The Legal Herald
1 Teen Killed, 1 Injured in Southwest Houston Apartment Complex Shooting. (ABC13.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the death of a teen at a Houston apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family?
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire erupted at a Houston apartment complex Wednesday evening, February 20, 2019. According to ABC13.com, “[a]n 18-year-old is dead and another 18-year-old was shot in the stomach after bullets started flying…at an apartment complex in the 12600 block of Dunlap.” The news outlet reports “two people were fighting at the bottom of a stairwell, when it escalated into the shooting.” According to the new report, “[t]he two victims were bystanders. They were not involved in the fight.”
A suspect has yet to be identified.
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 at the apartment complex and whether this shooting may have been prevented.
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on property?
- How were the suspects able to gain access on to the property?
- What security measures, such as bright lighting, gated-entry, fencing, monitored surveillance cameras, and visible security patrols, were in place to deter crime and protect the victims 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 failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the victim’s family may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their loss. Additionally, the surviving victim may pursue legal 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 victim’s family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
OUR RESULTS
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record 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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