Gun violence is at an all-time high in Atlanta, and it’s an uncertain time for many people. We expect to be safe and protected when we go to a nightclub or bar, hotel, concert, or even the mall. But, what happens when one person decides to enact violence and harm people in the crowd? In many situations, victims of a gun violence attack in a public place may be eligible to file a lawsuit for damages, claiming negligent security.
This is where the legal team at Deitch + Rogers comes in. We help injured victims and bereaved families file negligent security claims against any at-fault party. We know that justice doesn’t end with a criminal trial. Another party was responsible for ensuring that you and those with you were kept safe and failed to do so. An Atlanta, GA, gun violence lawyer can explain your options and evaluate your claim in a free consultation, so call us today.
How Can A Gun Violence Lawyer Help Me?
An attorney from our firm can file a negligent security lawsuit on your behalf. Negligent security is a type of personal injury claim that addresses questions of the property owner or manager’s liability in cases where guests or visitors are harmed because the property owner failed to properly keep them safe from illegal activity.
For example, if a stadium or concert venue fails to properly check bags or has strictures to prevent weapons from being brought onto the premises, then the venue’s owner or management company could be liable if anyone is harmed in a shooting at the event.
That being said, negligent security lawsuits present some challenges, which is why you need a team of attorneys like ours, versed in these types of claims and with decades of combined experience, to litigate your claim properly.
Proving Negligent Security Claims In Georgia
To successfully prove negligent security claims, your attorney must prove that the property manager or owner knew about the potential risk or should have reasonably known there was a risk. Because criminal activity and gun violence can be unpredictable, proving these claims can get tricky.
We have the resources necessary to investigate claims of negligent security and the knowledge to apply Georgia law properly in these cases.
When Should I Call An Attorney?
In the immediate aftermath of a shooting or other gun violence, your first thought probably isn’t “lawsuit,” although it’s a consideration you should undertake sooner rather than later. Premises liability and negligent security may be foreign concepts for you; we get that. A skilled Atlanta gun violence lawyer from our firm can explain how these personal injury laws apply in your case and what your options are.
Georgia law requires that the plaintiff suffer serious injury to have grounds to sue. Suppose you were shot or shot at, assaulted, or otherwise attacked in a gun violence incident. In that case, you may have grounds to demand fair compensation for damages you suffered, including the cost of physical and mental medical care, counseling, replenishing lost wages if you were too traumatized or hurt to go to work, and pain and suffering.
The Deitch + Rogers team evaluates your case and apprises you of your legal options. We help build a strong case on your behalf and argue vigorously for a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Immediate Steps To Take After Experiencing Gun Violence
Our compassionate Atlanta, GA gun violence lawyer knows that experiencing gun violence is a terrifying and disorienting event that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. In the immediate aftermath, your safety and well-being should be your top priorities. Knowing how to respond in these critical moments can help protect you and others around you while also preserving important evidence for any legal action that may follow. Our firm has over 40 years of experience with shooting victim cases and we are here to offer our trusted and compassionate support.
Ensuring Your Safety And Securing The Area
Your first concern after an incident of gun violence should be your safety. If you’re able to do so, quickly move to a secure location away from the danger. Find shelter behind a solid barrier and stay low to the ground. If you can, help others around you get to safety as well. Once you’re in a safe place, avoid moving unless absolutely necessary, and try to remain calm. Your focus should be on staying out of harm’s way until law enforcement arrives and the area is secured.
Contacting Authorities And Seeking Medical Attention
As soon as it’s safe, call 911 to report the incident. Our gun violence lawyer in Atlanta would encourage you to provide them with as much information as possible, including the location, the number of people involved, and any details you can recall about the shooter. Even if you’re not injured, it’s important to let the authorities know what happened so they can respond appropriately.
If you or anyone else has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries should be addressed, as they could worsen if left untreated. The shock and adrenaline of the situation can sometimes mask the severity of an injury, so it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Documenting The Incident And Preserving Evidence
In the aftermath of gun violence, it’s natural to want to distance yourself from the event as quickly as possible. However, if you’re physically and emotionally able, try to document what you can. Take note of any details you remember about the incident, such as the sequence of events, descriptions of the shooter, and the reactions of others around you. If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the scene. This documentation can be invaluable for law enforcement and for any legal actions you may pursue later on.
Preserving evidence is also critical. Avoid disturbing the scene, and do not touch or move anything unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons. This will help ensure that the authorities can conduct a thorough investigation.
Seeking Legal Guidance
After experiencing gun violence, you may be left with lasting physical and emotional scars. It’s important to consider your legal options, especially if the incident occurred due to negligence, such as inadequate security measures or other preventable factors. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for any damages you’ve suffered. At Deitch + Rogers, we’re here to support you during this difficult time. We understand the complexities of cases involving gun violence and are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process. Whether you need help with medical expenses, emotional trauma, or lost wages, we’re committed to ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.
Help After The Incident
In the days and weeks following a gun violence incident, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Reach out for the support you need, whether it’s from loved ones, mental health professionals, or legal experts. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, contact us at Deitch + Rogers. We’re here to help you move forward and secure the compensation and justice you need to begin healing. When you are ready, set up a free consultation with our gun violence lawyer in Atlanta today.
5 Types Of Compensation For Mental Anguish As A Gun Violence Victim
Our compassionate Atlanta, GA gun violence lawyer knows that gun violence can leave lasting emotional scars. In addition to physical injuries, victims often suffer from significant mental anguish, which can affect their daily lives and overall well-being. If you’ve been a victim of gun violence, you may be entitled to compensation for the psychological and emotional toll it has taken. In Clark v. HJ Russell & Co., we helped our client settle their case for $549,000 after they were shot. Here are five types of compensation that may be available for mental anguish as a gun violence victim:
- Pain and Suffering. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the emotional and psychological impact of gun violence. This can cover a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and general emotional distress. Unlike medical bills, which have clear financial records, pain and suffering compensation reflects the personal and emotional toll the incident has caused.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. Gun violence can rob victims of the ability to enjoy life as they once did. If you can no longer engage in hobbies, social activities, or daily routines because of emotional trauma, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. Courts recognize that diminished quality of life is a legitimate consequence of gun violence and may award damages accordingly.
- Emotional Distress. Emotional distress compensation specifically addresses the mental health consequences of gun violence, as our Atlanta gun violence lawyer knows. This includes ongoing fear, anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances. If you’ve had to seek therapy or other mental health support to manage these issues, you may be able to recover costs related to treatment in addition to compensation for the emotional suffering itself.
- Loss of Consortium. Gun violence can strain relationships with family members and close friends. If the emotional impact of the incident has affected your ability to maintain relationships, you may be eligible for loss of consortium compensation. This type of claim is often brought by spouses or family members whose relationships have been negatively affected by the victim’s emotional trauma.
- Medical and Therapy Costs. Even though mental anguish isn’t always visible, it often requires professional treatment. Compensation can cover the costs of therapy, counseling, medication, and other mental health treatments. If you’ve had to see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor to deal with the emotional aftermath of gun violence, these expenses may be part of your claim.
Talk To Our Firm About Your Case
Gun violence can happen anywhere from a gas station, a grocery store, or your own home. Recovering from gun violence involves more than just physical healing. If you’re suffering from mental anguish after a traumatic incident, you don’t have to handle it alone. At Deitch + Rogers, we’re committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve for emotional and psychological harm. We have over 40 years of experience working with shooting victims. Contact our trusted Atlanta gun violence lawyer today to discuss your case and find out how we can support you through this process.