The Legal Chronicle
Oyah Smith, Lamarcus Plater Both Fatally Injured in Parkview Apartments Shooting, Monroe, LA. (KNOE.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting deaths at a Monroe apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victims families? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Two men are dead after a shooting at a Monroe, LA apartment complex Tuesday morning, August 1, 2020.
As reported by TheNewsStar.com, “officers responded to a reported shooting at 1101 Richwood Road #2 just before 7:30 a.m.”
According to the report, “officers discovered two deceased males in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Both had visible gunshot wounds.”
KNOE.com is reporting, “[f]amily members have identified the victims fatally shot at [the] Apartments on Tuesday morning. The victims were identified as Oyah Smith and Lamarcus Plater.”
The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on the property, and were any security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the complex aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the families of Oyah Smith and Lamarcus Plater may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the families of Oyah Smith and Lamarcus Plater retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. 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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