Teenager shot at Peachtree Creek on Ponce Apartments

Could the owners of the Peachtree Creek on Ponce apartments be found partially liable for the shooting of a teenager on the premises?

A teenager was shot at the Peachtree Creek on Ponce apartments in Dekalb County said Clarkston police. Law enforcement responded to the apartments after a 911 caller said they heard a gunshot.

During their search of the property, police were called to the nearby Appletree Daycare where they found a child who had been transported there after being shot at the apartment complex.

After receiving medical treatment on scene and being transported to the hospital, the teenager was reported to be in stable condition.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

In Georgia, if there is a likelihood that criminal activity will occur at an apartment complex, the owner of the apartment is required by law to implement reasonable security precautions. Landlords might be compelled to implement reasonable security measures like visible video cameras, on-site security, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate to reduce crime in the neighborhood.

The good news is that studies have shown that access-controlled gates, safe perimeter fence, adequate lighting, visible security cameras, and, when necessary, professional security guards can reduce violent crime in apartment buildings.

A History of Negligence at the Peachtree Creek on Ponce Apartments

Online reviews of the Peachtree Creek on Ponce apartments frequently mention that the owners and property managers are difficult to communicate with. One reviewer says they “just got lucky enough to get a live person after many attempts.”

Lax security is also raised as a concern, “there needs to be a fence around the entire property because there are too many random people coming through here,” writes a resident.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Apartment owners in Georgia are required by law to take reasonable precautions against likely crimes. Landlords frequently end up promoting a cycle of violence if they don't address criminal activity that has been happening in the neighborhood.

The police department may be able to apprehend criminals and bring them to justice, but there is little that they can do to compel property owners to implement security measures against crime on their property, and they are unable to make amends to the families of the victims.

Only those who have survived a violent crime or the victim's loved ones are qualified to sue landlords and apartment managers in civil court. A civil judgment can assist with costs like medical bills and lost earnings as well as serve as a beginning point for healing, even if it will never entirely make up for the suffering brought on by violent crime.

It is crucial to understand that property owners and managers frequently wait until they have suffered losses in court before feeling obligated to take the required action to prevent violent crimes on their property.

Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.