The Legal Herald
(WESH News 2)
Security Failure? Our Legal Take: 6-Year-Old, Two Others, Injured in Altamonte Springs Apartment Shooting
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting of a young girl and two others? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victims may have a claim for compensation.
Local News
A shooting outside of the Sealey Apartments in Altamonte Springs reportedly injured three people, including a 6-year-old girl, Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
WESH News 2 reports, “two men opened fire outside the Sealey Apartments,” striking three people. “The 6-year-old girl suffered a graze wound to the back of her head. Eric Wright, 26, and Larry Watkins Jr., 26, were also injured. All three were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.”
The apartment complex owner reportedly responded to media following the shooting, stating “[t]hat will happen at every complex…[n]othing you can do about that.”
The complex was apparently the subject of a WFTV.com news story in January when residents complained about dangerous mold issues.
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 this shooting may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as gated entry, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place to protect residents and guests at the time of the shooting?
- Was the complex aware of any prior incidents of violence on or near the property? If so, were additional security precautions implemented by the property owner or management 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 child’s family may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for her injuries. Similarly, Mr. Wright and Mr. Watkins Jr. may also elect to pursue claims 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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