Fort Lauderdale Shooting Injury Attorney
While shooting fatalities tend to garner significant media attention in Florida, fewer headlines are dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of victims who suffer injuries because of gun violence. According to the US Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), more than 115,000 victims head to the emergency room for treatment of firearm-related injuries every year. Around 70 percent of these individuals suffered their injuries because of a criminal assault, whether they were the target of the crime or bystanders drawn into an incident.
If you were hurt in such a situation, in a place where you had a reasonable expectation of safety, you may have legal remedies under Florida personal injury laws. Premises liability concepts impose a duty on property owners, and they can be held accountable for failure to implement appropriate security measures. At Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law, our team is knowledgeable in the relevant concepts and dedicated to helping victims of firearm violence. Please contact our firm to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Fort Lauderdale shooting injury attorney right away. An overview may also be helpful.
Victims of Shooting Injuries Have Rights
Using a firearm on another person is a crime, for which an offender may be sentenced to harsh penalties for a conviction. However, punishment does nothing to compensate the victim who suffered shooting injuries. A civil claim is the remedy when you are seeking compensation for your losses. You can pursue the offender for intentional conduct, but you may also have a claim against a careless property owner who allowed criminal activity to occur.
Property owners have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe space, including an obligation to implement security measures to combat crime. They can be held accountable for shooting injuries at:
- Stores, malls, and shopping centers;
- Gas stations and convenience stores;
- Hotels and motels;
- Theme parks, casinos, and entertainment venues;
- Apartment and office complexes; and
- Parking lots and garages.
Factors That Impact Compensation in Florida Shooting Injury Claims
In a successful claim for negligent security, a shooting injury victim may be able to recover monetary damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and many other losses. There are a few factors that could affect your compensation, and our Fort Lauderdale shooting injury attorneys at Boone & Davis will handle the details. For instance, you should be aware that:
- Florida’s statute of limitations is two years in a negligent security claim. You must file a lawsuit in court before the deadline expires, or you will be forever barred from recovering monetary damages.
- If you were trespassing on property at the time of the shooting injury, you cannot obtain any compensation for your losses. The laws bar you from recovering when you were not rightfully present on the premises.
Get Legal Help from a Fort Lauderdale Shooting Injury Lawyer
To learn more about your rights and remedies under negligent security concepts, please contact Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law. You can set up a free case assessment with a South Florida shooting injury attorney by calling 954-566-9919 or visiting us online.