Articles Tagged with South Carolina Apartment Shooting

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Richland Terrace Apartments (Google)

Adequate Security? Our Legal Take: Man Shot in Richland Terrace Apartment Mugging

Local News

A man was reportedly shot and injured outside the Richland Terrace Apartments in Columbia Saturday night, August 1, 2015.

According to News 10, the victim was standing outside the Richland Terrace Apartments off Metze Road, around 8:30pm, when an armed assailant approached him and demanded money. The suspect apparently opened fire when the victim said he didn’t have any money. The victim was transported to the hospital with injuries. His current condition has not been released, and police have not yet identified a suspect.

Our Legal Take

According to WISTV.com, another shooting occurred at the apartment complex in late May of this year.  As police continue to search for suspects, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a pattern of violent crime suggests that a potential apartment security lapse may also hold responsibility in this shooting.

  • How did the gunman gain entry to the apartment complex? What access-controls and parking lot security measures, such as gated-entry, security patrols, surveillance cameras, and bright lighting, were in place and working at the time of the shooting
  • What is the extent of previous incidents of violence on or near the property and what security precautions were implemented by the Richland Terrace owner and management to protect residents and deter future crime?

By law, apartment owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the apartment owner or management company failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the victim may elect to pursue a legal claim for his injuries. Under such a claim, the injured victim may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Given the complexities of pursuing such a potential case, it is imperative that the victim retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.  Based upon its prior experience in handling apartment security negligence claims, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a through, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.

We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Gun Violence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in representing victims of violence and apartment security negligence.  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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Choosing the Right Attorney

Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.

Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!

You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:

ABA Center for Professional ResponsibilityA LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.

– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.

If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.

By
Huntsville Police Capt. Mark McMurray

Huntsville Police Capt. Mark McMurray

Local News

Police departments across the country are launching the Gold Star Property program, an anti-crime incentive program to assist apartment complex owners and managers in reducing violence and other crime in their communities. The program has currently found success in 44 states.

The Huntsville, AL police department is now hoping to bring this success to apartment communities in their city, having sent six officers for certification as instructors in the Gold Star program.

“These instructors will have classes throughout the year to teach apartment managers to keep their properties crime free,” HPD Capt. Mark McMurray announced to media.

“Sometimes management companies overlook the small things, making your property crime free means you need to put the proper locks on doors and windows, proper lighting in the parking lot, tenants need to sign a crime-free addendum that they will remain crime free, you need to do background checks on your tenants,” warns Capt. McMurray.

The HPD hopes to assist struggling property managers and owners with all types of crime, including loitering, drugs and violence. The changes needed to meet the Gold Star Property standards may be small, such as fresh paint and trash removal, or more complex. All property owners who complete the free program will be able to advertise as a certified Gold Star property.

Our Legal Take

The Murray Law Firm commends the Huntsville Police Department for taking the initiative to educate property owners on community safety and security. The Gold Star program is an invaluable training tool for apartment owners and managers to reduce and deter crime in their communities and it is our hope that every local apartment owner will take advantage of this free and potentially life-saving opportunity.

By law, apartment complex owners and management companies are required to protect all residents and guests legally on premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should an apartment owner have knowledge of previous crime on or near property and fail to implement adequate security precautions to protect residents and deter future crime, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a consequence.

The Murray Law Firm protects these victims of apartment violence and security negligence. Many of our Clients have been severely injured in, or lost family members to, apartment community violence, which may have been prevented. In their honor, we encourage all apartment owners and managers to work with their local police departments to improve the safety and security of their properties and deter crime. Perhaps, through such training and community cooperation, many other lives may be spared.

Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in representing victims of apartment violence and security negligence. If you or a family member has been injured in an apartment complex, contact us now at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

 

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