50-Year-Old Man Injured in Shooting at Dolphin Court Apartments

In the drive-by shooting of a 50-year-old-man, could the owners of Dolphin Court be civilly liable?

Police responded to a shooting at Dolphin Court Apartments after reports of a person being shot. According to a witness, the victim, an unnamed 50-year-old man, was shot when another car drove up to him and fired into his vehicle. The victim was hospitalized and is reportedly in stable condition.

Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

Negligent Security Law

Under Georgia state law, property owners have a responsibility to their tenants to keep their communities safe. If crime is a foreseeable issue on the property, these landlords and property managers are required to take reasonable measures to prevent crime. Ensuring that the complex has adequate lighting, installing security cameras, perimeter fencing, and hiring security, are all examples of measures that might be reasonable measures to take to prevent crime.

Security Concerns at Draft Dolphin Court

Online reviews voice concerns from residents. One resident cites the “nasty attitudes” of management. Another is far more detailed. “Outside lighting has been disconnected for months,” the resident states, “which poses a danger to their tenants … a lawsuit waiting to happen.” The review ends with the plea “[p]lease!!! Help those people at Dolphin Court.”

Only Crime Victims Can Demand Justice

In communities all over Atlanta, landlords may not be taking the measures they need to keep their tenants safe. It is up to the survivors of violent crime -- and the families of the victims -- to use the civil justice system to make these landlords meet their obligations and take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable crime. Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.