Can a property owner be held responsible for a shooting on their premises?

Yes, in certain situations, a property owner can be held liable for a shooting that occurs on their property. Under Georgia’s premises liability laws, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors, tenants, or customers. If they fail to take adequate security measures—especially in areas known for high crime rates—they may be held accountable for violent incidents, including shootings.

For example, if a property owner neglects to install proper lighting in parking lots, fails to maintain security cameras, or does not hire security personnel in places where violent crime is a known risk, they could be considered negligent. When these failures contribute to an incident, victims or their families may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

Each case depends on the circumstances, including whether the property owner knew—or should have known—about the potential danger and whether they took reasonable steps to prevent harm. A lawyer with experience in premises liability and negligent security cases can investigate factors such as crime reports in the area, prior incidents on the property, and the security measures (or lack thereof) in place at the time of the shooting.

If negligence is found, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An attorney can help build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take legal action to seek justice on your behalf.

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