Gun violence and shooting injuries can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with life-altering physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While the shooter is typically held criminally responsible, there are cases where other parties may also be held liable in a civil lawsuit. If negligence played a role in the circumstances leading to a shooting, victims may be able to pursue compensation from property owners, businesses, security companies, or other entities that failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. At Harman Law Firm in Atlanta, GA, we help victims of shooting injuries seek justice through personal injury lawsuits against all responsible parties.
Property Owners and Premises Liability
One of the most common civil claims in shooting injury cases involves premises liability. Under Georgia law, property owners have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for visitors. If a property owner fails to implement adequate security measures in an area with a history of violent crime, they may be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises.
Examples of property owners who may be liable include:
- Apartment complex owners that fail to provide proper security in high-crime areas.
- Bars or nightclubs that do not take appropriate action to prevent violence on their premises.
- Hotels or shopping malls that lack security personnel or adequate surveillance.
- Event venues or concert halls that do not properly screen for weapons or control crowds.
Businesses and Employers
If a shooting occurs at a workplace or business, the employer or business owner may also be liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to protect employees or customers. For example, a company may be responsible if they:
- Ignored previous threats of violence from an employee or customer.
- Failed to conduct background checks on security personnel.
- Did not provide proper training for employees on handling security threats.
- Allowed weapons on the premises without safety protocols in place.
Security Companies and Negligent Security
Security firms hired to protect apartment complexes, stores, or events can also be held accountable if their failure to act contributed to a shooting. Negligent security claims may arise if:
- Security guards were not properly trained or failed to respond to an active threat.
- Broken locks, gates, or surveillance systems were not repaired in a timely manner.
- A business knew about safety concerns but failed to make necessary security upgrades.
Gun Sellers and Manufacturers
In some cases, firearm dealers or manufacturers may face liability under gun liability laws if they negligently sold a firearm to someone prohibited from owning a gun. While these cases are more challenging, there are legal pathways to hold firearm sellers accountable under specific circumstances.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit for Shooting Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a shooting, you may have legal options beyond criminal charges against the shooter. At Harman Law Firm in Atlanta, GA, we can investigate whether third-party negligence contributed to your injuries and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
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