On March 20, 2023, a petition was filed to initiate a lawsuit in the Harris County District Court against multiple entities, including a manager, associated with the Park at Sorento Apartments (hereinafter “Defendants”) as a result of fatal injuries sustained by a minor boy just outside of his front door. The lawsuit asserts causes of action for premises liability, wrongful death, negligence, and gross negligence against the Defendants as a result of the fatal shooting incident (“incident”) that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy, minor decedent.
On January 10, 2023, according to the lawsuit, the 16-year-old boy, a resident at the time, lost his life while returning to his apartment from a basketball game that evening. The minor decedent was shot and killed while returning home that evening when an armed assailant obtained uncontrolled access to the apartment complex through a broken and inoperable vehicle entry/exit gate.
The minor decedent’s mother brought the lawsuit on the minor’s behalf alleging Defendants negligence and wrongful acts were the proximate cause of his death. The lawsuit asserts that this particular incident was not the first instance wherein the apartment complex experienced a shooting incident or other violent criminal activity.
Following a similar shooting incident on December 16, 2022, and following constant complaints by residents to the management company and community director, residents were told that additional safety and security measures were being taken so that everyone living on the premises would feel safe. However, the entry and exit gates continued to remain inoperable and open for the public to gain uncontrolled access to the premises.
Muhammad Aziz, partner, and Angelina Wike, associate, of the law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, and Kimberly Spurlock, of Spurlock & Associates, P.C. represent the mother of the minor decedent. Commenting on the lawsuit, Attorney Mo Aziz said, “Apartment complexes and the management companies that oversee day-to-day operations have a duty to repair or remedy conditions on the premises that materially affect the health and safety of its residents. Far too often we see repeated failures by apartment management companies and their employees to maintain the premises, despite ongoing complaints and reports of criminal activity. Particularly when danger is foreseeable, or predictable.”
Attorney Kim Spurlock added, “This young man was a star athlete and student with a very bright future ahead of him. These defendants knew of the dangers surrounding their tenants, yet put their profits over people, and must be held accountable.”
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of the negligence of others, it is important to find a skilled law firm to handle your claim. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the oldest personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys can assist you with your claim. Call us today at 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584.