You May Be Entitled to Compensation
Apartment complexes are supposed to provide safety and shelter—not fear and trauma. Yet, for too many residents in Mississippi, apartment communities become the site of violent crimes, including shootings, assaults, robberies, and even homicides. When these tragedies occur, victims often ask the same question: “Was this preventable—and if so, who’s responsible?”
The truth is, many of these crimes could have been avoided if property owners had taken basic safety steps. From broken gates and poor lighting to repeated complaints about criminal activity that go ignored, the failure of landlords and property managers to provide adequate security often plays a direct role in enabling violence.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, attorney Jonathan Barrett has spent decades fighting for victims of crime and apartment negligence across Mississippi. If you’ve been harmed, or if your loved one was seriously injured or killed during a crime at an apartment complex, you may have the right to sue for full financial compensation.
This article breaks down how crime victims can seek justice under Mississippi law, how negligent security claims work, and what steps to take if you’ve been affected.
When Crime Happens at Apartment Complexes in Mississippi
Mississippi residents who live in apartments are often at higher risk of being victims of crime due to shared spaces, large populations, and the presence of known security issues that go unresolved. Common incidents include:
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Armed robberies in apartment hallways or stairwells
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Sexual assaults inside apartments with broken locks or lighting
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Shootings in parking lots or courtyards
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Assaults from intruders who easily bypass broken gates
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Repeat criminal activity from known tenants with violent histories
The question isn’t whether these crimes are unfortunate—they are. The question is whether they were foreseeable, and whether the apartment owner or management company failed to take reasonable steps to prevent them.
Can You Sue for a Crime That Happened at Your Apartment?
Yes. If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a violent crime at a Mississippi apartment complex, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit against the property owner, management company, or other responsible parties.
Under Mississippi law, property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect tenants, visitors, and guests from foreseeable criminal acts.
You may be able to file a claim if:
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The apartment complex is located in a high-crime area
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There was a pattern of past crimes on or near the property
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The landlord or manager failed to install or repair security measures
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The complex did not warn tenants about known dangers
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The attacker was a known threat, and nothing was done
If a landlord or property owner ignores repeated warnings or complaints—and someone gets hurt as a result—that’s not just carelessness. That’s legal negligence.
Who Is Affected and What Are the Consequences?
Crime victims in apartment complexes can include:
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Tenants attacked inside their units
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Children injured in unsecured buildings
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Delivery drivers and guests attacked in common areas
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Residents shot during domestic disturbances or gang-related activity
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Individuals assaulted in stairwells, laundry rooms, or parking lots
The aftermath of a violent crime can affect every part of a person’s life. Victims may suffer:
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Long-term physical injuries or disabilities
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Medical bills and lost wages
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Emotional distress
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Loss of a family member in fatal attacks
At Barrett Law, we fight to ensure these victims are fully compensated for their pain and losses—not ignored by the same institutions that failed to protect them in the first place.
Legal Obligations & Mississippi Statutes
Premises Liability & Negligent Security
Mississippi recognizes a legal theory known as premises liability. Under this law, apartment owners and managers can be held liable for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions, including those caused by inadequate security.
Negligent security cases hinge on whether the criminal act was foreseeable. Mississippi courts have repeatedly held that a history of crime, tenant complaints, or warnings to the property owner may establish foreseeability.
Key duties of landlords under Mississippi law include:
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Installing and maintaining functional locks, lights, and security systems
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Responding promptly to known security hazards
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Addressing tenant complaints about suspicious activity
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Hiring or contracting with qualified security personnel, where appropriate
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Ensuring access points like gates and doors are secure
If these obligations are breached, and a tenant is hurt or killed, the property owner may be civilly liable.
Steps to Take If You Were a Crime Victim at an Apartment Complex
1. Report the Crime to Police Immediately
Your first step is to file a police report. This documentation will be essential in both any criminal case and your future civil claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor immediately. Medical records are critical evidence in personal injury claims.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of any broken lights, gates, locks, or other security failures. Note the lack of cameras or patrols, if applicable.
4. Talk to Witnesses
Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident or can verify prior security issues at the complex.
5. Preserve Communications
Keep all emails or letters sent to the apartment manager—especially if you previously complained about crime or lack of safety.
6. Contact a Mississippi Apartment Injury Lawyer
Don’t wait. Let a seasoned attorney like Jonathan Barrett begin investigating immediately and help you build a strong legal case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the apartment complex even if the attacker was never caught?
Yes. Civil lawsuits are based on negligence, not criminal convictions. If the complex had poor security and a history of crime, you may still have a valid claim.
Does it matter if the crime happened inside my apartment or in the parking lot?
No. The law covers all areas under the control of the property owner, including private units, common spaces, stairwells, and outdoor areas.
What if I complained about crime before and nothing was done?
This is often strong evidence of negligence. Prior complaints help establish that the crime was foreseeable and the complex failed to act.
Can I sue if a family member was killed in a shooting or assault at their apartment?
Yes. Family members may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one killed due to apartment complex negligence.
What damages can I recover in a negligent security case?
You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Is the property owner the only person I can sue?
Not always. Property management companies, security contractors, or even other tenants may also share liability depending on the circumstances.
Will I have to testify in court?
Possibly, but many negligent security claims settle out of court. If your case does go to trial, Barrett Law will prepare you every step of the way.
Do I need to file quickly?
Yes. In Mississippi, you typically have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, but early legal intervention helps preserve evidence.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer right now?
You don’t pay unless we win. Barrett Law handles apartment crime injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs.
Can I still sue if I was partially responsible for the situation?
Yes. Mississippi follows a comparative fault rule, so even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover reduced compensation.
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
If you were the victim of a violent crime at your Mississippi apartment complex, don’t let the insurance company tell you nothing can be done. You may be entitled to significant compensation, especially if the property owner failed to protect you from a known danger.
Jonathan Barrett at Barrett Law, PLLC has helped countless crime victims across Mississippi—including in Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, and Brandon—get the justice and financial relief they deserve.
📞 Call (601) 790-1505 now for a free consultation. We are available 24/7/365 and ready to help you take the next step toward recovery.
