Chapel Hill Lawyer for Victims of Crime
Being the victim of a crime can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. While the criminal justice system can pursue the perpetrator, it can’t make you or your loved one whole. That’s where Jensen Law Group comes in. Founded in 2011, with over 25 years of experience and a strong record of lucrative settlements, we can investigate if there was liability involved and explore your options for getting fair financial compensation.
$7.5 million recovered for a teenager struck by a stray bullet and paralyzed.
Our office is located in the East 54 district of Chapel Hill, just steps from The Friday Center. Positioned right off NC-54 and minutes from the I-40 / US 15-501 interchange, we offer convenient access and ample parking for clients from across North Carolina. Virtual meetings are also available for your convenience.
Call (919) 335-7910 today to schedule a free consultation.
Holding Property Owners Accountable for Unsafe Conditions
Crime-related injuries often involve a mix of negligence, oversight, and predictable hazards. Determining who had a legal duty, and whether they breached it, is central to pursuing compensation.
The Doctrine of “Foreseeability” and Negligent Security
In North Carolina, property owners can be held responsible if they “should have foreseen” criminal activity on their premises. Landlords who know about gang presence, drug activity, or prior shootings and fail to act may be liable.
Failing to fix broken gates, neglecting to improve lighting, or not hiring security is a breach of the duty to protect lawful visitors. Evidence such as police reports, prior complaints, or previous incidents can demonstrate that a property owner ignored foreseeable risks, potentially forming the foundation of a strong claim.
Liability for Squatters and Unauthorized Occupants
Vacant or poorly monitored properties can become hubs for criminal activity. When a landlord fails to secure a residence, they may inadvertently allow the property to become a “criminal haven.” Even if the owner was unaware that unauthorized individuals were occupying the space, North Carolina law recognizes “constructive knowledge.”
If a reasonable inspection would have revealed the risk, the property owner can still be held liable. Proper documentation of inspections, maintenance logs, and reports of suspicious activity can support claims in these scenarios.
“Stray Bullet” Cases: Beyond the Shooter
Many victims assume they have no legal recourse if the perpetrator is never caught. However, third-party liability often extends to property owners who allow criminal hotspots to persist.
For example, a drive-by shooting occurring at a property known for drug activity may implicate the landlord or management company if negligent conditions contributed to the risk.
Moving Forward After a Crime-Related Injury
The consequences of these incidents can be catastrophic. In cases of paralysis or other life-altering injuries, long-term planning, including home modifications, nursing care, and loss of earning capacity, demonstrates the necessity of pursuing a fair personal injury settlement.
At Jensen Law Group, our experience includes working on the defense side for insurers and property owners, giving us unique insight into how these claims are evaluated. Our attorney is highly rated on Avvo for client satisfaction and professional reputation, and we limit our caseload so we can give you the focused attention and transparency you deserve.
Ultimately, recovery for crime victims is about more than medical care. It’s about holding responsible parties accountable. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay legal fees unless we secure a recovery. Our team is ready to investigate the circumstances, identify responsible parties, and work hard for you.
Call our Chapel Hill office at (919) 335-7910 or use our online contact form to request an appointment.
