Will the property owner of Brentwood Alison Court Apartments face legal liability after a man was shot in the back at the complex?
Officers responded to the Brentwood Alison Court apartments in 2000 block of Alison Court SW in Atlanta just before 12:30 a.m. on Thursday following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a man who had been shot in the lower back. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital, where officials expect him to survive his injuries.
According to the victim's girlfriend, she was inside the apartment when she heard him arrive home. As he entered the apartment, she heard a gunshot and found him lying on his back.
Negligent security occurs when a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their property, creating conditions that can lead to injuries or harm. Common examples include poorly lit parking lots, broken or unrepaired door locks, and a lack of sufficient security personnel.
In Georgia, state law requires property owners to implement appropriate security measures in areas with a foreseeable risk of criminal activity. These measures may include installing visible security cameras, hiring on-site security guards, maintaining fences with controlled access gates, or staffing guard stations at parking garages and building entrances.
The Brentwood Alison Court apartments is a nexus of problem activity in Atlanta. In 2023, the 48 unit complex was flagged by the AJC as one of the Atlanta metro area’s most persistently dangerous complexes. Nearby apartments have also been identified as dangerous due to a similar history of crimes.
The location was previously known as Brentwood Village and Brentwood Meadows. In May of 2023, two were hurt in a shooting at the apartments.
In Georgia, apartment owners are legally required to implement basic measures to protect residents and visitors by ensuring their properties are safeguarded against crime. While law enforcement can apprehend suspects and pursue criminal charges, the police do not have the authority to compel property owners to improve safety measures or compensate victims.
When individuals become victims of shootings or other violent crimes on these properties, or when their families are affected, they must file lawsuits independently against the property owners to seek financial compensation. This compensation may cover costs such as medical expenses and lost wages; however, it cannot fully mitigate the emotional trauma and distress caused by these incidents.
Importantly, the prospect of facing substantial financial payouts may serve as a deterrent, motivating property owners and managers to bolster security measures. By holding property owners accountable, families not only contribute to community safety but also emphasize the importance of accountability in creating a secure living environment for all residents.
Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.