Property’s inaction proves costly after teen shot on premises

Action: Negligence

Injuries alleged: Gunshot wound, psychological and emotional trauma

Case name: Withheld

Amount: $1.6 million

Date: Nov. 23, 2025

Attorneys: Gus A. Anastopoulo and JP Walker of Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm in North Charleston (for the plaintiff)

The 13-year-old plaintiff was shot at an apartment complex while taking out the trash. The shooter was a felon and an unauthorized occupant of the property. The child was treated at the hospital and released the same day with less than $11,000 in total medical expenses but continued to suffer significant psychological and emotional trauma.
Plaintiff’s counsel said that the property management was aware of the shooter’s presence at the complex for nearly two years and acknowledged internally that he should have been evicted. Despite this, the property failed to take action to remove him. The complex also had an extensive history of violent criminal activity. Plaintiff’s counsel argued that the defendant failed to implement adequate security measures and failed to enforce its own lease provisions regarding unauthorized occupants, allowing a known threat to remain on the property until a child was shot.