Articles Posted in Public Service Announcements

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ApartmentCrime-300x200While apartment complex owners and property managers are ultimately responsible for the safety and security of tenants and their guests, residents can take precautions to protect their families and neighbors.

The Richardson Police Department urges tenants to start or join an apartment community watch:

Why Do Apartment Residents Need a Crime Watch?

  • Predators enjoy relative anonymity due to large numbers of people coming and going.
  • Residency is usually short-term, and tenants develop no real sense of responsibility for the property.
  • Residents in gated communities can develop a false sense of security. Carelessness abounds.
  • Residents often leave security issues to others, not wanting to get involved.
  • Criminals who feel unthreatened will come back for more.

What Can Residents Do to Take Control of Their Communities?

  • Organize and utilize an Apartment Crime Watch program.
  • Criminals like to blend in, but they should feel threatened, surrounded by so many windows, balconies, doors, and eyes.
  • If residents do not take control, the criminals will! Be protective.It is YOUR HOME!
  • Challenge suspicious behavior by watching and reporting to police.
  • Look and listen out windows.
  • Sit on your balcony and be seen. Be territorial! It is your home! When away, make your unit look and sound occupied.
  • Guests should respect the residents, the property, and behave responsibly.
  • Call police first to report crimes in progress, crimes already committed, or breaches of the peace.
  • Inform your property manager of any incidents the next business day.

For more apartment resident safety tips and community watch information, visit RPD.

Apartment Resident Rights and Owner Responsibility

Apartment residents and guests have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises. By law, apartment owners and management companies have a duty to protect residents from any foreseeable harm. For example, should an apartment complex owner have knowledge of prior crime on or near property, they have a duty to implement security precautions to protect residents and deter future crime.

The Murray Law Firm encourages all apartment community owners and managers to work with their local law enforcement and to take a pro-active approach to property safety.

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(News 4: January 2018 Lebanon Knights Hookah Bar Shooting)

Hookah lounges are often targeted for criminal activity given late hours of operation, typically low levels of lighting, and (frequently) impaired patrons. A rash of at least nine, apparently unrelated Nashville hookah lounge shootings over the past year have raised grave questions over security measures.

Most recently, News 4 reports, a September 2018 shooting “at Tarboosh on the 100 block of 21st Avenue” left a man critically injured.

A Nashville Patch investigation reveals there have been an additional “eight hookah bar shootings in Nashville since mid-May 2017.”

Victims of Tennessee Hookah Lounge Violence: Know Your Rights

Tennessee hookah lounge patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a hookah bar owner have knowledge of prior criminal activity on or near property, they have a duty to implement additional security measures to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a hookah lounge owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries, sexual assaults, or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent gas station security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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(News 4)

Mall and shopping center parking facilities present inherent security challenges as they frequently occupy a large space with low levels of activity and numerous hiding places for would-be attackers. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the shopping center owner to protect patrons and deter crime. However, all too often, property owners are more concerned with limiting their own financial exposure than providing a safe and secure space for their patrons.

In August 2018, News 4 warned viewers about several “creepy encounters at Nashville West” shopping center. “Two women shopping in separate stores reported men following them around. In one case a man tried to get into a woman’s car.”

The News 4 investigation reveals the shopping center was the subject of a fatal shooting in September 2012. 30-year-old Josh McLean was shot and killed “in the parking lot of Best Buy” in “Nashville West.” Tragically, his family is still searching for justice and answers.

“I just don’t understand why it wouldn’t make sense for them to have cameras. I wish they had. My son would still be dead, but maybe we would have a solved case,” Linda McLean told News 4. “There were no cameras then and six years later there still are not.”

Victims of Shopping Center Violence: Know Your Rights

Shopping center patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking facility owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Additional security measures may include monitored surveillance cameras, bright parking lot lighting, and visible security patrols. Should a parking facility owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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(WREG 3)

Memphis apartment owners have a responsibility to protect their residents from violent crime, sexual assault, and foreseeable harm. Unfortunately, owners all too often fail to implement and/or maintain critical security measures, leaving residents and their guests vulnerable.

On August 21, WREG 3 reports, “gunfire erupted at…Apartments off Alcy, injuring six people including a pregnant woman.” Tenants reportedly told media the “apartment complex is plagued with violence.”

