Georgia Legal Report

Residents of the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments have been left terrified after a gunman shot and injured an 8-year-old girl in her sleep Monday evening. Now, as police search for the suspect, investigators are questioning whether another party should be held accountable in this horrific shooting: the owner and management of the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments.

An 8-year-old girl was sleeping in her bed just after 10:30pm Monday evening when a "high powered assault weapon" shot and struck her left leg. She was rushed to Children's Hospital at Egleston and is currently listed in stable condition.

According to police, a fight outside the young girl's apartment escalated to gunfire. The suspected gunman, who police are calling 'Jacoby', fired at a neighbors apartment. A stray bullet traveled through several neighboring apartment walls before finally entering the child's bedroom, hitting her as she slept.

As police conduct a manhunt for the shooter, apartment residents are left terrified, unable to protect their children in the safety of their own homes. Premises Liability Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this shooting and question whether an apartment safety lapse contributed to this horrific incident:

• Have there been prior incidents of crime in or around the Hollywood Shawnee Apartments and, if so, was anything done to increase security for apartment residents?

• What security measures, such as a security or police patrol, gated entry, and surveillance cameras, were in place at the time of the shooting

• Was the shooter a resident of the apartments and, if not, how did he obtain access to the complex?

• According to police reports, the shooting occurred only after an argument escalated outside a neighboring apartment. Were any efforts made by apartment security or management to mitigate the fight before it turned violent? Were police called prior to the shooting?

As the details of this shooting continue to develop, The Murray Law Firm suggests that it is possible that the Hollywood Shawnee apartment complex failed to undertake proper security measures to protect those legally on the premises. Under Georgia law, an owner and management company of an apartment complex has a duty to protect such individuals from foreseeable crimes and to keep its premises safe. If the owner or manager fails in this duty, they may be held liable under Georgia law for any injuries that occur.

Should the apartment complex be found at fault in this incident, the family of the young victim may elect to hold the owner or management company civilly liable for his wrongful death. Financial recovery for such a claim could be substantial. As insurance companies and unscrupulous parties are often more concerned with limiting their financial exposure in these incidents, it is crucial that an experienced premises liability firm be retained as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage, is preserved and the family's best interests are protected. The Murray Law Firm handles cases such as this one on a regular basis, and is willing to assist if requested to do so.

If you are seeking further information on this incident, please contact us at 404.842.1600 or toll free at 888.842.1616.

Police have cited the young driver who collided with 56-year-old motorcyclist, Seboris Brooks, on Martha Berry Boulevard in Rome Monday.

According to Rome Police, Mr. Brooks, of Baxley, was driving his motorcycle southbound on Martha Berry Boulevard when a Honda Accord pulled out of a CVS Pharmacy and directly into the motorcycle's path. Mr. Brooks crashed into the Honda's driver side door and was propelled from his vehicle onto the roadway.

Mr. Brooks was, thankfully, wearing a helmet at the time. He was transported from the scene to Redmond Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The Honda driver, 19-year-old Andy Doan, has been cited for failure to yield.

Attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are investigating this accident. As Mr. Doan is apparently at fault in this incident given the citation, Mr. Brooks may elect to hold him civilly liable for all injuries and damages. Such a claim would serve to remind all Georgia drivers of the need to practice caution on and around motorcyclists and to share our roads. Unfortunately, all too often, insurance companies are more concerned with limiting their financial exposure than providing victims with what they rightfully deserve. The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of motorcycle accidents, such as this, and we offer our legal expertise, if needed.

As warm summer weather returns, motorcycle accidents begin to rise. We hope this incident will remind drivers to share the road with motorcycles, avoid distractions, and look twice before entering or changing lanes. A little extra caution may save a life.

If you are seeking further information on this accident, please contact us toll free at 888.842.1616.

MADD protestors met at the Georgia State Capitol Monday, March 11 to demand a legislative crack down on first-time DUI offenders.

Georgia's Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is asking state lawmakers to toughen up on first time DUI offenders. Currently, 17 states require DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices, or in-car breathalyzers in their vehicles. The devices force motorists to prove sobriety before starting their vehicles. While Georgia does require in-car breathalyzers for repeat DUI offenders, the legislation does not currently extend to first-time offenders.

According to MADD, this requirement could save 150 lives every year.

The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for drunk driving victims and their families. If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have a right to compensation for your medical and therapeutic bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages you may have incurred. Please call us toll free 888.842.1616 for a free initial consultation.