Man shot and killed inside Parkside at Quarry Yards Apartments

Could the owners of the Parkside at Quarry Yards apartment complex be held liable for the tragic shooting death of a man on their premises?

After reports of shots fired, Atlanta police responded to the Parkside at Quarry Yards apartments in the Bankhead neighborhood where they found one person shot. The victim, later identified as Quittavious Wright, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are searching for a suspect and have issued a reward for more information.

How Can Georgia Negligent Security Law Help?

When property owners ignore repeated incidents of crime on their premises and fail to take the security precautions needed to protect residents and guests from crime threats, they may be creating an environment that invites additional crime.

In Georgia, the law states landlords and property managers may be held liable if they do not take reasonable measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. Improved lighting, access controlled gates, visible security cameras, and when warranted, live security guards are proven to make a property less attractive to violent criminals.

A History of Crime at Parkside at Quarry Yards Apartments

Despite being a relatively new apartment complex, online reviews for Parkside at Quarry Yards are already filled with tenants’ frustrations about violence and crime happening on the property.

“Another shooting today,” one resident lamented. “RIP to another tenant.” Another reviewer reported that just recently eleven residents had their car windows smashed and broken and that 24/7 security is needed to monitor the property to prevent crime.

A few days after Mr. Wright was killed, there was another shooting at Parkside at Quarry Yards resulting in a gunshot wound to the buttocks area for one victim.

Only Crime Victims or Their Families Can Demand Justice

When property owners ignore the violent crime blighting their community, they may be held liable in a civil lawsuit. While the police may arrest the suspect and hold them accountable, there is little law enforcement can do to punish the landlords who allow their communities to become a safe place for criminal activity – nor can they compensate the families of the victims.

Only the survivors of violent crime, or victim’s families, can file a claim in civil court against property owners and managers. A civil judgment cannot ever adequately compensate for the pain and loss resulting from a violent criminal attack; however, it can aid in medical bills, lost wages, and make a step towards recovering from pain and suffering.

Just as importantly, a finding of civil liability can hold property owners and managers financially accountable and may be the only way to convince landlords that it is in their interest to make their communities safer and prevent future tragedies from occurring.

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