What compensation can shooting victims recover in a lawsuit?
What Compensation Can Shooting Victims Receive?
Shooting victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a shooting can be overwhelming, but legal action may help victims recover damages to aid in their healing and recovery.
Common types of compensation available to shooting victims include:
- Medical Expenses – This covers hospital bills, surgeries, emergency care, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any ongoing medical treatments required due to the injuries.
- Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity – If the victim is unable to work during recovery, they may be compensated for lost wages. In cases where the injury leads to long-term disability or affects their ability to work in the future, they may also receive damages for loss of earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering – Shooting injuries often cause significant physical pain and lasting trauma. Compensation may be awarded for the physical discomfort and suffering endured due to the shooting.
- Emotional Distress & Psychological Trauma – Many shooting victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects. Compensation can help cover therapy, counseling, and other treatments necessary for emotional recovery.
- Long-Term Rehabilitation & Disability – In cases where the injuries lead to long-term impairment or permanent disability, victims may be entitled to compensation for rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications to accommodate their new circumstances.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
In certain situations, punitive damages may also be awarded. Unlike other types of compensation that focus on covering a victim’s losses, punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party for extreme negligence or misconduct. This applies in cases where the shooting resulted from a property owner’s willful disregard for safety, such as failing to provide security in a known high-crime area or ignoring previous violent incidents on the premises.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in a shooting due to negligence or inadequate security, an experienced attorney can help assess your case, determine the full extent of your damages, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact an Atlanta shooting victims lawyer, we’re here to help!