We are pleased to report that the family a murdered woman was recently awarded $1.3 million in a premises liability case heard by a Covington County, Georgia jury. The young mother of two was shot to death in a public housing apartment complex by a resident who was a convicted murderer. The jury found that the apartment complex was negligent in its hiring, training and retention of employees by allowing a convicted murderer to live there.
Under Georgia law, an apartment owner has a duty to keep the apartment complex safe. Where an apartment owner has reason to anticipate criminal activity on its property through prior crime at the apartment or in the surrounding area, the apartment owner must take reasonable steps to provide adequate security. If the apartment owner fails to undertake these steps, he or she is liable for any injuries that occur to its residents as a consequence.
This premises liability shooting case demonstrates that the public has little tolerance for property owners who do little or nothing to protect the security of their patrons. As an Atlanta premise liability law firm, we continue to vigorously represent our Clients throughout Georgia against these negligent property owners.
