$8 Million Settlement for Family of Teen Killed in Apartment Complex Shooting

Hiring a lawyer is the first step towards recovering a better quality of life. At Osborne & Francis, we devote our undivided attention to each client, and all communications are held in the strictest privacy. Contact us by filling out the form or calling us directly at (561) 293-2600.

By Gregorio Francis
February 14, 2025
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Attorney Ryan F. led a case against a negligent apartment complex, resulting in an $8M settlement.

Losing a loved one, especially a child, is an unimaginable and unbearable tragedy that should never befall anyone. When this loss occurs due to a preventable mistake, it makes the pain even more excruciating.

For one mother, the death of her teenage daughter in a senseless shooting at an apartment complex became a fight for justice. After a long legal battle, attorney Ryan Fletcher and the team at Osborne & Francis helped secure an $8 million settlement for the grieving family. 

While we recognize that no amount of money can undo the pain or make amends for a family member’s death, holding the responsible parties accountable can set an important precedent and help prevent similar tragedies from happening to others. 

If you’ve experienced a similar loss, know that we’re here to take on the tough cases. Contact Osborne & Francis today online or by calling (561) 293-2600 to share your story with us and find out how we can support you. 

About the Tragic Incident That Upended a Family

The shooting took place when a teenage girl was visiting friends at an apartment complex. Like many girls her age, she was simply spending time with those she cared about. However, the apartment complex, which had a longstanding history of violent crime, was not as safe as it should have been. Tragically, the girl lost her life in the shooting.

Our client, her mother, was understandably devastated. She lost her daughter in a senseless and avoidable act of violence. This was not just a random act; it was an event that happened due to serious security failures

Settlements like these send a clear message that property owners and managers must take their duty to provide a safe environment seriously. 

Property owners should never cut corners when it comes to the well-being of residents and visitors. If you or someone you know has experienced a similar situation, contact Osborne & Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600.

Negligence and Inadequate Security at the Root of This Tragedy

At Osborne & Francis, our job is to investigate a case thoroughly to better understand the events that led to an incident. In this case, we quickly uncovered some troubling facts about the complex.

First, the apartment complex had a history of violent crime, including previous shootings. This was not the first time things had gotten out of hand at the property. But what made this situation even worse was the fact that security measures were practically nonexistent on the night of the murder.

We discovered that security guards were not on duty the night of the shooting. Even more concerning, the front security gates were broken and left wide open. This was reportedly a known issue for property management, and yet they had done nothing to fix it despite being fully aware of this major hazard. 

Who Was Responsible?

The property owner and management tried to place the blame elsewhere. They immediately pointed to the security company, claiming they were responsible for the lapse in security. However, we found out that the security company had actually been fired days before the shooting.

We also uncovered testimony from the property manager, who admitted that the property owners had been focused on selling the complex and were neglecting the safety of the property. They were more concerned about making a sale than ensuring the well-being of their residents and visitors.

When Property Owners Fail, Osborne & Francis Will Stand By You

Property owners have a duty to take responsibility for the safety of residents and visitors. As this case shows, negligent security is not some minor mistake. It can lead to life-changing consequences for innocent people.

While nothing can truly fix this heartbreaking situation, we hope this $8 million settlement brings some sense of closure for the family and will serve as a reminder for property owners to do the right thing by always prioritizing the safety of others.

If you have concerns about security or negligent property management, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Osborne & Francis today. You can get in touch with us online or by calling (561) 293-2600 for a 100% free and private consultation. 

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T. Andrews

“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”

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C. Smith

“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”

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J. Davis

“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”

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E. Holland

Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!

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Alfred

Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.

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Erica F.

"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"

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Hiring a lawyer is the first step towards recovering a better quality of life. At Osborne & Francis, we devote our undivided attention to each client, and all communications are held in the strictest privacy. Contact us by filling out the form or calling us directly at (561) 621-1385.

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