Justice For Victims Of Shootings That Could And Should Have Been Prevented
When a person gets shot, it is a terrifying and traumatic experience, and, all too often, it results in an untimely death. In the aftermath, the victim and the survivors are shocked and angry, especially when the shooting occurred in a place that was supposed to be safe and secure.
Our attorneys at The Finley Firm, P.C., represent shooting victims in Alabama, Georgia and throughout the United States. They have significant experience with premises liability lawsuits, including negligent security cases. They handled one of the most high-profile negligent security cases in U.S. history involving a Hall of Fame NFL football player.
Was a loved one injured or killed in a shooting?
Call our law office in Columbus, Georgia, for a free consultation to discuss how our team can help you get justice.
Understanding Premises Liability In Shooting Cases
Premises liability law holds property owners accountable for maintaining a safe environment. When a shooting occurs on their property, they may be liable if they failed to implement adequate security measures. These measures can include proper lighting, security cameras and trained security personnel. Our lawyers at The Finley Firm, P.C., help victims prove that the property owner’s negligence or willful neglect of security contributed to a shooting tragedy.
Types Of Properties Often Involved In Negligent Security Cases
Shootings can and do happen anywhere, but a negligent security claim might apply to attacks occurring at the following venues and events:
- Bars or nightclubs
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Apartments and gated communities
- Sporting events and music concerts
- Amusement parks
- Schools and colleges
- Parades and festivals
- Public meetings and political events
The question is whether the owners/property managers of the venue and/or the organizers of an event had a duty to provide security measures and whether those measures were adequate. That may depend on such factors as the number of people, the hour of the day, the type of crowd and whether it is a high-crime area.
The Legal Process For Lawsuits Over A Shooting Injury Or Fatality
Our attorneys will sit down with you to listen to your story of what happened. Our legal team will then investigate to obtain evidence such as police reports, security camera footage, witness statements and photographs of the scene. Once they identify the liable party or parties, they will begin preparing a claim for damages based on the injuries and other losses, including filing a formal lawsuit that will put the defendants on notice. Our lawyers will then engage in negotiations toward a settlement with the property owners and their insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, they will proceed to trial, where you will be well-represented by experienced and accomplished trial lawyers.
Common Defenses In Negligent Security Cases
Property owners are not always liable for a shooting or attack that occurs on their premises. The defense may argue that:
- The shooting was not foreseeable.
- They took reasonable precautions and security measures.
- The victim’s actions contributed to the incident.
Our attorneys are skilled at countering these defenses through evidence and expert testimony to show that property owners clearly failed in their duty to protect patrons and prevent a tragedy.
Injuries, Recovery And Rehabilitation After A Shooting
Gunshot wounds usually require emergency surgery and lengthy hospitalization. Depending on where the person was shot, they may suffer damage to organs, shattered bones, losses of limbs, paralysis, eye injuries or permanent impairments to mobility. They may also need reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery to repair facial injuries or scarring. These injuries require long-term rehab, including physical therapy as well as psychological counseling for the post-traumatic effects.
Compensation And Damages In Negligent Security Cases
When there is liability for inadequate security, victims may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering for both the physical damage and emotional distress
- Punitive damages (if applicable) for an egregious security lapse
Our team at The Finley Firm, P.C., works diligently to secure the maximum compensation for our clients to cover their losses and help them put their lives back together.
Why Sue The Property Owner Instead Of The Shooter?
While the shooter is directly responsible for the act, the property owner or event organizers should be accountable for their negligence or disregard for safety. The entity usually has more substantial financial resources, including insurance coverage for such situations, while the shooter likely does not have the financial means to make amends to the victim or family. Additionally, suing property owners for negligent security leads to safer environments and serves as an example or warning to others, which hopefully prevents future incidents at that venue and elsewhere.
Why Choose Us For Your Negligent Security Case?
Our lawyers have substantial experience with premises liability litigation on both sides of the equation, including a high-profile stabbing involving several celebrities.
Our lawyers take the same meticulous approach when representing plaintiffs in shootings or assaults that end in death or grievous injury. To discuss your situation and determine whether you have a case, call our Columbus office at 706-940-4037 or use our email form to arrange a consultation.