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.