Many Florida gun owners choose to carry guns and keep them in their homes for self-defense. In recent years, awareness of gun violence has been growing as more people discover the potential dangers of gun use and ownership.

A gun accident can happen quickly and without warning. A gun may fail to function properly, an unattended child may get their hands on an unlocked gun in the home, or there can be an accident during a hunting trip. A gunshot injury can leave a victim with significant complications and result in long-term injuries or, sometimes, death.

If you are the victim of a gun accident, whether it was due to a malfunction or the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Following A Gun Accident

Immediately after a gun accident, you should seek the legal counsel of a personal injury attorney. They can help you define the expenses related to your injuries and determine the amount of compensation you may be owed. The attorney also negotiates on your behalf and can provide you with the peace of mind you need during the entire process.

Gunshot Injuries

We can’t base all gunshot injuries on what we see in the movies and on television. A responsible gun owner knows how to operate and hold a gun. They know not to point it at anyone or anything they don’t intend to fire at, and they know how to keep the gun secure at all times.

However, injuries and accidents still happen and often result in the following:

  • Severe Bleeding – A gunshot can rupture blood vessels and cause the victim to bleed out when immediate medical attention is not given. Tourniquets are often used to stop and slow the bleeding, but this can also result in tissue death and damage.
  • Organ And Tissue Damage – A gunshot can cause serious injury to internal organs, and this is fatal at times. If it is not fatal, the victim can suffer from long-term health effects and lose some of their vital organ functions.
  • Shock – When someone experiences this kind of trauma, they can go into shock. When going into shock, they may not fully comprehend the extent of the damage that has been done. Shock can also cause fatigue, weakness, and inappropriate responses to the current situation.
  • Broken Bones – A bullet can easily break a bone. Gunshots can result in shattered bones, which can complicate other injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Infection And Scar Tissue Surgery may be needed to remove bullets following a gunshot. This can increase a person’s chance of infection, and removal can cause further damage, including scar tissue.

Gunshot Liability

Gunshot accidents are different from a deliberate shooting and often occur as the result of negligence. After one takes place, your attorney can help identify liable parties in the case to seek compensation for your injuries.

If there was a malfunction, for example, the gun manufacturer may be liable due to an error in the design or the manufacturing process. If the gun owner failed to maintain the gun or properly carry and use their weapon in Florida, they may be held liable.

Seeking Compensation

Once the liable parties have been determined and negligence has been proven, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the responsible party has an insurance policy that covers the accident, your attorney needs to evaluate the limits on the policy to determine the amount of compensation you can receive.

Having the experience of a personal injury attorney on your side will help you navigate the claims process and allow you to receive the compensation you deserve.