In a significant victory for victims of preventable crime, The Haggard Law Firm, led by Managing Partner Michael Haggard and partner Douglas McCarron, has successfully secured a $28.9 Million settlement in a catastrophic injury negligent security case stemming from a shooting incident involving a teenager. This case not only highlights the need for adequate security measures in residential complexes but also raises critical questions about the implications of recent tort reform in Florida.
The Incident
On April 17, 2023, 16-year-old Tedrick Moss was shot while visiting a friend at the Village at Delray apartment complex in Delray Beach, Florida. The shooting resulted in catastrophic injuries, rendering Tedrick a quadriplegic. He was rushed to Delray Medical Center, where he received emergency treatment for gunshot wounds to his neck and shoulder. After spending several months at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Tedrick returned home, but his life was forever changed; he now requires 24/7 nursing care and faces ongoing physical and emotional challenges.
A History of Inadequate Security
The Village at Delray’s security measures at the time of the incident were non-existent. An alarming history of violent crime in the vicinity—including armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, sexual assaults, and drug violations—suggested a clear need for enhanced security protocols. In fact, just a day after Tedrick’s shooting, a grandmother was shot and killed in the neighboring apartment complex, underscoring the area’s high crime rate.
The Legal Battle – HB 837
The case has wider implications due to the passing of HB 837 in Florida on March 24, 2023, which implemented new tort reform measures. These measures create significant challenges for plaintiffs in premises liability cases, including the potential for defendants to argue that an intentional tortfeasor (the person who committed the crime) should be included on the verdict form and that a presumption of non-negligence could apply to the defendant in such situations.
Despite these challenges, The Haggard Law Firm was resolute in its approach. From the outset, Haggard and McCarron communicated to the defendants that they were prepared to take the case to trial, refusing to compromise on their demands. This strategy was effective, resulting in a landmark settlement—the first major negligent security case resolved after the implementation of HB 837.
A Call for Accountability
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that property owners have to ensure the safety of their tenants. The substantial settlement not only provides vital support for Tedrick and his family as they navigate his new reality, but also sends a powerful message to property owners about the importance of maintaining adequate security measures to protect residents from foreseeable harm.
Conclusion
The Haggard Law Firm’s success in this case is a testament to the decades-long commitment to fighting for justice on behalf of victims and their families. This landmark settlement not only aids a young man facing unimaginable challenges, but also serves to strengthen the conversation around safety, accountability, and the rights of crime victims in Florida. Since 2000, The Haggard Law Firm has secured nearly $1 Billion in verdicts and settlements in premises liability/negligent security cases.
This result is the fifth $20+ Million settlement obtained by The Haggard Law Firm in two years and the second in the last two months.
