A tragic incident unfolded in Glens Falls over the weekend when two young boys, ages 9 and 13, were shot in what police are calling an accidental discharge of a firearm. The shooting occurred late Saturday morning at a home on Walnut Street when the children discovered a loaded and unsecured handgun inside the residence.
According to investigators, while the children were handling the weapon, one round was discharged from the revolver, striking both boys. The children's father was not home at the time of the incident. Both boys were immediately rushed to Albany Medical Center for treatment and remained hospitalized for several days before being released. Police have confirmed that the children are showing improvement in their recovery. Law enforcement officers were seen removing multiple firearms from the home shortly after the incident occurred. You can read more about this tragic event in the original news report.
Common Causes of Accidental Firearm Injuries
Accidental shootings involving children often occur due to several preventable factors:
- Unsecured firearms stored loaded and accessible to minors
- Lack of proper gun safes or trigger locks in homes with children
- Inadequate supervision when firearms are present in the household
- Failure to follow basic firearm safety protocols such as treating every gun as loaded
- Improper storage practices that leave ammunition and firearms together
- Lack of education about gun safety for both adults and children in the home
- Defective safety mechanisms on firearms that fail to prevent accidental discharge
- Negligent handling by adults who fail to secure weapons after use
When negligence on the part of gun owners, manufacturers, or others leads to accidental shootings, injured victims and their families may be entitled to pursue legal compensation for their damages and losses.
Personal Injury Claims in Accidental Shooting Cases in New York
Accidental firearm injuries can result in devastating consequences for victims and their families, often leading to significant personal injury claims. In New York State, when children or other innocent parties are injured due to negligent firearm storage or handling, there may be grounds for civil litigation to recover damages.
Potential liable parties in accidental shooting cases may include negligent gun owners who fail to properly secure their weapons, property owners who allow unsecured firearms on their premises, firearm manufacturers with defective safety mechanisms, and individuals who negligently handle or store weapons. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and in tragic cases involving fatalities, wrongful death damages. While no amount of money can undo the trauma of such incidents, successful legal action can provide families with the resources needed for recovery and hold responsible parties accountable.
Damages and Compensation
Victims of accidental shooting incidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and circumstances of the case.
Economic damages typically include immediate and ongoing medical bills, surgical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages for parents who must care for injured children, and future medical needs related to long-term complications.
Non-economic damages address the pain and suffering endured by young victims, emotional trauma and psychological counseling needs, loss of enjoyment of childhood activities, and the lasting impact on the family unit. In cases involving particularly egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to deter similar reckless behavior.
Compensation is calculated based on medical records, expert testimony about future needs, economic analysis of lost opportunities, and documented evidence of the incident's impact on the victim's life. The purpose of this compensation extends beyond mere financial restoration—it serves to hold negligent parties accountable, provide families with resources for comprehensive care, and create incentives for others to prioritize firearm safety. For families navigating these complex legal waters, having experienced legal representation ensures that all potential damages are properly evaluated and pursued through appropriate legal channels.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The attorneys at Porter Law Group understand the unique challenges faced by families dealing with accidental shooting injuries. Our experienced legal team has decades of experience representing victims of preventable accidents throughout New York State, and we know how to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
We have successfully obtained significant settlements and verdicts in complex personal injury cases, giving us the knowledge and resources necessary to take on insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation. Our state-wide practice means we can handle cases throughout New York while providing personalized, hometown service to every client.
At Porter Law Group, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our compassionate legal team will guide you through every step of the process while you focus on your family's recovery and healing.
Contact Porter Law Group Today
If your child or family member has been injured in an accidental shooting or firearm-related incident, don't wait to seek legal guidance. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Porter Law Group are ready to evaluate your case and explain your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout all of New York State and are committed to fighting for the compensation and justice your family deserves. Time limits apply to personal injury claims, so contact us promptly to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
