Regardless of whether you reside in a home or an apartment, you expect your property to be safe. When the unthinkable happens and you’re attacked at your apartment complex, it can leave you with fear, anxiety and most of all questions about how it happened. In most cases, apartment complex attacks are the result of a property owner cutting corners and failing to provide adequate security measures to tenants. When this happens, residents have a right to not just file a claim for compensation, but hold the landlord or property manager responsible.
If you were robbed, assaulted, or hurt at your apartment complex following an attack, understanding what steps to take can protect your health, safety, and legal claim. Here’s what you need to do if you were attacked at your apartment complex:
1. Call 911 and Get to Safety
Move to a safe location and call the police immediately following the attack. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until law enforcement arrives. Not only does calling the police help keep you safe, but reporting the attack lets the justice system move forward, as this will launch an investigation, preserve key evidence at the scene and ensure the incident is reported. Even if your attacker fled the scene, the police report will serve as a crucial piece of evidence highlighting that your landlord or property owner failed to maintain safe premises.
Additionally, law enforcement will arrive at the scene with paramedics who can treat your injuries and, if necessary, transport you to the hospital.
2. Get Medical Attention
Adrenaline often masks the seriousness of injuries. Between that and being visibly shaken from the attack, you may not feel like seeking immediate medical care, especially if you feel fine. However, it’s critical that you do.
Seeking prompt medical care quickly identifies injuries that may not be easily known, including internal bleeding and soft-tissue injuries. From a legal perspective, your medical exam will link the attack with your injuries, which will be a crucial piece of evidence moving forward.
3. Document What Happened
As soon as you’re able, write down everything you remember about the attack, including:
- The date and time of when the attack occurred.
- Where it happened.
- A description of the attacker, including what they were wearing, if they had any tattoos or distinguishable marks, and how tall they were.
- Any witnesses to the attack, including their name and contact information.
- What you were doing at the time of the attack, i.e. walking your dog, entering your front door, or coming back from the gym, etc.
- Any failed security measures you remember seeing, including broken lights, broken cameras, or unlocked gates.
Without proper documentation, these details can fade from memory due to trauma.
4. Preserve All Evidence From the Scene
In addition to documenting the incident, try your best to preserve evidence from the scene before your landlord or property manager tries to make repairs. If you can, take photos of failed security measures like broken lights and unlocked gates. Likewise, preserve the clothing you were wearing by keeping it in a bag. Do not wash your clothing, as it may have vital DNA evidence on it. Additionally, print out any correspondence you may have had with your landlord. For example, emails to the front office about safety concerns that went unanswered.
Following an attack, it’s not unusual for the apartment staff to ask for any evidence you have. However, they’re looking to minimize liability, not protect your rights. Never hand over evidence without speaking with your personal injury lawyer first.
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5. Do Not Speak to Apartment Staff Without Consulting an Attorney First
It’s not just evidence you shouldn’t hand over to apartment staff without consulting an attorney first; it also applies to conversations. As mentioned above, staff are trying to minimize liability and so they will try to shift the blame to you by downplaying your experience or suggesting that the attack was unavoidable. Staff may also ask you to give a written statement or offer to make repairs in exchange for not filing a lawsuit.
All of these are tactics that protect them, not you. If apartment staff ask to speak with you about your experience, politely decline until you speak with your attorney.
6. Protect Yourself Both Physically and Emotionally
Surviving an attack can leave you understandably shaken and scared. Protect your home and your emotional well-being by asking law enforcement for recommended safety resources, asking to stay with a friend, or seeking counseling services that can provide support.
Remember, your emotional well-being is just as important as going to the doctor for your physical health.
7. Contact an Attorney Who Handles Negligent Security Cases
Attacks at apartment complexes are often the result of property owners and managers failing to take reasonable steps to keep their tenants safe, including:
- Failing to provide adequate lighting and other crime deterrence systems
- Failing to address a known history of crime on the property
- Failing to warn residents about known threats
- Ignoring broken gates, locks, and surveillance systems
- Failing to act on hazardous conditions
- Employing inadequate or untrained security guards
If your attack resulted from one of these scenarios, your next step is to contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling negligent security claims like Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs. We understand the complex nature of these types of cases and will thoroughly investigate what happened so you can recover the compensation you need to move forward.
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Injured at Your Tallahassee Apartment Complex? Contact Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs to File a Negligent Security Claim
Negligent security claims can be complex, with property owners often trying to deny responsibility. Having the right attorney on your side can help combat the tactics these apartment complexes use, protect your rights and pursue justice.
Serving Tallahassee and beyond, our firm has a strong history of standing up for survivors of unsafe housing conditions, violent crimes, and negligent security. Don’t wait to contact us today. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 850-605-3555to schedule a free consultation. We’re here for you.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.