Ruling on an issue that has divided trial courts, the state Court of Appeals declared that a man who sued the Brookhaven apartment complex where he was shot may include claims under Georgia’s anti-gang law that allow victims of gang violence to seek treble damages.

The appellate panel turned aside defense arguments that the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act was never meant to hold landlords responsible for criminals’ behavior, whose actions are neither condoned by nor committed with the knowledge of the property owners.