Over the years, across the world, there have been debates about gun control. In the United States (US), for instance, less attention was paid to gun control until 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Before 1968 when the Gun Control Act was enacted in the US, guns were sold over the counter and mail order to any adults interested in purchasing one.
A 2016 study that evaluated the number of firearm-related deaths worldwide ranked India third, with 26,500 recorded deaths.
Brazil topped the list with 43,200 deaths, followed by the US with 37,200.
Many countries do not have official data for firearm-related injuries and death except for estimation. This included the US until 2019.
A 2020 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), revealed that 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Effect of shooting on victims
Many shooting victims are not okay after the incident. Following their treatments in the emergency departments (EDs), they usually face significant and painful medical procedures which may span months, years or lifetimes.
They may have to forever cope with damaged organs, impaired body parts or psychological trauma.
Cost of treatment
Treatment for shooting can be costly. A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine in Maryland observed over 704,000 people admitted to the ED with firearm-related injuries between 2006 and 2014.
It was discovered that the cost of treatment per patient was about $5,254 a year. Inpatient charges were estimated at around $95,887.
The treatment expenses, however, keep mounting after the first year. According to Song and fellow, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital researchers, medical expenditures for gunshot victims increased by an average of $30,000 during the first year after the shooting.
The cost of treatment is about four times higher compared to patients without gun-related injuries.
What to do if involved or injured in a shooting
Many people injured by firearms have been able to get refunds for their medical expenses after hiring a shooting victim lawyer.
With legal interventions, the average admission cost for shootings by police is about $33,462, shootings with assault weapons average $32,237, and unintentional injuries cost about $16,1975, according to a 2017 study led by the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa.
If you or your loved ones are involved in a shooting, get medical attention immediately.
Contact the police to report the incident so that they will be alerted that there is an active shooter out there.
Do this irrespective of whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
The information can lead to the shooter’s arrest. The police would also gather evidence from witnesses at the scene, which could make your case easier to prove.
Things you should understand about shooting
Definitely, as a shooting victim, you would want the shooter to get the required punishment for their crime.
As much as this may be satisfying, the penalty may not involve covering the cost of your treatment.
Meanwhile, in a criminal case, you must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the offender indeed committed the crime. As much as this may look simple, it is usually complicated and requires much evidence gathering.
You can also file a civil case against the shooter as a victim. This will take into account the physical and emotional damages you might have suffered due to the injury.
Some of the places shooting can happen include;
- School
- Shopping malls
- Retail stores
- Supermarkets
- Grocery stores
- Apartment complex
- ATMs galleries and banks
- Hotels and motels
- Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Private businesses such as office buildings
- Parking lots
- Gas stations
Aside from suing a shooter for a criminal or civil offense, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against the owner of the property where the shooting happened.
Your lawyer will prove the owner did not provide adequate security to protect you. For instance, if the parking lot where you got shot is poorly lit.
The owner of a restaurant or bar can also be sued if they fail to increase their security following a recent shooting in the area.
The law mandates property owners to protect people lawfully on their premises against predictable and preventable violent acts.
It is also possible to sue the government if you were shot by a police officer acting negligently or illegally.
It is recommended that you speak to a lawyer to know the best option to pursue your case.
