Guns are powerful weapons and can be dangerous if not operated by a licensed owner. However, even in the most controlled environments, accidents can happen, and people can get injured. Therefore, to prepare yourself in case of an accidental shooting, you should follow these eight steps to protect yourself and others after an accidental shooting.
1. Check for Injuries
The first and most important thing you should do is check for injuries. However, be sure to inspect yourself before offering assistance to others. While you may feel OK, the adrenaline after a shooting incident can hide your own injuries. Therefore, check your clothing and body for blood or wounds before checking on the well-being of others.
2. Call 911
Whether your injuries are severe or under control, you should call 911 to report the incident. Although you and your friends may want the incident to stay under wraps, other people have likely called the police after hearing gunfire. Therefore, to protect yourself and others, report the event.
3. Stay Calm and Wait
It is easy to become panicked in these situations, which can lead to unfortunate mistakes. If the shooting was an accident, there is no need to get worked up over the event as that can lead to further errors and possible legal consequences. Stay calm and wait for help to arrive.
4. Document the Incident
Once the police arrive, explain the situation as you see it. If you can, take pictures of your injuries and any other potential evidence of what happened. It might also be a good idea to take the contact information of those involved and witness to the event.
5. Receive Medical Attention
Next, go to the hospital. If you have been shot, you will want to document your injuries and any medical testing or procedures required. This documentation will help you when and if you decide to file a claim.
6. Contact an Attorney
Although what happened might have been an accident, you may still need to file a personal injury claim to receive compensation and help you pay for treatment and recovery time. Therefore, you should contact an attorney with experience in accidental shootings.
7. Determine Cause
Once you have an attorney, you can attempt to determine the cause. Did the gun misfire as a result of poor manufacturing, or did it fire because it was being mishandled?
8. File a Claim
Once you understand the cause, you can determine liability. From there, you can file a claim with the insurer of the gun owner or the gun manufacturer.
Accidental shootings do occur, and the resulting injuries can be life-altering. Therefore, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, MN to help guide you through the legal process, and get the restitution you deserve.
Thanks to Johnston | Martineau, PLLP for their insight into personal injury claims and accidental shootings.
