The Haggard Law Firm’s Pedro Echarte and Michael Haggard have obtained a settlement for $8,612,500 in a catastrophic injury negligent security case.
On March 20, 2022 the victim, Justin Acevedo, went to the BCC Apartments in Miami-Dade County to pick up a friend. While sitting in his car, an assailant walked up and began shooting at Mr. Acevedo. The vehicle was struck several times and Mr. Acevedo was shot once in the head just a day before his 18th birthday.
As a result of the shooting, Mr. Acevedo suffered severe, catastrophic, and permanent injuries. He was taken to the hospital and although initially responsive, he deteriorated quickly. He underwent a decompressive hemicraniectomy to relieve pressure in his brain. He was intubated for over a week and spent 15 days in the hospital. He was later discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility where he spent another 17 days. He was subsequently discharged and continued extensive therapy and rehabilitation. He also underwent a cranioplasty to repair his skull.
The Haggard Law Firm brought claims against the owner of the apartment complex (SP BCC LP) and property manager (Cambridge Management) on Mr. Acevedo’s behalf for failing to have reasonable security measures in place to prevent and deter criminal activity.
The apartment complex had a history of criminal activity, which included prior shootings, armed robberies, assaults, as well as other types of criminal activity. Despite the history of crime and the risk that existed to residents and guests, the Defendants did not have any security in place to address the risk. The property had no access control, surveillance cameras, or manned security.
Although Mr. Acevedo’s health has improved significantly, he continues to struggle with his injuries and recovery since the shooting. He still has significant cognitive deficits, including speech limitations and he often gets distracted and confused. He also lost the ability to control his right arm and hand and can’t fully ambulate. He continues to have severe headaches and gets dizzy often. In light of the foregoing issues, he isn’t able to fully care for himself and requires the assistance of his family to help him.
