The issue of gun use, safety, and availability continues to be hotly debated. The facts are very clear that the dangerous and careless use of guns kill, maim, and injure thousands of people every year. Firearm-related injuries remain a serious public health concern A firearm-related injury is defined as a penetrating injury or gunshot wound from a weapon that uses a powder charge to fire a projectile (e.g., handguns, rifles, and shotguns. In 1997, 32,436 deaths resulted from firearm-related injuries, making such injuries the second leading cause of injury mortality in the United States after motor-vehicle-related incidents. This includes intentional, unintentional and suicides. In addition, an estimated 64,207 persons sustained nonfatal firearm-related injuries and were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. National firearm-related injury and death rates peaked in 1993. Many nonfatal injuries occurred among males aged 15-44 years, were self-inflicted, and were associated with hunting, target shooting, and routine gun handling (i.e., cleaning, loading, and unloading a gun). More than 70% of homicides are committed with a firearm. Firearm assaults on family members and other intimate acquaintances are 12 times more likely to result in death than are assaults using other weapons. In 1994, 4,211 women over 19 years of age were victims of homicide in the United States. Over half of these women (54%) were killed with a firearm. In 1994, firearm injuries were the second leading cause of death for young people, 10 to 24 years of age and the third leading cause of death for persons aged 25 to 34.1 Between 1985 and 1994, the risk of dying from a firearm injury has more than doubled for teenagers 15 to 19 years of age. People living in households in which guns are kept have a risk of suicide that is 5 times greater than people living in households without guns.

Legal claims involving guns and shootings can involve complex legal, factual and evidentiary issues. Those injured by a gun may be entitled to compensation for the injuries they received. The following are a few important considerations when evaluating a shooting claim.

• When, where, and under what circumstances did the shooting take place?

• Are there witnesses to the incident?

• What are the nature and extent of any injuries?

• Was the shooting intentional or unintentional?

• Did the shooting involve a handgun or rifle?

• Was the weapon used during a crime such as murder, rape, or robbery?

• If a store employee was shot, was there proper and adequate security?

• Were criminal charges brought against the shooter?

• Was the shooter found guilty or not guilty?

• Did the weapon involve the mishandling of a firearm?

• Did the incident involve a child? 

• How old was the shooter?

• Was the weapon improperly stored?

• Did the shooting occur with a gun that should have had a gunlock?

• If the shooter was a minor, how did they get access to the gun?

• Did the incident occur from the careless handling of a weapon?

• Did the shooting involve law enforcement?

• Did the shooting involve a hunting accident?

• Did the shooting occur because of a gun malfunction?

• Did an injury take place because of unsafe ammunition?

• Is the weapon available for inspection?

• Did the shooting involve a banned firearm or ammunition?

• Was the weapon improperly sold in violation of state or federal firearms laws?

• Was the weapon defectively designed?

• Was the weapon defectively manufactured?

• Could the weapon have incorporated  better safety features?

• Was the weapon subject to a product ban or recall?

An experienced legal team should evaluate all shooting claims. Complex legal and safety issues may be involved. If you, a friend, or loved one are the victim of a shooting, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Always call the police. Document all events. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, potential defendants, or their representatives. Call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to shooting cases. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.