How to Handle a Shooting Personal Injury Case
Hunting is one way to enjoy the outdoors, and you may enjoy going hunting with your friends, but any activity that involves the use of firearms comes with some level of risk. Hunters unfortunately accidentally shoot each other, and guns are also sometimes discharged accidentally. If you are shot while you are on a hunting trip, you may find yourself with expensive medical bills.
Why Accidental Shootings Occur
Some hunters might be careless and may also be engaging in drinking. Mixing alcohol and firearms is always a bad idea because alcohol can lead to impaired judgment. Other hunters might not have received adequate training on how to use the firearm.
Some hunters simply hold their guns casually and the gun discharges accidentally. Anyone holding a gun should never point it at someone else even if the gun is simply being held casually.
Another form of negligence is when a hunter is trying to hit an animal and a human is nearby. The hunter should never take the shot if a human is in harm's way. Some hunters have even mistaken humans for animals.
After an Accidental Shooting
The first thing you should do after an accident after an accidental shooting is to receive medical treatment as quickly as you can. A shooting injury can quickly become fatal. The more quickly you receive treatment and stop the bleeding, the less injured you will be overall. Also, the medical treatment you receive will play a large role in determining how much the shooting accident will cost the defendant in damages.
Speak to a personal injury lawyer quickly because you will want to avoid making statements that can hurt your case. You will want to seek the maximum possible compensation because you may later find that your injuries cost you more money than you might think. For example, you might find that you are not able to return to work for a long time. You may also find that you need surgery in the future that is connected to your shooting injury and wasn't foreseen.
Common Defenses
One way that a hunter might defend himself or herself is by arguing that you were not visible enough. Hunters are often expected to wear orange so they are visible to others. Also, the hunter might argue that the firearm was defective and was not negligent when using it. For example, a vendor might have sold a defective part.
To get help with your case, talk to a personal injury attorney.