Could Berkeley Heights Apartments owners\u2019 negligence lead to civil liability for a fatal triple shooting at the building?<\/p>\n

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A triple shooting involving a father and son and a third party at the Berkeley Heights Apartments is being investigated by Atlanta police. One of the three people shot is dead<\/a> while two other gunfire victims were treated at the hospital for their wounds.<\/p>\n

Georgia Negligent Security Law<\/h2>\n
If a likelihood of crime and violence can be foreseen an apartment complex, Georgia state law requires property owners to install reasonable security measures. To combat crime in the neighborhood, landlords and property managers may be compelled to put in place appropriate security measures such 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 with visible security cameras, operable access-controlled gates, safe perimeter fencing, enough illumination, and, when the need arises, professional security guards it can minimize violent crime.<\/p>\n
A History of Negligence at the Berkeley Heights Apartments<\/h2>\n
The online reviews<\/a> for Berkeley Heights Apartments show a clear pattern of negligence. Residents point out the poor maintenance and a history of car break-ins. \u201cThe new garage gate they installed is always broken,\u201d says one reviewer and the result is \u201ccars are constantly getting broken into.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople have been robbed in \u2018secured\u2019 areas,\u201d writes another concerned resident noting the apartment managers have, \u201cgotten rid of much-needed security guards and replaced them with \u2018patrol security,\u201d who \u201conly come when you need them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice<\/h3>\n
Georgia law requires property owners to take reasonable measures to prevent predicted crimes. If landlords do not confront criminal activity that is occurring in the neighborhood, they frequently wind up encouraging a cycle of violence.<\/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 family of the victim 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
When crime victims are awarded considerable financial compensation, property owners and managers may feel pressured to adopt precautionary measures 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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