Georgia Legal Report
Anton Hamilton, Myshaun Smith Fatally Injured in Columbus, GA Apartment Complex Shooting; Steven Copeland Injured. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting death at a Columbus apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victims families and injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Two men are dead and another was injured after a shooting at a Columbus, GA apartment complex late Wednesday night, August 31, 2022.
As reported by WRBL.com, “the shooting happened at the 2001 block of Torch Hill Road at around 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2022.”
WTVM.com is reporting, “one male was dead on the scene – the second male was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he died from injuries at approximately 12:23 a.m. on Thursday.” The news outlet indicates that the “late-night shooting…[occurred] at Apartments….”
According to the report, “[o]ne victim has been identified as 18-year-old Anton Hamilton. Hamilton was pronounced dead at 12:46 p.m. on Torch Hill Road. The second victim has been identified as 17-year-old Myshaun Smith. Smith died from injuries in Piedmont Columbus Regional’s emergency room. The last victim, 18-year-old Steven Copeland, was taken into surgery for non-life-threatening injuries.”
JUSTICE AVAILABLE? OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the families of Anton Hamilton and Myshaun Smith may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the families of the families of Anton Hamilton and Myshaun Smith and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS? OVER $125 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $125 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.
We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 706-494-2800. Consultations are free and confidential.
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