The subject complex was apparently listed as one of the “top 19 apartments for crime” in July 2017, according to WMC Action News 5 reports, with an alleged 71 calls to Memphis police over a 90 day period.  “Apartments on Kingsgate Drive topped the list with 141 calls” over the same period.

Victims of Apartment Violence: Know Your Rights

Memphis apartment residents have a right to feel safe and secure in their homes and to protect their families and guests. By law, apartment owners are required to protect all residents and their guests from any foreseeable harm. Should an apartment complex owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any sexual assaults, injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent apartment security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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Following “ongoing concerns city-wide about overdoses and sexual assaults associated with drugs like GHB,”  an undercover Seattle narcotics unit seized date-rape drugs and other narcotics during an August nightclub raid, per AJC reports.

“Foundations Nightclub allegedly had several in-house drug dealers, who were allowed to bypass club security and sell inside the venue,” KIRO 7 reports.  Police told KIRO 7, a “drug dealer at the nightclub coached undercover Seattle police officers on how to dose women with date rape drugs.”

The disturbing allegations raise grave security concerns for nightclub and bar patrons across the country. How do patrons protect themselves from sexual predators, particularly when nightclub ownership and management foster such an environment?

The U.S. Department of Health Office on Women’s Health addresses date rape drugs and provides tips to help nightclub and bar patrons to protect themselves from becoming victims of sexual predators:

  • Don’t accept drinks from other people.
  • Open containers yourself.
  • Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
  • Don’t share drinks.
  • Don’t drink from punch bowls or other common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
  • If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with the person to order your drink. Watch the drink being poured and carry it yourself.
  • Don’t drink anything that tastes or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
  • Have a nondrinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.
  • If you realize you left your drink unattended, pour it out.
  • If you feel drunk and haven’t drunk any alcohol — or, if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual — get help right away.

Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

If you are a victim of sexual assault get help. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis center. If possible, save your clothes, don’t shower or brush teeth, and seek medical attention immediately. If you have a lapse of memory, or wake up in a strange place and feel you might have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact a local law enforcement agency immediately.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any sexual assaults, injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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ApartmentCrime-300x200

Apartment owners have a responsibility to protect their residents from violent crime, sexual assault, and foreseeable harm. Unfortunately, owners all too often fail to implement and/or maintain critical security measures, leaving residents and their guests vulnerable. Further, in an effort to attract new tenants, unethical landlords will fail to warn prospective tenants of a criminal history on the grounds and even within their prospective unit.

My First Apartment warns:

“While most prospective tenants focus on size, price, location and charm when looking for an apartment, it’s easy to miss checking out another important factor: its criminal record. Believe it or not, an apartment with a background of crime is more common than you think, and can have a huge impact on future tenants….Tenants who have moved into apartments where prostitution or drug dealing took place may face both unsettling and dangerous futures in their new home. With unsavory strangers loitering around their apartment and knocking on their door looking for the previous tenant, feelings of privacy and safety can be compromised.”

Before You Move In

  • Research Crime on and Near Property: Speak with local police and potential neighbors to get an accurate idea of crime on property and in the surrounding area. Run the apartment address in search engines and crime mapping websites prior to move.
  • Observe Lighting and General Maintenance: Is there working lighting in all parking areas, elevators, stairwells, hallways, mail and laundry rooms? Does the overall property upkeep show a lack of concern by property management? Do you see any broken fencing or gates?
  • Check Access Controls: Do residents control entry to the property, buildings and common areas through a key, fob, or passcode? Does the property have working entry gates and, if so, do the gates allow outsiders to follow resident vehicles onto property? Do units have deadbolts on doors, locks on windows, and security bars on sliders? Are any fire escapes stored above ground, preventing intruders from reaching apartment? Will landlord replace all locks between tenants prior to move?

Victims of Apartment Violence: Know Your Rights

Apartment residents have a right to feel safe and secure in their homes and to protect their families and guests. By law, apartment owners are required to protect all residents and their guests from any foreseeable harm. Should an apartment complex owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any sexual assaults, injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent apartment security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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(WALB)

Gunfire erupted outside a Bartlett Taco Bell July 3, tragically claiming the life of a 17-year-old boy, according to WALB News. Days later, WLOX  reports, Georgetown police discovered a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at a Kentucky Fried Chicken. On Friday, the AJC reports, a mother-of-three was killed in an attempted carjacking outside an Atlanta Burger King. These senseless tragedies raise grave questions over security measures at late-night fast food restaurants.

