Living in an apartment should feel safe, but crimes in residential complexes happen far too often. When property owners fail to provide adequate security, tenants and their guests can be left vulnerable to assaults, robberies, and other violent acts. If you or someone you love has been harmed in an apartment crime in Dallas, you may have the right to seek financial compensation through a civil claim against the property owner or management company.
This blog explains the types of compensation that may be available, how damages are calculated, and how an experienced apartment crimes attorney can help.
What Losses Can Be Recovered After an Apartment Crime?
Victims of violent crimes at apartments can pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. Courts recognize that the impact of a crime goes beyond medical bills—it can affect every part of your life. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and any long-term treatment you need.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover the income you missed. In serious cases, claims can include lost future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Courts can award damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and the lasting effects of living through a violent crime.
- Property damage: If your belongings were stolen or destroyed during the crime, you can seek compensation for their value.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Severe injuries or trauma may prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, and that loss is compensable.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
Victims of apartment crimes often experience lasting psychological effects, even after physical injuries heal. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common. Therapy, counseling, and other forms of mental health treatment can be included in a claim. Courts and juries recognize that the emotional toll of a violent crime is just as real as the physical harm.
Wrongful Death Damages After Apartment Crimes
When an apartment crime leads to a fatality, families may bring a wrongful death claim. In Texas, these claims can cover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
In Dallas, juries have shown a willingness to hold property owners accountable when inadequate security leads to a preventable tragedy.
How Is Compensation Calculated?
The value of an apartment crime case depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of ongoing medical care, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. Economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) are calculated based on documentation. Non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) are more subjective, but often make up a significant portion of the total award.
In rare cases, Texas law also allows for punitive damages if the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless or grossly negligent. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in the future.
The Role of Negligent Security in Compensation
Compensation in these cases is tied to the property owner’s duty to provide a safe environment. In Dallas, landlords and property managers must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes, such as:
- Installing adequate lighting in parking lots and common areas
- Maintaining secure locks and gates
- Hiring security personnel when warranted
- Responding to prior incidents or threats
When they fail in these duties, victims have the right to hold them financially responsible.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Insurance companies representing property owners often try to minimize payouts by questioning the extent of injuries or arguing that the crime was unforeseeable. Having an experienced attorney ensures that all available evidence—police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and crime statistics—is used to strengthen your claim.
At Rochelle McCullough LLP, we understand the devastating toll that violent crimes at apartment complexes take on victims and their families. Our team is committed to pursuing full and fair compensation, holding negligent property owners accountable, and assisting clients in rebuilding their lives after tragedy.
Talk to a Dallas Apartment Crimes Attorney
Apartment crime victims in Dallas may be entitled to significant compensation, which can cover both financial losses and the lasting emotional impact of the incident. Whether you are recovering from injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one, you don’t have to face the legal process alone.
Contact Rochelle McCullough today to discuss your rights and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.