The Legal Chronicle
George Dorris-Rodgers, Daniyjah Staple: Security Negligence? Fatally Injured in Champaign, IL Apartment Complex Parking Lot Shooting; Two Others Injured. (News-Gazette.com)
Did negligent security contribute to this shooting and are justice and compensation available to the victims families and injured victims? Our firm represents victims of security failures across the United States, and we have recovered nearly $200 million dollars for our Clients. Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Gunfire erupted early Sunday morning, July 29, 2024 at a Champaign, IL apartment complex leaving two people fatally injured and two others wounded.
As reported by WCIA.com, “[o]fficers arrived in the area of Cynthia and Anita Drives at 12:34 a.m. Several people were found with gunshot wounds. The victims were treated by police and Champaign Fire Department personnel until they could be taken to a nearby hospital. One victim went to the hospital through personal transport.”
According to the report, “[a]fter an interview, police learned that there was a gathering in the parking lot of an apartment complex when a person or persons started opening fire. Four victims and one car were hit.”
News-Gazette.com is reporting, “[t]he victims were identified by the Champaign County coroner’s office as George Dorris-Rodgers, who was shot in the chest, and Daniyjah Staple, who was struck in the leg and torso.”
According to WandTV.com, “[t]wo others were injured, a 25-year-old woman (non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her arm) and a 15-year-old boy (non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg). They remain hospitalized in stable condition.”
The shooting investigation is ongoing.
IS JUSTICE AVAILABLE? OUR LEGAL TAKE
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Apartment complex residents and guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the property 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 prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
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 property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the families of George Dorris-Rodgers and Daniyjah Staple may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victims may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.
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 George Dorris-Rodgers and Daniyjah Staple and any injured victims retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: NEARLY $200 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained nearly $200 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial 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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