Gun Accidents During Hunting Season
It is finally that time of year when Virginia hunters will take to the forest in search of big game. There is no doubt that hunting is a favorite Virginia pastime, as well as an exciting outlet for sportsmen. However, with hunting season comes the prevalence of hunting accidents, and in particular, gun accidents. Some of those accidents can come when hunters fail to see each other. Others take place because of malfunctions or defects in the firearms themselves.
The good news is that when it comes to guns, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, along with other state agencies, currently polices hunters by requiring a variety of licenses and permits. The Department also oversees hunting activities by employing a large number of Game and Inland Fishery Officers who are on duty throughout the Virginia hunting season. These officers have full arrest power and generally do a good job of enforcing Virginia’s hunting and gun laws. However, gun accidents during hunting season can—and oftentimes do—still occur.
If you have sustained injuries in a gun accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence—whether another hunter or a defect or malfunction caused by a firearms manufacturer—you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation for all of your related injuries and damages. The Richmond attorneys at Emroch & Kilduff specialize in personal injury law. They can review the facts of your accident with you and may be able to pursue a legal claim for damages on your behalf.
Avoiding Hunting Accidents
Hunters can avoid gun accidents while hunting by:
- Complying with all rules and regulations—especially those pertaining to guns—set forth by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
- Obeying the instructions of all law enforcement personnel, especially Game and Inland Fishery Officers
- Wearing orange blaze outerwear at all times, so that hunters can recognize one another in heavily wooded areas
Homeowners’ Insurance Policies
Some people may be surprised to learn that homeowners’ insurance policies cover a wide range of claims. These claims can range from slip and fall accidents and defamation cases to hunting accidents and gun injuries. In the case of a gun accident that took place while hunting, the accident victim’s family may access the at-fault person’s homeowners’ insurance policy to cover the accident victim’s injuries and damages. Injuries in gun accident cases can be severe, and sometimes fatal. As a result, an accident victim may require long periods of medical treatment, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy. Damages in these cases may include medical or physical therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost the quality of life stemming from the gun accident and the injuries sustained therein.
Call a Personal Injury Gun Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Case Evaluation and Legal Consultation
No amount of money can truly compensate someone for the serious injuries, damages, and pain and suffering sustained in a gun accident during hunting season. If the negligence or carelessness of another hunter or a defect or malfunction caused by a firearms manufacturer injured you this season, the Richmond personal injury experts at Emroch & Kilduff can review all of your legal options with you and move your case forward in a timely manner. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a Richmond personal injury gun accident lawyer, call us today at (804) 358-1568 or contact us online.
