A Trusted Attorney for Victims of Stabbings & Violent Assault Cases in Atlanta
Violent crime takes place in many forms, including simple assault and battery, gun violence and stabbings. To be the victim of a stabbing is to suffer some of the most devastating and severe injuries an individual can deal with. These injuries not only leave physical scars, but also mental and emotional scars. As you recover, it’s natural to wonder, who is responsible for helping you recover and how you will hold them responsible?
What is a Stabbing Injury Case in Georgia?
A stab wound is an injury caused by the penetration of any sharp object into the skin, soft tissues, and/or organs where the injury is deeper than it is wide.
Stabbing injuries are among the most painful and dangerous injuries to experience, and they can be difficult to treat. Depending on the location and the depth of a stab injury, it could even be fatal.
Further Reading: Understanding Proximate Cause in Negligence & Personal Injury
Proving Negligence & Causation In a Violent Stabbing Injury Case in Georgia
In many cases, where the attack occurred matters as much if not more than who wielded the knife. This is because third-party liability claims for acts of violence are often premises liability claims. Essentially, the owner or controller of the premises is legally responsible for what happened. The duty of a landowner or occupier to an invitee is spelled out in O.C.G.A. 51-3-1.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Georgia
The basics of Georgia premises liability law are that when the owner/occupier of land (the people who control it) induce or lead others onto it for any lawful purpose, he or she can be liable for injuries that result by the landowner’s failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe.
What does this have to do with Atlanta stabbing victims? Simply put, acts of violence may be foreseeable. That doesn’t mean the landowner has prior knowledge of a specific threat. However, if there is a history of similar acts on the property and the landowner fails to address the threat or warn people of it, they can be held liable for violence that ensues – even if they didn’t welcome, initiate, or even know about it.
While acts of violence are not always preventable, there are a number of types of security that can significantly reduce – or even prevent – the occurrence of a stabbing. Some types of adequate security that may deter intruders or attackers may include:
- Video surveillance.
- Locked doors.
- Security gates.
- Motion sensor lighting.
- Property guards.
- Metal detectors.
- Bouncers (at nightclubs, etc.).
- Adequate lights.
- Bars/locks on windows.
When these types of security are not in place, particularly in areas of Atlanta and other parts of Georgia where crime rates are high, stabbings may be more likely.
Negligent Security Lawsuits For Stabbing Cases
You can certainly examine the viability of a civil lawsuit against the person who stabbed you. However, if lack of property security contributed to the incident, you may also file a lawsuit for damages against the owner/landlord of your apartment for negligent security. In most instances, it’s more likely the latter case will be successful.
Negligent security, or the failure to provide a reasonable amount of security, contributes to violent crime in Atlanta. Taking action not only ensures you are fully compensated for your losses, but serves to compel property owners to take establishing strong security on their premises more seriously – making your community safer in the long run and for other citizens.
If you have been stabbed in your apartment and you believe that your landlord could have done more to prevent the attack, please contact our Atlanta negligent security attorneys today. We will review your case for free and provide you with valuable legal advice
Further Reading: Understanding Foreseeability in Negligence & Premises Liability
Damages and Compensation Available to Recover for Stabbing Victims in Georgia
Serious injuries can and do occur in stabbings. You may need extensive medical care, or even long-term care after an assault. Fortunately, you may be able to recover some of those losses, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care and ongoing treatments
- Lost wages
- Reduced or loss of earning capacity
- Long term disability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
If you or a loved one has been badly injured due to a stabbing and would like to discuss what possible damages you could recover, contact Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, for a case evaluation.
Further Reading: Examples of Negligent Security that Lead to Serious Injury