Boards must be adept at managing riskLast week, I wrote about the death of Trayvon Martin and the potential liability that a community association may face when it is alleged that an association volunteer has committed a crime while acting on behalf of the association. I heard from many readers, and I know that emotions continue to run high.
Wary of volunteer participation in association affairsBy now, most people have heard of the shooting of Trayvon Martin in a gated community in Sanford. Charged with second-degree murder is George Zimmerman, a community association "block captain" – a term used to describe an association-appointed volunteer in a large community assigned to keep an eye on things, report to the board any violations or resident concerns, and to "get out the vote" when issues are proposed by the board to the membership.
Gazette.Net: Neighborhood watch groups reflect on practices after teen’s fatal shootingSuburban Maryland community watch groups are reviewing current practices for neighborhood patrols in the wake of the fatal shooting of an unarmed teen in Florida at the hands of a volunteer neighborhood watch captain. In Sanford, Fla., Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot and killed Feb.
Insurers’ Exposure to Guns and Homeowners’ Associations | PropertyCasualty360The sad shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford,Fla. is at the center of a controversy that has no end in sight, and could bring other parties into question over liability, including insurers. However, proof of liability will be key to determining any damage awards, say insurance-industry experts.
Zimmerman’s homeowners association could owe millions in Martin caseZimmerman’s homeowners association could owe millions in Martin case Legal experts say that George Zimmerman’s homeowners association could eventually owe millions for “enabling” the killing of Trayvon Martin. Documents obtained by The Associated Press showed that The Retreat at Twin Lakes officially listed Zimmerman as the neighborhood watch “captain” in their newsletter, indicating that they condoned the role he took on in the neighborhood.
Homeowner association could be sued in Martin caseBy MIKE SCHNEIDER and TONY WINTONAssociated Press SANFORD, Fla. (AP) – If Trayvon Martin’s family sues over his death, they might not target George Zimmerman but instead the homeowners association of the neighborhood where the shooting happened and Zimmerman lived.
Homeowner association could be sued in Martin case – CBS NewsSANFORD, Fla. – If Trayvon Martin’s family sues over his death, they might not target George Zimmerman but instead the homeowners association of the neighborhood where the shooting happened and Zimmerman lived. That’s because if Zimmerman’s claim that he shot the unarmed 17-year-old in self-defense is upheld by prosecutors, a judge or a jury, Florida’s so-called stand your ground law would protect him from a lawsuit.
HOA Could Face Hefty Bill If Sued By Trayvon Martin’s Family or Asked to Pay Shooter’s Defense Costs – News – ABA JournalPosted Apr 2, 2012 11:29 AM CDT By Martha Neil Attorneys who represent homeowner associations say residents of the Florida development in which an unarmed teenager was shot and killed last month by a neighborhood watch captain could be looking at a hefty bill if Trayvon Martin’s family pursues a wrongful death claim.