The Legal Herald
(News 4 JAX)
Negligent Security? Our Legal Take: 7 Injured in Jacksonville Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to this horrific shooting? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victims may have a legal avenue for justice and a claim for compensation.
Local News
The Jacksonville community is calling for answers and an end to violence after seven people were reportedly shot and injured outside the Eureka Gardens apartment complex Monday morning, August 8, 2016.
According to News 4 JAX, “[a]fter seven people were injured, two critically, when three gunmen opened fire on a group of people at Eureka Gardens early Monday, city leaders and national lawmakers demanded more be done to protect residents at the federally subsidized housing complex.”
Local leaders apparently met with residents, police and the “roving” security team charged with overseeing Eureka Gardens and Washington Heights to discuss resident safety. The security company apparently told News 4, “at the time of the shooting, its patrols were on duty at Washington Heights.”
Pastor Mark L. Griffin reportedly challenged “the owner of Eureka Gardens, to hire 24-hour security,” urging “roaming patrols are not enough.”
Although community crime has reportedly been cut drastically over the last two years, “Eureka Gardens was once one of the most dangerous apartments in Jacksonville,” per News 4 reports.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. Given the history of violence on property, as reported by News 4, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether this unconscionable attack may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as gated-entry, bright lighting, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were in place to protect residents at the time of the shooting?
- Was the apartment complex owner or management aware of prior crime on or near property? If so, were any additional security measures implemented to deter crime?
Generally, property 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 victims may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for their injuries.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, 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. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Apartment Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The 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.
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