The Legal Chronicle
Donato Christian Ward Fatally Injured in Austin, TX, Apartment Complex Shooting; One Other Injured. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Did negligent security contribute to the shooting at an Austin apartment complex and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
One man was shot and killed and another man injured at an Austin, TX apartment complex Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2020.
As reported by KVUE.com, “[t]he shooting happened at…Apartments on Walnut Park Crossing shortly after 4:30 p.m.”
According to the report, when police arrived they “found two people with gunshot wounds. Medics transported both of them to Dell Seton Medical Center in serious condition.”
Fox7Austin.com is reporting, “Donato Christian Ward died from his injuries Friday morning. The other victim, Ward’s cousin, is still in the hospital.”
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 apartment 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?
- Was the complex aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of 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 apartment complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors, the family of Donato Christian Ward may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for his 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 family of Donato Christian Ward and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 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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