Sometimes the unthinkable can happen: you or a loved one could become a victim of gun violence.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were nearly 20,000 shooting-related deaths in 2020. Sadly, Louisiana was ranked fifth in the nation for shooting-related deaths.
Gun violence takes an untenable toll on victims, their families, and their community. Shootings produce lifelong disabilities, trauma, and income loss to survivors, which can make life exceedingly difficult for victims and their loved ones.
Following criminal charges against shooters, some victims have recourse to sue property owners for negligence in civil court. These types of cases are known as premise liability suits and when negligence can be proven, property owners could be held legally responsible for shootings.
At Wright & Gray, we help victims of New Orleans shootings fight for their right to compensation. Read on to learn more.
When and where are property owners held liable for gun violence? Premise liability cases typically involve retail and hospitality-based businesses, apartment complexes, and parking lots. Other common venues for shooting-related premise liability include:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Movie theaters
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls
- Grocery stores
- Casinos
- Houses of worship
- Storage facilities
- Schools
- Sports complexes
- Workplaces
One of the most common grounds for proving negligence involves property owners providing improper or inadequate security. In some instances, property owners could be found negligent if assailants were a known threat such as a former disgruntled employee or if crime rates are particularly high in an area.
Other types of negligent security include:
- Insufficient or defective security cameras
- Broken or missing locks
- Unlocked points of entry
- A lack of emergency exits
- Inadequate staff
- Improperly lit areas such as hallways, entrances, and exits
In premise liability cases, victims of gun violence may be entitled to compensation. Shootings tend to produce debilitating and oftentimes lifelong injuries.
From severe PTSD to physical disabilities, victims may be facing high medical costs and loss of income. In these cases, victims have a right to petition the courts for compensation for their injuries and lost wages.
Family members and dependent loved ones such as children or spouses may be entitled to compensation if their loved one (who supports family members with his or her wages) dies from gun violence.
Settlements from these types of cases can be used to pay for the living expenses of relatives and dependents. If you are a victim of gun violence or an accidental shooting on someone else’s property, speaking with an attorney can help you determine the next course of action.
Attorneys well-versed in premise liability may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and loss of income—especially if property owners appear to have been negligent. Contact our New Orleans shooting victim attorneys today
Our personal injury firm Wright & Gray serves residents in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. We provide compassionate and aggressive representation to ensure that our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered from gun violence, call our office at 888-912-4944 to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.
Contact us for a consultation.