On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, there was a fatal shooting at the Courtyard by Marriott on Venture Parkway in Gwinnett County, Georgia that resulted in one man's death. The shooting happened around 7:30 pm at the hotel, which is located close to Interstate 85 and Pleasant Hill Road. According to sources, the shooting stemmed from what has been described as a domestic dispute.
Ultimately, even though officers and emergency personnel acted quickly, the victim succumbed to his injuries and passed away while he was being transported to the hospital. Authorities have apparently identified a suspect who was thought to be known to the victim.
Georgia's Premises Liability Law and Hotel Security
Under Georgia law, hotel owners have a duty to exercise ordinary care in keeping their premises safe for guests. This duty requires property owners to protect guests from unreasonable risks of harm, including foreseeable criminal acts. In hotel settings, this means implementing appropriate security measures based on factors such as location, crime rates in the area, and previous incidents on the property.
Proving Negligent Security in Georgia
To succeed in a negligent security claim in Georgia, victims must prove:
- The hotel had a duty to protect its guests
- The hotel breached this duty by failing to provide adequate security
- This breach directly led to the injury or death
- The victim suffered actual damages as a result
Georgia courts particularly emphasize the concept of foreseeability. Property owners may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the risk of criminal activity but failed to take reasonable precautions. The issue of foreseeability typically hinges on the level of crime in the area or on the property. We can generally establish foreseeability by pulling crime data and call for service to see how often the police visit this property and how much crime generally occurs in the area.
Damages Available in Georgia Negligent Security Cases
Georgia law allows victims of negligent security to recover several types of damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
- Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
Contact a Georgia Negligent Security Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a violent crime at a hotel or other commercial property in Georgia, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights. At our firm, we understand the complexities of Georgia premises liability law and how to build strong negligent security cases.
Contact us today at (321) LAWSUIT for a free consultation. Our team will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight tirelessly to hold negligent property owners accountable. WE DON’T GET PAID UNTIL YOU GET PAID. So, there are no upfront costs, and you have nothing to worry about. Just give us a call, and we will help you however we can.
