Do You Need a Shooting Victim Lawyer in Atlanta?
Know Your Rights and How We Can Help
Being a victim of a shooting is a life-altering experience. Beyond the physical injuries, victims often face emotional trauma, financial burdens, and legal uncertainties. If you or a loved one has been shot due to someone else’s negligence or inadequate security, you may have legal options beyond the criminal justice system.
At The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we specialize in helping shooting victims in Atlanta pursue civil claims to hold responsible parties accountable and recover financial compensation. This guide will explain your legal rights, the role of a shooting victim lawyer, and the types of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Shooting in Atlanta?
Many shooting victims assume their only legal recourse is through the criminal justice system. However, victims also have the right to file civil lawsuits against responsible parties.
- Criminal vs. Civil Cases: The state prosecutes criminal cases to punish offenders, but victims can file civil lawsuits to seek financial compensation.
- Suing the Shooter: If the shooter is identified, you may file a lawsuit against them for damages, although collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack assets.
Holding Negligent Property Owners Accountable
Under premises liability laws, property owners in Atlanta have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment. If inadequate security contributed to the shooting, victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner.
Examples of negligent security include:
- Poor lighting in parking lots
- Lack of security cameras
- Inadequate security personnel
- Faulty or nonexistent access control measures
Common locations where property owners may be liable for shootings include:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and motels
- Bars and nightclubs
- Parking garages
- Shopping malls
- Grocery stores (e.g., Walmart, Target)
Additionally, under the Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights, victims have the right to be informed about legal proceedings, receive restitution in some cases, and participate in the criminal justice process.
Why You Need an Experienced Atlanta Shooting Victim Lawyer
Shooting-related civil claims can be complex. A specialized lawyer understands how to build a strong case and fight for maximum compensation.
How We Can Help You:
- Investigating the Incident: Gathering police reports, witness statements, security footage, and expert testimony.
- Identifying Liable Parties: Not only the shooter but also property owners, security companies, and event organizers.
- Building a Case: Proving negligence and foreseeability of the crime.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Securing the best possible settlement.
- Taking the Case to Court: If necessary, aggressively representing you in a lawsuit.
What Compensation Can a Shooting Victim Lawyer Help You Recover?
Victims of shootings may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Disabilities or long-term trauma.
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships due to injury.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs and loss of companionship (for families of fatal victims).
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases of extreme negligence.
Additionally, the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program may provide some financial assistance, although it is often limited.
Don’t Wait — Contact an Atlanta Shooting Victim Lawyer Today
Under Georgia law, shooting victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Acting quickly also helps preserve key evidence and witness testimony, strengthening your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shooting Victim Lawyers in Atlanta
What should I do immediately after being shot in Atlanta?
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the report.
- Gather evidence if possible (photos, witness contact info).
- Contact a shooting victim lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
Can I sue even if the shooter is not arrested?
Yes. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, meaning you can still hold property owners or others accountable.
How much does it cost to hire a shooting victim lawyer in Atlanta?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case.
What is negligent security?
Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to implement reasonable safety measures, such as proper lighting, security personnel, or access controls.
How long will my shooting victim case take in Atlanta?
The timeline varies based on case complexity, settlement negotiations, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take over a year.
Where do shootings commonly occur where property owners might be liable?
Some of the most frequent locations include:
- Apartment complexes with known criminal activity
- Parking lots of shopping centers and grocery stores
- Hotels and motels with inadequate security
- Bars and nightclubs with a history of violence
Why choose Gary Martin Hays & Associates as your Atlanta shooting victim lawyer?
At The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., we have a proven track record of fighting for crime victims. We offer compassionate legal representation and aggressive advocacy to help you get justice and fair compensation. In fact, Attorney Gary Martin Hays wrote the book The Authority on Inadequate Security Claims in Georgia for other attorneys. Our law firm has recovered more than $1 billion right here in Georgia.
Shooting victims face enormous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has been affected by gun violence in Atlanta, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Our experienced team is ready to help you hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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– Jonathan L.
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