment, check local crime data in its vicinity. Make sure you know about any troubling activities in the area before committing to a lease. Talk to the local police and your future landlord and neighbors to get an honest picture of what life will be like in your new place. Websites like CrimeReports.com, CrimeMapping.com, and SpotCrime.com can give you a good idea of the local crime history in almost any community.

2. Test Lighting

Robbers and intruders prefer to sneak around in poorly-lit or dark areas. Therefore, when considering an apartment, check the entrances, hallways, walkways, parking areas, elevators, stairways, mail areas, and laundry rooms to make sure they have enough lighting at night. The fewer places an offender has to hide, the safer you’ll be.

3. Observe General Upkeep

Take in the general look and feel of your new place. Broken windows, cracked drywall, or water stains could show a lack of concern from the landlord. Check to see if the lawn and landscaping are well-kept. If the landlord can’t take care of basic maintenance, he or she probably isn’t concerned with general security.

4. Check Apartment Entrances

When looking at apartments, consider the security of the building. Many times, an outside entry door will require a key, pass code, or buzz-in to access the hallways and doors of the actual apartments. This way, residents control who can approach their apartment door, reducing loitering, break-ins, and solicitors.

5. Try the Peephole

A peephole can keep you and your family safe by allowing you to see who’s at your door before you open it. If your door does not have a peephole, inquire about having one installed before you move in. When a questionable character is at your door, a peephole will help you and your children avoid any compromising situations.

6. Get New Door Locks

Replacing your locks reduces the risk of unwanted persons being able to access your new place. Many landlords say they’ve replaced the locks, but sometimes apartment managers will just rotate the old locks between apartments, and extra keys are not always returned. When you move into new housing, you never know how many keys have gone missing or how many previous tenants may still have keys. Ask your landlord about having your locks replaced with brand new locks, not redistributed old ones. Don’t risk somebody being able to return to your apartment with an old key.

7. Examine Window Locks

Good window locks keep intruders from gaining easy access to your residence. This is especially true for windows on the ground level, but all windows should be properly checked—you’d be surprised how determined burglars can be. Treat all windows as potential entry points, and make sure all window locks are working properly and cannot be manipulated from the outside.

8. Note Fire Escapes

In apartment complexes, exterior fire escapes can be lifesavers during an emergency, but their access to windows and balconies can also attract burglars. If your apartment has a fire escape, make sure it is stored properly off the ground, so intruders can’t reach your apartment.

Robbers and intruders prefer to sneak around in poorly-lit or dark areas. Therefore, when considering an apartment, check the entrances, hallways, walkways, parking areas, elevators, stairways, mail areas, and laundry rooms to make sure they have enough lighting at night. The fewer places an offender has to hide, the safer you’ll be.

After Moving In

Once you’ve found your dream apartment, keep your family and valuables safe with ongoing security measures.

1. Buy Additional Locks

For added safety, consider installing a deadbolt and chain lock if your door doesn’t already have them. A deadbolt is more secure and difficult to pick than a standard doorknob lock, because the deadbolt only opens by rotating the lock cylinder, whereas a spring bolt lock can retracted by applying force to the bolt itself. Additionally, a chain lock provides an extra layer of security when opening your door, allowing you to open your door a crack to talk to a stranger or ask for identification, before opening up completely.

2. Bolster Sliding Doors

Balcony doors are great for sunshine and views, but they can pose a hazard if they are not properly secured. An unsecured sliding door can provide an intruder with a relatively untraceable and quiet entrance to your place. While it’s important to always lock your balcony door when it’s not in use, many sliding doors have inadequate locks and come off their tracks with just a nudge. For optimal security, make sure to arm your sliding door with an inside bar lock or a pole on the track. You can also install a secondary locking mechanism with a metal pin inserted through the doorframe and into the sliding door.

3. Invest in Good Blinds

Good blinds may prevent robbers from looking inside your home and being tempted by all the valuables they see. Install blinds that completely block the view from outside, and make sure to close them when you go out. That way, you’ll keep wandering eyes from scanning your valuables and reduce your risk of break-ins.

4. Use a Safe

A safe can be a last line of defense to protect your most valuable and irreplaceable possessions. Items such as jewelry, cash, firearms, and sensitive documents can be locked away in a fireproof case. Safes come in all sizes and range in price from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Find a safe that fits your budget and needs, and talk to your landlord about bolting it to a floor or wall, so a burglar can’t pick it up and take it. While a safe can’t guarantee the absolute protection of your property, it can be effective at hiding items from thieves who are just looking to grab valuables in plain sight and escape quickly.

5. Get Renters Insurance

Renters insurance will protect the value of your possessions in case they are stolen or destroyed by a disaster. Your landlord may have an insurance policy, but those generally only cover the building you live in, not your personal belongings. Many insurance companies offer policies specifically for renters that run about $20 a month and cover all your property at the full replacement cost. Renters insurance can also protect you in case of a liability lawsuit where you are deemed responsible for the damage of another tenant’s property. You may think you don’t own very much, but consider the cost of replacing everything you own in the event of a theft, fire, or severe weather. If you wouldn’t be able to recover from the loss, then renters insurance is a good option.

6. Install a Security System

Renters are 85% more likely to experience a home invasion than those who own their homes, and while many security companies won’t sell to renters, some will (source). In the past, security systems were not renter-friendly due to an intrusive installation process, but now renters have several options.

Read the complete Safewise Apartment Security Guide for Renters here.

Advocates for victims of apartment violence and security negligence at The Murray Law Firm urge our readers to take apartment safety into their own hands and to work with their apartment owners, managers and neighbors to create a safe and secure home for their families.

 

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

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in representing victims of violence and apartment security negligence.  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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