Could the fatal shooting of Vionta Yancey Jr. at The Atlantic Brookwood expose the property\u2019s owners to liability for negligent security?\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Georgia Negligent Security Law<\/h2>\n
The term negligent security refers to a situation in which a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable measures to keep their property safe. When this happens, it can result in harm to a person who was on the property. Some examples of negligent security might include failing to properly light a parking lot, failing to repair a broken lock on a door, or failing to hire adequate security staff.<\/p>\n
In the state of Georgia, property owners are required by law to take reasonable security measures if criminal activity is likely to occur at an apartment complex. In order to reduce crime in the community, landlords may be obligated to put in place effective security measures. These could include visible video cameras, on-site security personnel, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate and parking garage.<\/p>\n
A History of Negligence at The Atlantic Brookwood Apartments<\/h2>\n
Apartment residents have left online reviews<\/a> with a list of security and maintenance-related issues. \u201cThe leasing office doesn\u2019t care about its tenants,\u201d says one resident. \u201cThe gate is always broken, there have been multiple thefts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gates are always broken,\u201d agrees another resident. \u201cWhoever is running this place is probably going to face eventual legal trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice<\/h3>\n
In Georgia, landlords must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. However, some landlords fail to act, which can contribute to a cycle of violence.<\/p>\n
Police can find criminals and bring them to prison. Still, they can\u2019t do much to convince property owners to take security precautions against crime on their property or make amends with the families of the victims.<\/p>\n
Only crime victims and their families can sue property owners in civil court. Although a civil judgment cannot fully compensate for the harm caused, it can help cover medical bills and lost income, and provide a starting point for healing.<\/p>\n
It is important to understand that when property owners suffer major financial losses in court, they often feel compelled to take precautions to prevent 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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