What is my landlord’s liability if I was involved in a armed robbery at my apartment complex due to their negligence?
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What is my landlord’s liability if I was involved in a armed robbery at my apartment complex due to their negligence?
I was walking towards my apartment and believe I was targeted as the building outdoors is poorly lit, so the felons were able to hide in the dark and attack me when the time was right. It’s the negligence of the apartment complex management that could have cost me my life and the future of my wife and 7 month old child. I would like to know what legal action can I take against the felons and against my landlord?
Asked on January 28, 2015 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
Anne Brady / Law Office of Anne Brady
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You can not sue people over what "could" have happened, only what did. If you fell because of the poor lighting you might have a personal injury claim against the apartment. But you can not hold the landlord liable for the acts of the people who robbed you. In addition to criminal charges against the robbers, you may have a claim against them for an intentional tort, such as assault, especially if you feared for your life. If the robbers' names are known to you, and if they have money, you might consult a personal injury attorney in your area about bringing a claim for civil assault. However, you can only recover actual damages, not hypothetical ones.
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