Could the Village at the Creek apartment owners\u2019 negligent actions lead to civil liability for a fatal shooting on the property?<\/p>\n

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Is this Negligent Security under Georgia law?<\/h2>\n
Property owners in Georgia are required by state law to take reasonable security precautions if there is a chance of criminal activity occurring in the apartment community. To reduce violent crime, landlords and property managers may be required to implement suitable security measures such as visible video cameras, on-site security, perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate.<\/p>\n
The good news is that research has shown that apartment buildings outfitted with plainly visible security cameras, operable access-controlled gates, safe perimeter fencing, enough lighting, and, when required, professional security guards can lower violent crime.<\/p>\n
A History of Negligence at the Village at the Creek Apartments<\/h2>\n
There have been other incidents at the Village the Creek apartments. In January 2021, three children were shot <\/a>in the community, then called Lakes of Indian Creek apartments. In August 2020, 18-year-old DeMarco Williams was killed in a triple shooting<\/a> at the same complex.<\/p>\n
Residents of Village at the Creek apartments have left many online reviews<\/a> decrying the unsafe conditions. One review warns \u201cI highly do not recommend moving here\u2026 there is mold in the apartments, flooding, [and] A\/C units don\u2019t work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCrime is horrible in this complex,\u201d wrote another resident. \u201cWe had rats and even the maintenance were afraid to come in and try to fix the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice<\/h3>\n
Property owners in Georgia are required by law to take suitable precautions against potential crimes. Landlords and property management frequently end up promoting a cycle of violence if they do not tackle criminal activity occurring in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Although law enforcement can find criminals and bring them to justice, there isn\u2019t much they can do to persuade property owners to take measures against crime on their property, and they are unable to make amends to the families of the victims.<\/p>\n
Only those who have survived a violent crime or the victim\u2019s family are eligible to file a civil lawsuit against property owners and managers. Even though it will never fully compensate for the anguish caused by violent crime, a civil judgment can help with expenditures like medical bills and lost wages as well as serve as a starting point for recovery.<\/p>\n
Importantly, property owners and managers could feel the pressure to take precautions to prevent future violent crimes on their property when crime victims win a sizable monetary compensation.<\/p>\n
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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