The Haggard Law Firm has obtained a $3.5 Million settlement secured by attorneys Kimberly Wald and Michael Haggard in a tragic negligent security case in Jacksonville, Florida. The case underscores the ongoing responsibility of property owners and managers to maintain reasonably safe environments for residents, visitors, and members of the public.
Per terms of the settlement the names of the parties involved and specific location are confidential.
A Preventable Shooting at an Apartment Complex
In this case, our client was shot and killed in broad daylight while sitting in his vehicle in front of an apartment complex. The shooting—targeted and captured on surveillance video—took place in less than ten seconds. Despite the video evidence, the defendants attempted to argue that the victim was not a resident and therefore did not have the legal authority to be on the property at the time of the incident.
However, under Florida law, property owners owe a duty to provide adequate security measures and to take reasonable steps to protect individuals from foreseeable violent crime—regardless of whether the victim resides at the property.
Lack of Security Measures and Unsafe Conditions
The apartment complex where the shooting occurred bordered a public street, which prevented ownership from installing a gate or restricting vehicle access. Even so, there were no security guards, patrols, or other reasonable measures in place to deter criminal activity or protect people on or near the premises.
This failure to provide basic security put everyone in the area at risk and played a direct role in the fatal outcome of this incident.
A Family Forever Changed
Our client is survived by two minor children, who have now lost the financial and emotional support of their parent. Through this settlement, The Haggard Law Firm sought justice and accountability for a family facing unimaginable loss.
Dedicated to Fighting for Victims of Violent Crime
For decades, The Haggard Law Firm has been a national leader in negligent security litigation, representing victims and families in cases involving shootings, assaults, apartment complex violence, and wrongful death. Our team continues to hold property owners accountable and fight for safer communities across Florida and the United States.
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to inadequate security or violent crime on someone else’s property, contact The Haggard Law Firm today for a free and confidential consultation.
