Many of our team members and clients are avid hunters. So, while we understand the thrills that make hunting a popular sport, we also understand the dangers and associated safety standards that must be upheld.
There are other hobbies and sports more dangerous than hunting, but getting accidentally shot while hunting can result in lifelong disabilities or even death.
If you or someone you know was accidentally shot while hunting, you may be eligible for financial compensation. But to make matters worse, firearm companies and homeowner insurance both staff lawyers whose job is to dispute the accident to save money.
What To Do After Getting Accidentally Shot While Hunting — Key Takeaways
- A hunting accident involving a firearm can range in severity from mild to disabling or even fatal.
- If you or someone you know was accidentally shot while hunting, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the incident by securing a copy of your medical records and writing down any witness testimonies and contact information.
- If the hunter who shot you had homeowner insurance, the insurance policy may compensate you for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, permanent disfigurement, mental anguish, or loss of quality of life.
- Insurance tends to offer you a low settlement while you recover–once you cash the check, you give up the chances of future damages.
- We suggest you consult an experienced hunting accident lawyer before accepting insurance offers.
This article will go into detail on what to do after someone is accidentally shot while hunting. We’ll also look at how many hunting accidents happen per year. Finally, we’ll examine the importance of a free consultation with an experienced hunting accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group.
Insurance company lawyers will dispute the facts of your case and may even resort to victim-blaming to save money. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers at Zinda know the game and how to play it. We’ll examine the details of your case during our free attorney consultation.
We’ll help you prove their clients’ negligence or carelessness contributed to the event, securing a fair settlement.
But first, let’s take a look at how to determine who is at fault when someone’s accidentally shot while hunting.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Is At Fault When Someone Is Accidentally Shot While Hunting?
Hunting is a risky sport–handling a firearm comes with responsibility. The person at fault for a hunting accident is the person whose negligence most contributed to the incident. Negligence means careless or reckless actions.
Let’s take a look at different situations where negligence contributes to someone getting accidentally shot while hunting.
In some cases, the hunter who accidentally shot someone was violating safety rules shortly before the accident happened. If a safety violation contributed to the accident, the homeowner’s insurance company might be liable for the financial damages caused.
- If the shooter failed to keep the gun unloaded when not in use, they may be at fault for the accidental shooting.
- Failing to keep guns away from children is another form of negligence.
- If the accidental shooter was pointing their firearm at something other than a clear target, such as a person or a tree, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
- If the shooter was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, they’re considered a negligent party.
- Hunters who don’t wear bright-colored clothing, take hunter education classes, or identify their target before firing can also be held liable.
But the shooter isn’t the only person who might be held responsible for a hunting accident. Bow and firearm manufacturers must make sure their hunting weapons are consistent, reliable, and safe for their intended use.
Suppose someone was accidentally shot while hunting because of a weapons malfunction, such as a jam or misfire. In that case, the weapons manufacturer may be considered a negligent party who contributed to the injury.
A firearm company is also considered a negligent party if its failure to provide adequate safety instructions or clear warnings contributed to the incident.
Unfortunately, firearm companies and homeowners insurance companies keep lawyers on their payroll whose job is to deflect blame and drive down settlements. Don’t leave your recovery in the hands of greedy insurance adjusters– schedule a free attorney consultation with a seasoned injury lawyer today, and let us negotiate on your behalf.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat To Do After Getting Accidentally Shot While Hunting
If you or someone you know was involved in a hunting accident, seek immediate medical attention. Next, consult a hunting accident lawyer. They’ll investigate the incident, look for negligence, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance, and file a claim while you focus on healing.
Seek medical attention
Seeking prompt medical treatment after a hunting accident is crucial for your recovery and overall well-being. Some symptoms don’t surface right after the accident. Ignoring these delayed symptoms can lead to infections, chronic pain, or permanent disability. Getting swift help from a doctor also builds a strong case by documenting what happened. The doctor can establish a clear connection between the injury and any symptoms.
Document the accident
An experienced attorney can coach you on documenting as much information as possible about the accident. Take photos of any equipment or tools involved, record statements from witnesses, and write down details about the incident. We also tell our clients to keep a pain journal tracking their recovery and outlining how the injury has changed their quality of life. It’s also essential to file a report with local law enforcement or park rangers if applicable. This information is valuable as you start filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Consult an experienced hunting accident lawyer.
An experienced hunting lawyer can help with:
- Assessing compensation eligibility: A hunting accident lawyer can help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation for your injuries by assessing the damages and any negligent parties.
- Providing legal representation options: Your lawyer can advise you on whether to pursue a settlement or go to court and will represent you throughout the process.
- Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will work with investigators to collect evidence, such as witness statements and medical records, to support your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Your lawyer will investigate the insurance coverage of any negligent party involved and negotiate with their insurer to maximize your compensation and ensure a fair settlement
- Fighting for your rights in court: If necessary, your lawyer will represent you and fight the insurance or firearm lawyers for the settlement you deserve in court.
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 Many Hunting Accidents Happen Per Year
In 2020, the International Hunter Education Association recorded 1,028 hunting accidents in the US alone. This figure serves as a reminder of the need for safety measures, proper training, and responsible firearm ownership while hunting, especially during unforeseen mishaps.
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’s Hunting Accident Lawyers Can Help
Accidental hunting shootings are devastating for everyone involved. That’s why we strive to provide compassionate and personalized representation to each client.
Hunting accidents can occur for various reasons, including misidentification, failure to follow safety protocols, and equipment malfunction. These incidents can result in severe injuries or even death.
But settlement negotiations can be complex and involve multiple parties, including insurance companies and legal representatives working for firearm manufacturers. Negotiations can be prolonged if liability is disputed or numerous parties are involved. And insurance company lawyers will take full advantage of the fact that you’re in recovery.
The severity of the injuries sustained in the accident and any ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation needed can also impact the settlement process. But you don’t have to take it all on yourself.
Our experienced team at Zinda Law Group offers a free attorney consultation. We can investigate the incident, help you determine whose negligence contributed to the hunting accident, and whether the settlement offer you’re receiving is fair.
Let us fight for your rights while you focus on recovery. And the best part is that per our No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee, you won’t pay anything unless we can win your case.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