Late night hours, vulnerable patrons and proximity to major roadways frequently make fast food restaurants a target for criminals. As such, restaurant owners need to take adequate security precautions to protect their patrons.

  • Place an off-duty officer or security personnel in the parking lot.
  • Ensure parking lots are well-lit with clear sight-lines to reduce potential hiding places.
  • Provide adequate staffing and violence prevention training. Implement employee safety procedures.
  • Implement visible surveillance cameras at all entrances, registers and parking areas.

Victims of Fast Food Restaurant Shootings: Know Your Rights

Restaurant patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a restaurant owner have knowledge of prior criminal activity on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a restaurant owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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Parking facilities present inherent security challenges as they frequently occupy a large space with low levels of activity and numerous hiding places for would-be attackers. While store and parking facility owners are required by law to protect patrons from any foreseeable harm, patrons can take steps to protect themselves.

WKRN asked self-defense instructors, Cat and Liz Fitzgerald, to demonstrate how potential victims can protect themselves from predators in stores and parking facilities. Watch the video here.

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WKRN urges store parking lot patrons to follow these guidelines in a “carjacking situation”:

  1. Just Give Thieves What They Want: If a carjacker approaches you and demands to take your car, let him.
  2. Park Close to Parking Garage Exits and Back Into Spaces: A quarter of all carjackings occur in parking garages or parking lots, or near commercial areas.
  3. Your Phone Is Your Enemy: Walking to your car, phone in hand, or even just sitting in the driver’s seat with your phone might turn you into a target because you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.

Victims of Store and Parking Facility Violence: Know Your Rights

Store and parking facility patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking facility owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a parking facility owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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(The Daily Meal)

Gunfire erupted inside a Nashville Waffle House in April, claiming the lives of four people and leaving two others injured before a courageous customer was able to tackle the gunman. The tragedy has placed a spotlight on criminal activity at 24-hour diners across the country, leading The Daily Meal to ask, “Why Are So Many Crimes Committed at Waffle Houses?”

The Daily Meal investigation alleges a startling number of violent crimes at Waffle House locations, including shootings in New Albany, Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Biloxi, Mississippi. However, the violence is not limited to Waffle House. Other 24-hour diners also appear to be targets for criminal activity. Media reports reveal Junior Catilus was killed outside an IHOP in Miami Springs on June 18; Mylik Butcher was killed and a woman was injured in a Cedar Hill IHOP shooting in April; and a 21-year-old was injured outside a Hot Springs Arkansas IHOP in March.

Late night hours and proximity to major roadways frequently make 24-hour diner chains a target for criminals. So, what can be done to protect patrons and employees? Security measures may include:

  • Place an off-duty officer or security personnel at the restaurant entrance and/or in the parking lot.
  • Ensure parking lots are well-lit with clear sight-lines to reduce potential hiding places.
  • Provide adequate staffing and violence prevention training. Implement employee safety procedures.
  • Implement visible surveillance cameras at all entrances, registers and parking areas.

Victims of 24 Hour Diner Violence: Know Your Rights

Restaurant patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a restaurant owner have knowledge of prior criminal activity on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a restaurant owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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ProperLighting-298x300Apartment owners have a responsibility to protect their residents from violent crime, sexual assault, and foreseeable harm. Unfortunately, owners all too often fail to implement and/or maintain critical security measures, leaving residents and their guests vulnerable.

Proactive, Active and Reactive Security

Apartment owners and property managers should employ a variety of security measures to both deter and respond to injuries, violent crimes and sexual assaults. Bravo Three, a private security company, recommends apartment owners invest in a mix of proactive, active and reactive security measures.

“Proactive security is any measure that is set in place that will deter criminal activity before it happens….The most important aspect in all of security is providing a visual deterrent.” -Bravo Three

  • Are all parking areas, grounds, hallways, stairwells, and common areas well-lit?
  • Does landscaping minimize hiding places and provide strong sight-lines?
  • Is the perimeter secured with gated and/or guarded entry and fencing?
  • Are visible surveillance cameras positioned throughout property as a deterrent?
  • Are residences equipped with deadbolts, door viewers, window locks, and sliding door security bars?
  • Are pool areas secure after-hours with working locks and alarms?

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Contact Information
National Home Office
2233 Peachtree Rd NE
The Astoria 306
Atlanta, GA 30309 USA
Toll Free: 888.842.1616 Email: legalhelp@murraylegal.com

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