I think the reason is simple. The HOA failed to provide a safe environment. The claim would be "have they done everything possible to insure the safety of the residents'?". No guards, bad lighting, bad signage. It would be simple to give the jury some reason for negligence and they would fork over millions to a grieving mother.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)