Local News
A 20-year-old was assaulted in his Columbus apartment Monday morning, January 5, 2015, per media reports.
According to The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, a 23-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly forcing his way into a Columbus apartment home and sexually assaulting a 20-year-old man at knifepoint. The victim was reportedly able to flee the apartment and call police.
A suspect is allegedly being held in police custody in connection with the attack.
Our Legal Take
While relieved a suspect has been captured, The Murray Law Firm is questioning whether a potentially fatal security lapse at the apartment complex may also have contributed to this assault.
Was the assailant a resident of the apartment complex and, if not, how did he gain access to the property? What access-controls, such as gated entry, security fencing, security patrols, and surveillance cameras, were in place and working at the time of the assault?
The assault reportedly occurred inside the victim’s home. What apartment security measures, such as a door peephole, deadbolt, security bar, or alarm system, were in place to protect the resident from home invasions?
Have there been previous assaults on or near property and, if so, what security measures were taken by the apartment owner and management to deter crime and protect residents?
By Georgia law, apartment owners are required to protect residents from any foreseeable harm. For example, should an apartment owner have knowledge of previous crime on or near property, they have a duty to implement extraordinary security precautions to deter future crime and protect residents.
Should the owner and management of this Columbus apartment complex have failed in this responsibility, the survivor of this assault may elect to hold the property civilly liable for his injuries and suffering. Claims of this magnitude, potentially in the millions of dollars, would demand the property reevaluate security measures. Further, such claims would send a gravely-needed message to other Columbus apartment owners on the need to make resident safety their first priority. Perhaps, through these claims, many lives may be spared.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting victims of apartment violence and property negligence and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 706.494.2800. Consultations are free and confidential.
