The Legal Herald
(WLTX 19)
Negligent Security? Our Legal Take: Another Child Shot, Injured in Columbia Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to the shootings of these two children? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victims and their families may have a legal avenue for justice and a claim for compensation.
Local News
The second Falling Springs Road apartment shooting in only two days reportedly left an 11-year-old girl injured Tuesday night, August 9, 2016.
According to WLTX 19 News, the young victim “was hit by a single bullet at an apartment complex on Falling Springs Road. The girl was taken to the hospital where she underwent surgery, and is in stable condition.” Police told media, “the girl wasn’t the intended target.”
The horrific shooting comes only two days after “a 13-year-old boy was shot in almost identical circumstances at the same units,” WLTX 19 reports. “Witnesses said a car pulled into the parking lot of the units and began firing at one of the buildings.”
Police have apparently not yet identified suspects in either case. They are asking for the community’s help in solving “10 instances of gun violence since July 30th,” per ABC Columbia reports.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure within the community. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided at the apartment complex and whether these unconscionable attacks may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as gated-entry, bright lighting, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were in place to protect residents and guests 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 young victims and their families 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.
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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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