You were just trying to live your life—maybe cooking dinner, walking to your car, or getting in from work—when it happened. A break-in. An assault. A robbery. Now, you’re hurt, shaken, and facing bills you never asked for.
When a crime happens in your apartment complex, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. But one of the most important things you can do? Document everything. Good documentation can make the difference between a denied claim and real compensation for what you’ve been through.
Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Why Documentation Matters
Injury claims aren’t just about what happened—they’re about what you can prove. When you’re hurt because of a crime on the property where you live, documentation helps:
- Show how and where the crime occurred
- Identify possible failures in property security or maintenance
- Connect your injuries directly to the incident
- Protect your rights if the landlord or insurance company tries to downplay your claim
You don’t need to become an investigator. But a few key actions can help preserve your claim.
Step 1: Call 911 and File a Police Report
Safety comes first. Always call 911 after a crime—even if you’re unsure how serious it is. Having law enforcement respond promptly ensures that the incident is officially documented and appropriately investigated.
Be honest and detailed with officers about what happened. Request a copy of the police report or the report number before they leave the scene. That document becomes a cornerstone in any injury claim that follows.
Step 2: Take Photos or Videos
Use your phone to take clear, timestamped pictures or videos. Focus on:
- Entry points (doors, locks, windows, gates)
- Any signs of forced entry or broken security features
- Injuries you or others sustained
- The general condition of lighting and visibility in the area
Take both close-ups and wide shots. If the area is later repaired or cleaned up, you’ll still have visual proof of the scene.
Step 3: Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay at first, don’t skip this. Injuries from assaults or trauma can take time to show up or worsen over days. A doctor’s evaluation not only protects your health, it also creates a medical record linking your injury to the crime.
Follow all treatment recommendations, save your discharge paperwork, and hang onto receipts and prescription lists. Every record counts.
Step 4: Notify Your Landlord or Property Manager
Let your property manager know what happened—and do it in writing. Whether by email, maintenance request, or formal letter, create a paper trail.
You can also ask:
- Whether the property has security cameras
- If there have been similar crimes reported
- What actions they plan to take (repairs, security upgrades, etc.)
If you’ve made past complaints about security or broken features (like gates, lights, or locks), gather those records, too.
Step 5: Gather Witness Information
Talk to neighbors or anyone nearby who may have seen or heard the incident. If someone helped you right after the crime, their testimony could support your version of events.
Write down:
- Names and contact info
- What they saw or heard
- Any past concerns they’ve had about the safety of the property
Try to record this while memories are still fresh.
Step 6: Save Communications and Receipts
Don’t delete texts or emails related to what happened, especially messages with your landlord, witnesses, or anyone helping you recover.
Keep receipts for emergency expenses like:
- Hotel stays if you couldn’t stay in your apartment
- Changing locks or adding security
- Replacement of stolen items or broken doors/windows
All of these costs may be recoverable in a claim.
When a Lawyer Can Step In
If your injury was connected to poor security or ignored complaints, you may have a valid personal injury claim against the property owner or management company. These claims often involve issues like:
- Broken locks or gates
- Burned-out lights
- Unmonitored entrances
- Prior crimes the landlord failed to respond to
At Rochelle McCullough, we represent injury victims across Dallas–Fort Worth who’ve been hurt because of property owners who didn’t take safety seriously. We know how to investigate these cases, gather supporting records, and pursue compensation for medical bills, pain, and lost income.
Talk to a Dallas–Fort Worth Injury Attorney
If you’ve been hurt because of a crime in your apartment complex, turn to Rochelle McCullough. Let us review your case and help you explore all your legal options. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to get started.