According to a report from NBC 3 Las Vegas News, one person is dead and one other person is injured after a shooting at an apartment complex. Here, our Las Vegas negligent security lawyer explains what we know about the shooting incident and explains the responsibility the apartment complexes have to protect the health and well-being of residents and other guests.
The LVMPD is Investigating a Fatal Shooting an Area Apartment
On January 2nd, 2024, a shooting was reported at an apartment complex in the northwest valley section of Las Vegas. It occurred shortly before 10:00 PM on 2200 N. Torrey Pines Drive at The Sanctuary Apartments. Law enforcement officers confirmed to reporters that a man in his 20s—whose name was being withheld—was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident. Soon after, a teenager with a gunshot wound arrived at MountainView Hospital. The two incidents are believed to be related. No arrests have been made. The crime is still under investigation. Any person with information is encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
An Apartment Complex May Liable on the Grounds of Premises Liability
Of course, a shooting is a criminal attack. The person who committed the act is responsible. At the same time, there could be a civil aspect to this type of case as well. Indeed, a property owner or a business—including an apartment complex—may be held responsible for the shooting under a legal concept called premises liability. The legal principle holds that property owners and property occupiers (businesses) have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. In Nevada, an apartment complex has a proactive duty to provide reasonable security measures.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims in Nevada
Premises liability law in Nevada requires property owners and businesses to conduct proper maintenance and remove unreasonably dangerous safety hazards. Additionally, the law also requires parties to take sufficient security measures. If an apartment complex fails to do so, it could be liable for the criminal attack of a third party—such as an assault or a shooting—on the grounds of negligent security.
A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability claim. It arises when a person is injured due to insufficient security measures on a property. Under Nevada law, property owners, including apartment complexes, are expected to provide proper security to protect residents and visitors from reasonably foreseeable crimes. What constitutes proper, adequate, and/or sufficient security always depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Examples of negligent security could include:
- Broken locks on doors;
- Broken windows latches;
- Lack of exterior lighting
- Lack of screening at entrances; and
- No working security camera; and
- Lack of trained security personnel on site.
How to Prove an Apartment in Las Vegas is Liable for Negligent Security
Negligent security claims are notoriously complex. As with other types of premises liability cases, an apartment complex is not automatically liable for an assault, a shooting, or another type of incident simply because it occurred on the property. Here are three core things that plaintiffs must prove when bringing a negligent security lawsuit against an apartment complex in Las Vegas:
- You Were Lawfully On the Premises: In Nevada, apartment complexes owe very limited duties to trespassers. A first element is to prove allowed to be in the apartment complex when the incident occurred. Being lawfully on the premises can include being a resident of the complex, a guest of someone who lives there, or maybe a delivery person. It is important to show you had a legitimate reason to be there when bringing a claim.
- The Apartment Complex Was Negligent in Providing Security: You must establish negligence. In other words, you need to prove that the apartment complex knew, or should have known, about these issues and did not fix them. As an example, you could show that there were previous similar crimes in the area and the complex did not take steps to improve safety. To be clear, what constitutes negligence in a premises liability claim against an apartment complex always depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
- You Suffered Harm Due to the Negligent Security: Finally, you must prove that the negligent security practices in question were casually connected to the harm that you suffered at the apartment complex. For instance, if you were hurt in a break-in and you can show that the break-in happened because of a broken lock that the complex did not fix, that could be a strong case. A top-tier Las Vegas negligent security lawyer can investigate your case, gather relevant evidence, prove liability, and take action to help you get justice and full and fair financial compensation.
Victims and Families Deserve the Maximum Financial Compensation
Through a negligent security claim in Nevada, claimants have the right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, apartment complexes, other property owners, and their insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible. At Ladah Law Firm, we are committed to helping clients get justice and the maximum settlement. Along with other types of damages, our Las Vegas negligent lawyer help victims and families seek financial compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other medical costs;
- Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care;
- Lost wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & emotional anguish;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Negligent Security Attorney in Las Vegas
At Ladah Law Firm, our Las Vegas premises liability lawyer has the skills and experience to take on the full range of negligent security claims. If you or your loved one was harmed in an incident at an apartment complex, we are here to help protect your rights and your interests. Get in touch with us at 702-252-0055 or send us a message online to set up your no cost, no obligation case review. From our Las Vegas legal office, we fight for the rights of injured victims throughout Clark County.