Gun violence at apartment complexes is tragically on the rise across Mississippi, leaving tenants and guests with life-altering injuries, long-term trauma, and in the worst cases, grieving families. When these shootings happen, victims often ask a critical question: Can I sue the apartment complex for failing to protect me?
The answer in many cases is yes. If the property owner or management company failed to provide adequate security or ignored prior incidents, they may be legally responsible for the violence that occurred. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we help injured tenants and their families hold negligent landlords accountable and pursue full compensation for their losses.
Attorney Jonathan Barrett, a seasoned Mississippi apartment injury lawyer, has spent decades representing crime victims across the state. If you’ve been shot or lost a loved one at an apartment complex, this article will help you understand your rights under Mississippi law—and how Barrett Law can help you take action.
Mississippi Apartment Shootings Are More Than Criminal Acts—They Are Often Preventable
Shootings at apartment complexes are rarely “random.” In many cases, they happen in areas known for frequent violence. Property owners who know—or should know—that criminal activity is occurring have a legal duty to improve security. When they fail to do so, they put every resident, visitor, delivery driver, and guest at risk.
Common factors in apartment shootings include:
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Lack of working security cameras
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Poor lighting in parking lots or hallways
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Broken or missing door locks and gate systems
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No on-site security in high-crime areas
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Unaddressed tenant complaints or police calls
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Easy access to buildings by non-residents
When these conditions exist and a gun-related incident occurs, the property owner may be liable under Mississippi’s negligent security laws.
What Is a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
A negligent security lawsuit is a civil claim for damages filed against a property owner, landlord, or management company that fails to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. The idea is simple: if they had implemented basic security measures, the violent act might never have occurred.
To bring a successful claim, the victim must generally prove:
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The shooting was reasonably foreseeable
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The property owner failed to provide reasonable security
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That failure directly led to the injury or death
These cases fall under premises liability law, which makes property owners responsible for keeping their premises safe—not just from slip-and-fall hazards but also from violent crime, when it’s reasonably expected.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
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Apartment complex owners who allow unsafe conditions to persist
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Property managers who ignore complaints or security breakdowns
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Security companies that fail to patrol or protect residents
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Maintenance staff who don’t fix lights, gates, or locks
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In rare cases, other tenants or guests if they posed a known risk
Even if the shooter is never caught or has no money to pay, victims can often pursue damages from the insurance company representing the apartment complex.
Who Is Affected and Why These Cases Matter
Typical Victims
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Tenants injured during robberies, domestic disputes, or random shootings
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Children struck by stray bullets while playing outside
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Visitors or family members attacked in stairwells or parking areas
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Food delivery drivers or contractors shot while working
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Family members of homicide victims killed on apartment grounds
Gun violence leaves victims with devastating medical costs, emotional trauma, and lost income. In fatal shootings, surviving families often face funeral costs, lost companionship, and deep financial instability. Holding negligent apartment complexes accountable not only helps victims recover—it encourages safer housing for everyone.
Legal Duties of Mississippi Apartment Complex Owners
Under Mississippi law, landlords must provide a reasonably safe environment for tenants and visitors. This includes protecting people from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties.
Relevant duties include:
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Maintaining working locks and security gates
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Ensuring proper lighting in common areas
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Hiring security where crime is prevalent
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Acting on prior incidents, police reports, or tenant complaints
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Notifying tenants of known safety risks
Failure to uphold these duties may constitute negligence and provide grounds for a lawsuit. The more crime that has occurred in or around a complex, the stronger the foreseeability argument becomes.
Key Mississippi Law: Premises Liability and Foreseeability
Mississippi courts use a “foreseeability test” in negligent security cases. A landlord is not automatically liable for every criminal act, but if:
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There have been prior similar incidents
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The complex is located in a high-crime area
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The owner ignored tenant complaints about safety
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The crime occurred because of a broken lock, missing security, or other preventable hazard
then the court may find the crime was foreseeable, and the property owner can be held liable.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Shooting?
If you or your loved one was shot at a Mississippi apartment complex, you may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
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Medical expenses (ER care, surgery, rehab, medications)
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Future medical treatment
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Lost income and future earnings
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Pain and suffering
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Mental anguish and PTSD treatment
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
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Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
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Loss of companionship or financial support
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the property owner acted with reckless disregard for your safety.
What to Do If You Were Shot at a Mississippi Apartment Complex
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Call the Police and File a Report
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This starts the official investigation and helps document what happened.
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Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
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Even minor gunshot wounds can lead to life-threatening complications. Medical records also support your claim.
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Document the Scene
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Take photos of broken lights, unlocked gates, or other security failures. If possible, get witness names and contact information.
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Notify the Apartment Management
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File an incident report with the leasing office or management company. Request a copy.
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Contact an Experienced Apartment Injury Lawyer
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Do not sign insurance forms or accept a settlement before speaking with an attorney. Your future may depend on it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if the shooter was never arrested?
Yes. Civil liability does not depend on criminal prosecution. Your case focuses on the property owner’s negligence, not the identity of the attacker.
Is the apartment complex liable for shootings in the parking lot?
Yes, if poor lighting, lack of cameras, or known criminal activity made the parking area unsafe. Common areas must be reasonably secure.
What if the shooting happened inside someone else’s unit?
You may still have a claim if the apartment complex knew or should have known that the tenant posed a risk and failed to act.
How do I prove the complex was negligent?
Barrett Law, PLLC uses police records, 911 logs, security footage, tenant complaints, maintenance reports, and expert witnesses to build your case.
Can family members sue for a loved one who was killed?
Yes. Under Mississippi’s wrongful death law, certain family members can recover compensation for financial and emotional losses.
What if I was a guest or delivery driver, not a tenant?
You are still protected under Mississippi premises liability law. Apartment owners owe a duty of care to all lawful visitors.
Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire a lawyer?
No. Barrett Law, PLLC handles gunshot victim cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
What’s the deadline to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?
You typically have three years from the date of the shooting to file a personal injury claim. But it’s best to act quickly while evidence is fresh.
Can I sue the security company too?
Possibly. If a third-party security firm was negligent—failing to patrol, hiring unqualified guards, or ignoring complaints—they may be jointly liable.
What happens if the apartment complex offers a quick settlement?
You should be cautious. Early settlements are often far below what your case is worth. Speak with an attorney before accepting any offer.
Harmed on an Apartment Complex in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Apartment Injury Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
A shooting at an apartment complex is never just “bad luck.” When landlords ignore crime trends, skip basic security, or fail to fix known issues, they put lives at risk—and they can be held accountable under Mississippi law.
Attorney Jonathan Barrett at Barrett Law, PLLC has fought for gunshot victims and grieving families across Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Southaven, Biloxi, Tupelo, Oxford, Meridian, Madison, Pearl, Clinton, Horn Lake, and every corner of Mississippi. If you or someone you love has suffered due to a shooting on an apartment property, we’re ready to help you fight for justice.
📞 Call 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free, confidential consultation today.
Let us help you hold the right people accountable—and recover every dollar your case deserves.
