Living in an apartment complex should feel safe. Unfortunately, far too many tenants and visitors in Mississippi experience violent assaults due to poor security, negligent property management, or ignored dangers on the premises. Being assaulted at your home or while visiting an apartment complex is a traumatic event—and it often leaves victims wondering not only how to heal, but also how to hold the right parties accountable.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, Jonathan Barrett, a seasoned Mississippi apartment injury lawyer, has spent decades helping crime victims across the state seek justice and full compensation. If you or your loved one has been assaulted at a Mississippi apartment complex, you may have a valid legal claim against the property owner, management company, or others responsible for failing to keep the premises safe.
This article provides a clear breakdown of your rights, legal options, and the critical steps you must take to protect yourself and your case.
Understanding Assaults at Mississippi Apartment Complexes
Assaults can happen in a variety of locations within apartment properties, including:
-
Dark or poorly lit parking lots
-
Unsecured stairwells and breezeways
-
Unmonitored entrances or lobbies
-
Areas with broken gates, locks, or fencing
-
Inside individual units due to faulty security measures
Common assault-related incidents include:
-
Robberies or muggings
-
Sexual assaults
-
Physical attacks
-
Armed robberies and shootings
-
Domestic violence incidents where management ignored warning signs
In many cases, these incidents were foreseeable and preventable if only the property owner or manager had provided reasonable security measures.
Who May Be Legally Responsible for Assaults at Apartment Complexes?
1. Property Owners and Landlords
Landlords owe a duty of care to residents, guests, and visitors to provide a reasonably safe environment. This duty includes taking precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal activity, particularly if the property has a history of violent crimes or security issues.
2. Property Management Companies
Management companies hired to oversee apartment complexes must respond appropriately to safety concerns, maintain security systems, and fix known hazards. Their failure to do so can expose them to civil liability.
3. Security Companies
When apartment complexes hire security contractors, these companies have a duty to patrol, monitor, and deter crime. If they fail to provide adequate services, they can also be held liable.
4. Other Third Parties
In some cases, maintenance contractors, leasing agents, or even other tenants who created dangerous conditions can share liability for your assault.
When Are Apartment Complexes Responsible for Assaults in Mississippi?
You may have a valid legal claim if:
-
The apartment complex knew or should have known that criminal activity was likely based on prior incidents or crime statistics
-
The complex failed to take reasonable steps to improve security (such as installing cameras, adding lights, repairing gates, or hiring security guards)
-
You were injured as a direct result of the property’s lack of reasonable security
It is not necessary to prove that the landlord intended for the assault to happen—only that they failed to act reasonably to protect residents and guests from foreseeable harm.
Legal Obligations Under Mississippi Law
Mississippi premises liability law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care to protect lawful visitors from known dangers, including foreseeable criminal acts.
Key legal standards include:
-
Foreseeability: Was there a history of crime or complaints at or near the property?
-
Negligence: Did the property owner or manager fail to take reasonable steps to secure the premises?
-
Causation: Did the lack of security measures directly contribute to the assault?
Mississippi courts recognize negligent security claims, allowing crime victims to pursue compensation when a property owner’s failures create the conditions for violence.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After an Assault
If you were assaulted at a Mississippi apartment complex, you may be able to recover:
-
Past and future medical expenses
-
Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
-
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Mental and emotional distress (including PTSD and anxiety)
-
Property losses (such as stolen personal belongings)
-
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
-
Funeral costs and wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
Every case is different, and Barrett Law, PLLC fights to maximize compensation based on the full extent of your harm.
What To Do Immediately After an Assault at an Apartment Complex
-
Call Law Enforcement
-
Report the assault immediately.
-
Request an ambulance if needed.
-
Obtain a copy of the police report.
-
-
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
-
Protect your health and create medical documentation for your claim.
-
-
Document the Scene
-
Photograph the area where the assault occurred.
-
Capture any broken lights, open gates, or missing security features.
-
-
Gather Witness Information
-
Speak with neighbors, bystanders, and employees who may have seen suspicious activity.
-
-
Notify the Apartment Management in Writing
-
Report the assault and document their response.
-
-
Consult a Mississippi Apartment Injury Lawyer
-
An experienced attorney can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and prepare a strong legal claim.
-
Apartment Injury Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the apartment complex if I was assaulted in the parking lot?
Yes. Parking lots are part of the property owner’s responsibility. If there was poor lighting, broken gates, or prior criminal activity, and the landlord failed to act, you may have a claim.
What if the landlord claims the crime was unpredictable?
We can present evidence, such as police records or tenant complaints, to show that crime on or near the property was foreseeable—and that reasonable security measures were not taken.
What if the attacker was another tenant?
If the property owner knew or should have known that the tenant was dangerous and failed to take action, they may still be held liable for your injuries.
What damages can I recover if I was sexually assaulted?
You may be entitled to compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, therapy costs, lost income, and punitive damages intended to punish severe negligence.
Can I recover if the assault happened inside my own apartment?
Yes. If faulty locks, broken windows, or lack of security enabled the assault, and the landlord knew or should have known about the risk, you can pursue a claim.
Do I have to wait for the criminal case to be resolved before filing a civil lawsuit?
No. A civil claim for damages can proceed independently of any criminal prosecution of the attacker.
What if the landlord tries to blame me for the assault?
Mississippi’s comparative fault rules apply, but property owners cannot escape liability by blaming victims when they failed to take basic security measures.
Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?
Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit. But it’s important to act quickly before evidence disappears.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was killed at an apartment complex?
Yes. Mississippi law allows certain family members to seek damages for funeral costs, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and more.
How much does it cost to hire Barrett Law, PLLC?
We handle apartment injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
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
Being assaulted at an apartment complex can change your life—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we stand with crime victims across Mississippi, fighting aggressively to hold property owners and management companies accountable for their negligence.
Attorney Jonathan Barrett serves clients throughout Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Madison, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, Pearl, Brandon, and all 82 counties across Mississippi.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 today for a free, confidential consultation—available 24/7/365. Let us help you seek justice and move forward after a preventable assault.
