Sometimes, yes, but Michigan sets a fairly narrow standard. A property owner generally is not responsible just because a crime happened on its property. Michigan courts have said businesses and landlords have a duty to respond reasonably, usually by reasonably expediting police involvement, when they know of a situation posing a risk of imminent and foreseeable harm to an identifiable person in an area they control.

Facts that often matter in a premises liability claim like this:

• Notice, meaning staff or management saw or were told about the threat before the attack
• Timing, such as how long the situation built before anyone called 911
• Location, since apartment claims usually involve common areas, not the inside of your unit
• Video and records, which may be recorded over quickly
• Alcohol service, if the attacker was served while visibly intoxicated at a bar

Deadlines apply too, as our FAQ on filing a personal injury claim in Michigan explains. If something about the response felt wrong to you, we're happy to help you sort through it.