Alpharetta Shooting Injury Lawyers
If a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to secure their property, they could be held liable if someone is shot on their property. A seasoned Alpharetta shooting injury lawyer could help you hold the negligent property owner accountable by filing an injury lawsuit.
If you or a loved one was shot, might have a strong claim for damages against a negligent property owner. A detail-oriented negligent security lawyer could review your case and advise you on the strength of your claim.
Liability in an Alpharetta Shooting Injury Case
There are five elements an Alpharetta shooting injury attorney must establish to recover compensation against a negligent property owner. These elements include:
- The duty of care;
- A breach of the duty of care;
- Causation;
- Damages; and
- Foreseeability.
Demonstrating that a property owner is liable for a shooting injury starts with proving a duty of care exists. A property owner owes varying duties to visitors, but always owes tenants and customers a duty to prevent foreseeable crimes. When the property owner fails to take the steps necessary to prevent a crime, they may be in breach of their duty of care. The plaintiff must also prove that their injuries resulted directly from the defendant’s breach of the duty of care.
Unlike most injury claims, a plaintiff in an Alpharetta shooting injury lawsuit must also show that the criminal activity that led to their injuries was foreseeable. Crime is generally foreseeable if similar criminal acts occurred on the property or in the neighborhood.
Shootings at Apartment Complexes
Shootings often at apartment complexes more frequently than in private homes. This is because trespassers are more likely to go unnoticed in apartment common spaces compared to a private residence.
If an apartment complex is located in a dangerous part of town or has a history of shootings, an owner or manager could face liability if they fail to take steps to deter violent crime. Some common steps available in apartment complexes include:
- Security gates;
- Surveillance cameras;
- Proper lighting; and
- On-site security.
Violent Crimes at Shopping Centers
Similar to apartment complexes, shootings at shopping centers occur with unfortunate frequency. When a shooting occurs at a shopping center or mall, the owners or management could face a civil lawsuit for damages sustained during the shooting.
If a mall has a history of violence or is in a dangerous neighborhood, the owners and management could have a duty to take additional steps towards securing the property. If they fail to do so, they could open themselves up to civil liability when a shooting occurs.
How an Alpharetta Shooting Injury Lawyer Could Help
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an Alpharetta shooting, a skilled attorney could guide you through the process of seeking compensation from a negligent property owner. This process begins with a thorough review of your case, continues with an attempt to settle the claim with the responsible party, and ideally ends with a settlement or verdict.
If you are ready to pursue monetary damages in your shooting injury case, let an Alpharetta shooting injury lawyer help. Call to schedule a free consultation.
