Shootings are a common occurrence in all states across the country. And every year, hundreds of accidental shootings result in severe injuries or the tragedy of losing a loved one. Our accidental shooting lawyers in Las Cruces can help you if you’re a victim of an accidental shooting or you’ve lost a loved one.
Our team of Las Cruces personal injury lawyers at Zinda Law Firm can help hold the liable parties accountable and fight for the compensation you need. We offer a free case consultation when you meet with us.
Damages You Can Recover After You’re Injured in an Accidental Shooting
Being a victim of an accidental shooting can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. You may be entitled to recover various damages if you have been injured in an accidental shooting incident. Here are some common damages our Las Cruces accidental shooting attorneys can help you recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow do Accidental Shootings Happen in Las Cruces?
Accidental shootings can occur due to several reasons. According to The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, around 37% of non-fatal gun injuries are from unintentional shootings. Here are some common causes of accidental shootings:
- Mishandling of firearms: Improper handling and storage can lead to accidental shootings. This includes mishandling a loaded firearm, failing to engage safety measures, or not storing firearms securely.
- Inadequate firearm training: Insufficient knowledge and training in firearm safety can contribute to accidental shootings. Lack of familiarity with proper handling techniques, failure to understand firearm mechanisms or inadequate education about gun safety can increase the risk of accidents.
- Negligent discharge: Accidental shootings can occur when a firearm is discharged unintentionally. This can happen due to pulling the trigger mistakenly, a malfunctioning firearm, or accidentally dropping a loaded firearm.
- Improper storage: Leaving firearms accessible to unauthorized individuals, especially children, can lead to accidental shootings. Failure to store firearms in locked safes or secure cabinets increases the risk of unintended access and subsequent accidents.
- Lack of communication and awareness: Accidental shootings can result from a lack of clear communication and awareness among individuals handling firearms. Failing to communicate about the status of a firearm (loaded or unloaded) or not verifying the target and the surrounding area can lead to tragic accidents.
- Alcohol or drug impairment: The influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of accidental shootings. Mixing firearms with substance use significantly heightens the risk of tragic incidents.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow Long do You Have to File an Accidental Shooting Claim in New Mexico?
You have three years from the accidental shooting in New Mexico to file a compensation claim. And if you’ve lost a loved one, you’ll also have three years to file a wrongful death claim. Our team understands that you may be struggling with physical injuries or your mental health if you’ve lost a loved one.
Our Las Cruces accident shooting attorneys can help you file your claim and make sure you have the proper paperwork. Sometimes, the deadline to file a claim differs depending on the details of your case. We can give you a free case evaluation to determine how long you have to file.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow to Handle the Insurance Company After an Accidental Shooting
Dealing with insurance claims in the aftermath of an accidental shooting can be an additional source of stress. However, understanding how the claims process works can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Firstly, it’s important to thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand the coverage provided for accidental shooting incidents. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the terms, conditions, and exclusions that may apply to your situation. This will give you a clear understanding of what you are entitled to and how to proceed with your claim.
You should also notify your insurance company about the accidental shooting immediately. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the shooting’s date, location, and circumstances. Failure to notify them may result in complications or even a denial of your claim. Be sure to document any communication with your insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of the individuals you speak with.
Working with an experienced accidental shooting attorney in Las Cruces can further help you understand the insurance claim process. We can provide legal advice, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and protect your rights throughout the proceedings.
Our lawyers will help make sure that you understand your rights and responsibilities, and we can help you gather and preserve the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow Zinda Law Group Can Help You Build a Strong Legal Strategy for Your Accidental Shooting Case
Building a strong legal strategy when pursuing an accidental shooting lawsuit is the key to maximizing your chances of obtaining the maximum compensation. Our lawyers consider a number of factors when building your case.
Gathering and preserving evidence can significantly impact the outcome of your case. We’ll collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs, and other relevant documentation supporting your case. This evidence will help establish liability, demonstrate negligence or misconduct, and support your claim for damages.
We’ll also use expert witnesses, such as forensic experts or ballistics specialists, who can significantly strengthen your case. Establishing liability is another important aspect of accidental shooting lawsuits in Las Cruces. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties could be at fault for an accidental shooting, including firearm owners, manufacturers, or property owners.
We’ll also use the evidence we have to prove the validity of your damages and losses. Our team at Zinda Law Group will quantify and prove these damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term rehabilitation or therapy costs.
Contact Us Today After You’ve Suffered Injuries in an Accidental Shooting
At Zinda Law Group, our team is truly sorry you had to go through such a traumatic event. We’re ready to help you recover damages so you can start to rebuild your life. Here are a few of the settlements we’ve recovered in personal injury cases:
- Settlement of $930,000 for wrongful death
- Recovery of $750,000 for a premises liability case
- Settlement of $1,210,000 for a car accident
Call us today for a free consultation with our accidental shooting lawyer in Las Cruces.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation