Woman shot through door after knocking on neighbor’s apartment at The Veranda Apartments

Could the shooting of a woman at The Veranda Apartments leave the property owners to exposed to a civil lawsuit?

Jalyne Evans-Jones was resting at home in the Veranda Apartments in Lawrenceville, GA after recovering from a medical procedure when she decided to walk to her upstairs neighbors and ask them to turn down their music. Eric Jones, her husband accompanied her. Following a knock on the door by Eric, a bullet came through the door and seriously wounded Jalyne.

The bullet shattered bones in her hand, entered her chest, lacerated her liver, and remains lodged a few centimeters away from her spine. Physicians say it is too dangerous to remove it.

The suspect in the shooting was arrested, but Jalyne and Eric understandably no longer feel safe at the apartment complex according to news reports.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Property and apartment owners in Georgia are required by law to take steps to prevent crime on their property. Maintaining security measures such as surveillance cameras, fences, and lighting, as well as correcting any illegal activity or maintenance issues that could lead to a dangerous environment, are all part of this. If a property owner fails to take these safeguards, he or she may be held liable for any crimes committed on their property.

Property owners can do a few things to prevent crime on their property. One is to install security cameras. This shows criminals that they are being watched, and it can also help the police identify them if a crime does happen. Another thing property owners can do is erect fences. This makes it harder for criminals to get onto the property without being seen.

Good lighting is also important. It makes it harder for criminals to do things secretly. In areas with a lot of crime, property owners may want to hire security guards to patrol the property. By taking these steps, property owners can help keep their property safe.

A History of Crime at the Veranda Apartments

Online reviews indicate unsafe living situations for residents. “I have lived here few weeks. [...] There’s mold in the window, toilet keeps leaking water. It’s a gated community but the gate is hardly working," writes one resident.

Another resident complains about a “very dark parking lot with little to no lighting, loud people, filthy dog park and trash compactor area, gates always broken.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Property owners in Georgia have to take steps to keep their property safe from criminals. For example, they can install security cameras and lights. They should also tell people about any crimes that have happened in the area. If a property owner doesn't do these things and someone gets hurt, the property owner might be responsible for paying for the person's medical bills and other costs.

The police can catch and punish criminals, but they can't make property owners make their property safer or pay for the victims' losses. Only the victims or their families can sue the property owners in court. The money from the lawsuit can be used to pay for medical bills and lost wages, but it can't make up for the pain and suffering that the victim went through.

It’s crucial to note that significant monetary compensation to victims may prompt property owners and managers to implement safety measures to prevent future criminal activity on their property.

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