By PIeRCE | SKRABANEK
PUBLISHED ON:
November 9, 2022
UPDATED ON:
March 26, 2024

Houston Fatal Apartment Shooting Case

When an apartment resident is injured or assaulted on the premises due to lack of security or other issues, who can be held liable? The following case addresses these issues.

Pierce Skrabanek Representing Clients in Houston Fatal Apartment Shooting Case

Attorney Paul Skrabanek of Pierce Skrabanek is representing plaintiffs in a case involving a fatal robbery and shooting. This incident took place in the parking lot at a Houston apartment complex in May 2022. 

Plaintiffs Aster Turcios and Clarissa Guzman filed a complaint in Harris County District Court as next friend of A.T., a minor. According to the complaint, they allege that the A.T. was walking through the apartment parking lot when he was confronted by an unidentified individual attempting to rob him. He was then shot by the assailant and passed away shortly after.

The complaint alleges that the defendant Westdale LLC (doing business as The Park at Woodlake) was negligent in multiple aspects of their management of the premises. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages for the losses caused by the defendant’s negligence. 

These types of incidents are tragic and can be avoided through proper care and property management. At Pierce Skrabanek, we fight hard to represent those who have been harmed by  the negligence of others. Contact us at our Houston office at (832) 690-7000 if you need legal representation or advice for similar cases or legal issues.

What Acts of Negligence Are Being Alleged in the Houston Apartment Fatal Shooting Case?

Plaintiffs are alleging multiple acts of negligence against the apartment complex, including:

  • Failing to adequately train and supervise its employees regarding safety and maintenance on the premises
  • Failing to take safety precautions and not providing a safe and secure environment for tenants. 
  • Not properly warning patrons of hazards
  • Knowing of dangerous conditions, yet failing to correct them
  • Failing to inspect the premises

Property owners and managers have a duty to ensure that the premises are safe and that residents are kept protected from dangers and hazards. Failure to do so can lead to legal liability if the negligence leads to harm or injury to a tenant. 

Proving liability involves complex determinations of fact and law. An experienced and qualified personal injury attorney is needed to help ensure that the proper evidence is gathered and prepared for trial. In this particular case, legal issues such as negligence and premises liability law play a large role in determining responsibility.  

At Pierce Skrabanek, we work hard to ensure we are properly prepared for trial, and that all evidence is organized and ready for use in court. While no monetary amount can truly undo the harm, a damages award can help provide relief, assistance, and closure for those affected.

What Types of Damages Does This Case Involve?

This case involves requests for various types of monetary damages. As a result of the defendant’s negligence and gross negligence, plaintiffs are seeking damages for: 

  • Physical pain and suffering they have experienced in the past and will continue to suffer in the future
  • Physical impairment and disfigurement of the victim
  • Mental anguish and distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life in the past and future
  • The amount of reasonable medical expenses incurred in the past and that will be reasonably incurred in the future
  • Loss of earnings
  • Loss or reduction of earning capacity in the future

Again, the assistance of a lawyer is indispensable when it comes to arguing for or negotiating the proper damages amount. The amount of damages received often depends on several factors, including the degree of harm, as well as the experience of the attorney handling the case. 

At Pierce Skrabanek, we work hard to ensure we are properly prepared for trial, and that all evidence is organized and ready for use in court. While no monetary amount can truly undo the harm, a damages award can help provide relief, assistance, and closure for those affected.

Should I Hire a Lawyer if I Am Undergoing a Similar Situation?

No family should have to experience the events that transpired in this fatal apartment shooting case. The pain, mental anguish, and injuries caused by such negligence requires legal action in order to provide the survivors with justice for their losses. 

If you or someone you know has been harmed, injured, or experienced loss of life due to the negligence of another, you may need legal assistance. Contact us immediately at (832) 690-7000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can review your claim to determine what your legal rights and options are moving forward. At Pierce Skrabanek, our legal team puts in every effort to ensure that our clients are compensated under the full extent of the law.  

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