Would a civil court hold the Hidden Valley Apartments liable under Georgia law for the murder of a man on their property?<\/span><\/p>\n

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Georgia Negligent Security Law<\/span><\/h2>\n
Under Georgia\u2019s laws a property owner or landlord can be accountable in a court of law for criminal actions that occurred on their property if they failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm.\u00a0 They may be expected to have visible security cameras installed, ensure the complex has adequate lighting, have an automatic gate affixed to the fencing, and hire onsite security in order to prevent criminal activity.<\/span><\/p>\n
A History of Crime at Hidden Valley<\/span><\/h2>\n
In July, 2019, a <\/span>7 year old boy<\/span><\/a> was shot in the arm when crossfire erupted between 2 groups in the parking lot.\u00a0 In October, 2018, a 36-year-old man was <\/span>shot and killed<\/span><\/a> at the complex, just three months after a 60-year-old woman was shot in her sleep. In May, 2018, a <\/span>man wanted<\/span><\/a> for killing a 6-year-old was cornered outside Spring Valley apartments, now known as the Hidden Valley Apartments, and he rammed the vehicles of police officers attempting to arrest him.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Online reviews<\/span><\/a> express the residents\u2019 concerns over their security.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s in the hood,\u201d writes one review, \u201cyou\u2019re gonna hear gunshots and might get robbed.\u201d\u00a0 Another reviewer writes, concerningly, \u201cthe gate is always broken.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice<\/span><\/h3>\n
The murderer who came to Hidden Valley may be apprehended by police and brought to face justice in a criminal court of law.\u00a0 There is little the authorities can do, however, to stem the tide when a complex or community becomes a haven for criminal activities.\u00a0 In those places, where crime is a feature of the property, Georgia\u2019s negligent security laws help protect residents by holding their landlords accountable.\u00a0 The families of the victims of violent crime can bring a suit in a civil court against the property owner.\u00a0 They may win a monetary judgment; money that can be used to resolve the outstanding debts of their loved one, provide money to supplement the lost income, or relocate to a more secure area.\u00a0 While a judgment would not bring a loved one back to life, paying such a settlement or verdict might incentivize the owner to make the changes they need and keep their property secure and free from criminals.\u00a0 In this way, together, we can <\/span>Make Atlanta Safe<\/span><\/a>, one community at a time.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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