Shooting at The Parc at 1875 Apartments Leaves One Critically Wounded

Can recent gun violence that left one wounded at The Parc at 1875 apartments be partially blamed on negligent security by the complex's owners?

Clayton County Police responded to The Parc at 1875 apartment complex earlier this month after reports of gunfire. When they arrived they found one victim with a critical gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to the hospital and was listed in critical condition, police said.

Other details are very limited and crime investigators are asking for the public to come forward with any witness statements or clues.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Apartment owners in Georgia are required by law to take adequate security measures if there is a likelihood of criminal activity on the property. To combat crime in the neighborhood, landlords might be obligated to put in place reasonable security measures such as visible video cameras, on-site security, a perimeter fence with access-controlled gates, and even a guard station at the entrance gate.

The good news is that research has shown that visible security cameras, functional access-controlled gates, safe perimeter fencing, enough lighting, and, where necessary, private security guards can minimize violent crime in apartment buildings.

A History of Negligence at The Parc at 1875 Apartments

Apartment residents have left online reviews with a list of security and maintenance related problems. “Expect the police to be at the complex several nights a week,” warns a resident.

“Every month my bathroom has an overflow or leakage from somewhere,” reports one resident. “Due to all the water problems, I see roaches in my bathroom now.”

“The gate hardly ever works,” says one concerned resident. Another reports that “the gate has not worked for a year.” They warn, “all the negative reviews you see are true…. It takes months to get problems resolved.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Georgia law requires property owners to take basic practical steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. If landlords do not address criminal activity that is occurring in the community, they frequently wind up encouraging a cycle of violence.

Although law enforcement can find criminals and bring them to justice, there isn't much they can do to force property owners to take preventative 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 family are eligible to file a civil lawsuit against property owners and managers. Even though it will never fully compensate for the anguish caused by violent crime, a civil judgment can help with expenditures like medical bills and lost wages as well as serve as a starting point for recovery.

It is crucial to understand that when crime victims court wins cause property owners to suffer major financial losses, they generally feel compelled to take the necessary precautions to prevent future violent crimes on their property.

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