Types Of Shooting Injury Claims

Shooting injuries are some of the most devastating injuries anyone can experience. If you or someone you love has been injured or even lost their life due to being shot, you may be wondering whether it may be possible to take legal action against the shooter or gun owner. Your ability to file a legal claim will depend on many factors. One of these factors is related to the type of shooting injury that occurred. 

Below is a list of the common types of shooting injuries where legal action may be an option. The types are separated into two categories: accidental and intentional.

Accidental injuries

These types of claims are sometimes covered under the party's insurance provider and can include:

• Hunting injuries 
• Reckless or careless firearm discharge 
• Defective guns 

Intentional injuries

These types of claims are often handled under criminal law first and foremost. Depending on the circumstances of the case, it may also be possible to file a civil claim. Doing so may award the injured party with additional compensation for damages like pain and suffering which are often not considered in criminal cases. Some examples of intentional shootings where a civil claim may be an option include:

Wrongful shooting by a police officer

If you feel an officer wrongfully fired their weapon and used deadly force when it wasn't necessary to do so, an attorney may be able to prove that excessive force was used. 

Premises liability/negligent security

If the shooting occurred at a location such as at a business or public venue, that business or venue owner had a legal responsibility to keep visitors safe, including stopping violent gun crimes from happening. These responsibilities can include everything from hiring security personnel to adequately training security personnel, screening visitors for weapons, and ensuring that patrons who are acting violently are escorted safely off the premises before injury occurs. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to file a claim against the business or venue owner for failing to keep visitors safe. 

In the above scenarios regarding intentional gun crimes, it may be possible to file a civil claim against the same party or a third party, such as in the example of a shooting happening at a public venue. The civil case is intended to ensure similar crimes do not happen again and that all involved parties are held accountable.

If you need more guidance, make an appointment with a law firm, such as The Brogdon Firm.