The Legal Herald
(ABC 13)
Could the senseless loss of this Houston boy have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to Matthew Francis’ family?
Local News
Security measures are in question after 16-year-old Matthew Francis was struck by gunfire while visiting a friend “at the Garden Oaks Apartments on Royal Palms Street” Tuesday night, October 23, 2018, according to ABC 13.
Houston police told KPRC 2 Matthew Francis was discovered “on the ground inside the breezeway between the courtyard and the parking lot.” The young victim was transported to the hospital, where he tragically succumbed to fatal injuries on Thursday evening.
Our Legal Take
Apartment residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided on the property and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on or near property? What security measures, such as gated-entry, bright lighting, fencing, surveillance cameras, and visible security patrols, were in place to deter crime and protect Matthew Francis at the time of the shooting?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all those legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment complex owner or management failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, Matthew Francis’ family may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their loss.
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 victim’s family 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.
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.
