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Legal Claims for Compensation After a Shooting in Pennsylvania or New Jersey
Victims of gun violence in Pennsylvania and New Jersey usually don’t know that they might be able to get compensated for their injuries independently of any criminal case. In the aftermath of a shooting, the victim will be focused on recovering from the injuries and the resulting criminal investigation. It may be several months before a shooting victim learns that they have the legal right to file a civil lawsuit and recover financial damages, or compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
More: Assault & Shooting Lawsuits in PA or NJ – Claims for Financial Compensation
Liability for Negligence
In any lawsuit for personal injury in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, including those for shootings, the plaintiff (injured party) has to show that the other party committed negligence and that the negligent conduct was the cause of the shooting. In shooting lawsuits, negligence will usually be defined as doing something you shouldn’t do or failing to do something that you should do.
In a lawsuit for a shooting that occurred in a public place, a business owner may be liable to the victim under the following circumstances:
- the business had reason to foresee that the shooting would take place,
- the business failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the shooting, or
- the business hired an employee who committed the shooting.
Parties in a Shooting Injury Lawsuit
Under Pennsylvania and New Jersey law, a business usually owes an ordinary duty of care to all of their patrons or customers. So, when a customer/patron is shot on the premises, the business itself may be liable to the victim.
Any party who owed the victim a duty under the law can be sued in a shooting lawsuit. Defendants commonly sued in these cases include:
- bars,
- restaurants,
- landlords,
- security management companies, and
- sports/music venues.
For example, a bar in Philadelphia is sued for a shooting that occurred inside the bar. The bar’s security was known to be lax despite a recent spate of shootings inside the bar and outside, in the parking lot. On the night in question, another patron opened fire inside the packed bar, injuring several people. The victims argue that the bar failed to provide additional security or warn patrons of the recent shootings.
This example is a fairly common one in shooting cases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The scenario could easily be tailored to involve a restaurant, apartment building, shopping mall, etc.
For more info, visit the negligent security law library.
Legal Help for a Shooting Lawsuit – Victim Compensation Lawyers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Our injury lawyers represent shooting victims and their families in lawsuits against bars, restaurants, landlords, and even gun manufacturers, if necessary. Our lawyers are licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and other states. The firm has offices in multiple states. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION. (866) 641-0806
DISCLAIMER: This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. It is crucial to speak to a qualified lawyer prior to making any decision about your case. Read full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
