Who can file a lawsuit after a shooting in Atlanta?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a shooting in Atlanta, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. Shooting-related lawsuits can arise in various circumstances, including mass shootings, armed robberies, and incidents where negligent security contributed to the attack.
Who Can File a Lawsuit?
- Shooting Victims – Anyone injured in a shooting due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions may have a claim. This includes victims of gun violence in public places, businesses, apartment complexes, hotels, parking lots, and other locations where property owners failed to provide reasonable security measures.
- Families of Deceased Victims (Wrongful Death Claims) – If a shooting results in a fatality, the victim’s immediate family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents) may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim seeks justice for the deceased and can help cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional suffering of the surviving family members.
- Representatives of an Incapacitated Victim – If the shooting victim is left physically or mentally unable to pursue legal action themselves—such as in cases of severe brain injury or paralysis—a legal representative, such as a guardian or family member, may file on their behalf.
Who May Be Held Liable?
A lawyer can investigate the case to determine if any third party is responsible for failing to prevent the shooting or creating unsafe conditions that led to it. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Property Owners & Businesses – Owners of apartment complexes, hotels, shopping centers, bars, nightclubs, and other establishments may be held liable if they failed to implement reasonable security measures, such as surveillance cameras, security guards, or adequate lighting in high-risk areas.
- Landlords & Property Management Companies – If a landlord ignored prior violent incidents or failed to secure access points, they may be responsible for tenants or guests harmed in a shooting.
- Event Organizers & Venue Operators – Large gatherings, concerts, and festivals require appropriate security to protect attendees. If event organizers failed to screen for weapons or provide enough security personnel, they could be held accountable.
- Employers – In workplace shootings, an employer may be liable if they failed to address known threats or did not provide adequate security for employees.
Why Seeking Legal Help is Crucial
Determining liability in shooting cases can be complex, and gathering critical evidence—such as security footage, witness statements, and crime reports—must happen quickly. A skilled attorney can investigate the circumstances, identify negligent parties, and help victims or families pursue the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love has been impacted by a shooting in Atlanta, consulting with an experienced lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and justice is pursued. Contact an Atlanta shooting victims lawyer, we’re here to help!