Negligent Security in Apartment Complexes | Liability Lawyers Serving Atlanta, GA

When owners of apartment complexes do not address dangerous conditions on their properties, tenants are exposed to injury or attack. Owners of Atlanta apartment complexes have a legal duty to provide safe premises by providing adequate security measures. Victims of negligent security may be able to hold the property owner liable for injuries caused by the criminal actions of third parties after an assault or burglary. 

Negligent Security Incidents That Can Cause Injuries

Attorney James Rice has a proven track record of recovering compensation for Atlanta victims of negligent security incidents. He believes victims deserve compensation for the injuries suffered during negligent security incidents. When an apartment complex owner fails to keep their property reasonably safe, negligent security can lead to different types of devastating incidents that result in injuries, such as:

• Assaults
• Sexual assaults
• Carjackings
• Robberies

All of these incidents can cause innocent victims serious injuries. The more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement value of your case. For example, suppose a violent sexual assault occurred in an apartment complex due to a lack of security. In that case, the victim may require medical care, psychological treatment for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and anti-anxiety medication, among other things. The victim can then seek compensation for those losses through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. 

Responsibilities of Atlanta Property Owners

Under the Official Code of Georgia §51-3-1, apartment complex owners owe their tenants and visitors a duty of reasonable care to keep their premises and approaches safe. They must take reasonable measures to protect tenants from harm caused by third parties. The owner may be liable when they fail to take reasonable measures to ensure your safety, and you subsequently become an assault victim. What “reasonable” means is a fact-intensive question that courts determine on a case-by-case basis. Some of the factors used to determine what “reasonable” is include the following:

• Whether the crime was foreseeable due to a lack of security measures or inadequate measures
• Whether the property owner or manager ever implemented or upgraded existing security in response to other incidents in or around the apartment complex
• Whether there was a history or pattern of known criminal activity in the apartment complex
• The owner’s previous efforts to assess potential harmful criminal acts
• Whether the owner or property manager delayed or canceled a planned security implementation to save money or upgrade
• Whether maintenance records exist regarding security equipment, such as security alarms, video surveillance, call boxes, doors, gates, windows, locks, or gates
• Whether the owner had a duty to warn tenants about a specific known threat

Examples of Unsafe Conditions in Apartment Buildings

Every apartment complex has the potential to pose dangers to tenants. There may be many situations in which a landlord can be held liable for the harm suffered by tenants due to unsafe living conditions. Some examples of situations include assaults caused by:

• Unmarked hazards
• Missing or damaged security fencing
• Poor lighting
• Malfunctioning elevators
• Broken locks, and 
• Broken windows 

In premises liability cases, victims do not need to prove that the property caused the dangerous condition for them to be liable. Instead, the victim must show that the owner knows about the dangerous condition. Alternatively, the plaintiff needs to show that the property owner would have known about the dangerous condition if a reasonable inspection had been made. Even if you were injured by a third party who came into your apartment complex, you might still be able to hold your landlord liable for the negligent security which allowed the crime to occur.

How Do I Prove a Negligent Security Case Against Apartment Management?

Suffering injuries at an apartment complex does not necessarily mean that a negligent security claim is warranted. You will need to prove that an apartment complex failed to take reasonable measures to protect you, leading to you suffering injuries from an act of violence at the apartment complex. 

The plaintiff needs to prove that the apartment complex’s negligence contributed to some of their injuries and the amount of money it takes to make the plaintiff whole. The plaintiff must prove that it is more likely than not that the apartment complex owner or manager caused his or her injuries or substantially contributed to them.

Compensation Available in Negligent Security in Apartment Complexes

If you have been injured in a negligent security case, you may be wondering what your case is worth. The best way to understand how much your claim is worth is to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Attorney James Rice has extensive experience obtaining compensation in premises liability lawsuits. While there is no standard value for a negligent security claim, several factors can affect the value of your claim, such as:

• The severity of your injuries and the medical treatment you needed
• The incident itself
• Whether you played a part in the incident
• Whether your injuries stop you from working
• Whether the apartment complex or surrounding area was known for crime

The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Liability Attorney

When you pay rent for an apartment, you have the right to enjoy a reasonably safe environment. If your safety has been compromised due to dangerous conditions in your apartment complex, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. However, proving a premises liability case can be difficult. 

It is a good idea to discuss your case with an attorney and gather evidence as soon as possible after the accident to build the strongest case. Attorney James Rice can assist you during all stages of the process so you can focus on your recovery. He has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and defendants in negligent security cases.

Discuss Your Case With a Negligent Security Attorney in Atlanta

If you or your loved one have become injured due to dangerous conditions at your apartment complex, we recommend discussing your case with an unsafe apartment complex attorney. Attorney James Rice can evaluate your situation, answer your questions, help you understand your case’s value, and develop an effective legal strategy to obtain the total compensation you need and deserve.