Many Californians have likely heard about the tragic case in Boston in which two doctors were killed in their home by an intruder. The couple, who lived in a condominium in a building, were slain in May.
According to news sources, the victims’ families filed wrongful death lawsuits against the building’s owner. The lawsuit alleges that the trust that owns the building had inadequate security, which allowed the intruder to gain entry. The murderer had previously worked at the building but had lost his job, and authorities believe that the doctors let him into their home believing that he was still employed by the building.
The perpetrator reportedly had two larceny convictions in 2014 and 2015 and had been released from prison shortly before killing the victims. The security company that had hired him in 2015 claimed that his background check was performed and was clean. According to the complaint, a front-desk security guard did not call 911 for 20 minutes after receiving a call notifying the guard that the intruder was in the doctors’ condo.
When people are seriously injured or killed while on premises that are owned by another party, the victims or their families may file lawsuits against the property owners if the deaths or injuries resulted because of negligence. Property owners owe duties of care to people who are lawfully present to keep their premises safe. They should correct all known hazards as well as those that they should reasonably know about. Property owners are also supposed to have security measures in place that protect visitors to their properties. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable in subsequent lawsuits.
Source: Metro, “Families of slain South Boston doctors file wrongful death lawsuit alleging inadequate building security“, Aug. 7, 2017