Could the shooting death of Tonya White, 35, at the Regal Forest apartments be the result of negligent security by the property\u2019s owners?<\/p>\n

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Georgia Negligent Security Law<\/h2>\n
If it is reasonable to anticipate crime at a property, Georgia state law requires apartment owners to implement reasonable security measures. Landlords may be compelled to implement reasonable security measures, such as conspicuous surveillance cameras, on-site security, perimeter fencing with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate, to address crime in the community.<\/p>\n
The good news is that it has been shown that in apartment complexes where there are visible security cameras, working access-controlled gates, secure perimeter fencing, sufficient lighting, and, when the presence of criminal activity calls for it, private security guards can reduce violent crime.<\/p>\n
A History of Negligence at the Regal Forest Apartments<\/h2>\n
Residents have left online reviews<\/a> with a list of unresolved problems at the complex. One resident starts their review with \u201cI wouldn\u2019t recommend this place to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another resident complains that the apartment came \u201cpartially painted, leaks in the ceiling,\u201d and with rodents in the walls. \u201cI\u2019ve had so many issues unaddressed,\u201d the resident continued.<\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice<\/h3>\n
Property owners in Georgia are required by law to take reasonable precautions against predictable crimes. Landlords often end up promoting a cycle of violence if they fail to address criminal activity that is taking place in the community.<\/p>\n
While law enforcement can apprehend and prosecute criminals, there isn\u2019t much police can do to force property owners to take steps to prevent crime on their property \u2013 nor can they make amends to the victims\u2019 families.<\/p>\n
Only those who have survived a violent crime or the victim\u2019s family are eligible to sue landlords and apartment managers in civil court. 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
It is important to know that when crime victims are awarded significant financial judgments, property owners and managers often feel pressured to adopt precautions necessary to deter future violent crimes on their property.<\/p>\n
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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