The Legal Herald
Eric J. Smith Fatally Injured in Student Housing Apartment Complex Shooting. (Post-Gazette.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting death at a Morgantown apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
A young man is dead after a shooting at a Morgantown, West Virginia apartment complex early Friday morning, February 28, 2020.
As reported by Post-Gazette.com, “police confirmed the death around 7 a.m. Friday, about three hours after the department reported shots being fired in the area of Building 21 in the College Park Apartments complex.”
WVmetronews.com is reporting, “Eric J. Smith, 21,…from Clementon, New Jersey, was found dead in a hallway outside an apartment…just off Willey Street.”
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Residents and guests of housing complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on the property, and were any security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
- Was the complex aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the family of Eric J. Smith may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Eric J. Smith retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including 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.
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