$3 Million Settlement Secured by The Haggard Law Firm in Jacksonville Negligent Security Wrongful Death Case
The Haggard Law Firm’s Douglas McCarron and Michael Haggard have secured a $3 Million settlement in a negligent security wrongful death case arising from a tragic 2023 shooting in Duval County, Florida. This result underscores our firm’s continued commitment to fighting for victims and families devastated by violent crime on unsafe properties.
A Preventable Tragedy at a Jacksonville Apartment Complex
The wrongful death lawsuit stemmed from a fatal shooting that occurred while the victim was walking to his car at a recently built apartment complex in Jacksonville. Despite the property being new construction, it had already become a hotspot for criminal activity.
The names of the parties involved are confidential due to terms of the settlement. The victim, a devoted father, tragically left behind three minor children who must now grow up without their parent due to the failures of those responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
A Property With a Growing Crime Problem — and No Security Measures
During litigation, The Haggard Law Firm presented evidence that:
- The apartment complex had experienced multiple prior criminal incidents, even though it was newly built.
- The property was surrounded by older complexes with long histories of gun violence, shootings, and murders.
- Management and ownership knew or should have known about the crime patterns in and around the property.
- Despite these risks, no reasonable security measures were implemented to protect residents and visitors.
The property failed to provide even the most basic safety precautions, including:
- No real manned security or off-duty police presence
- No access control, no gates or fences
- No video surveillance
- No measures to deter violent criminals from entering the property
The case clearly demonstrated that had appropriate security measures been in place, this senseless loss of life could have been prevented.
Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable
Negligent security cases exist to hold property owners, managers, and corporations accountable when their failure to provide a safe environment results in injury or death. This settlement highlights the importance of demanding accountability and ensuring families receive justice after violent crime.
The Haggard Law Firm’s result also reinforces the legal responsibility of apartment complexes to understand crime in the surrounding area and take proactive steps to keep residents safe.
The Haggard Law Firm: National Negligent Security Litigation
For decades, The Haggard Law Firm has been recognized as a national leader in negligent security, wrongful death, and violent crime litigation. Our attorneys have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the country on behalf of victims of shootings, assaults, and other preventable tragedies.
If you or your loved one has been harmed due to inadequate security at an apartment complex, hotel, business, or other property, our team is here to help you pursue justice.
Contact The Haggard Law Firm today to discuss your case or learn more about your legal options:
