Learning that a loved one has been shot can be a shocking and very upsetting experience. Whether or not the incident was fatal, you may be unsure of what to do and what steps to take next to ensure that your loved one can recover compensation for their injuries. Here are some important and immediate steps to take as soon as you learn that your loved one has been shot.
1. Immediately Begin Collecting Information
While tending to your loved one should be the paramount concern, you or someone close to you should consult with a lawyer immediately to help you gather and preserve evidence. The sooner that you can begin collecting evidence regarding the shooting of your loved one, the better.
The lawyer and his or her staff can identify and talk to the police and witnesses as well as take note of the place where the shooting occurred. Many times after a shooting, the property manager or owner will fix broken gates, improve lighting or take other steps to improve security (which should have been done before your loved one was shot).
2. Keep Thorough Records of Your Loved One’s Medical Treatment
It is very important that as your loved one is healing, you keep a record of all of the treatment that they receive, and a journal of their condition, mental state, and physical abilities. If your loved one’s injuries are fatal, it is still important that you keep documentation of any medical treatment they receive prior to death, as well as a report of the autopsy. You should also document all losses suffered by both you and your loved one, including things such as lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of consortium, etc.
3. Hire an Experienced Georgia Negligent Security Attorney
If you believe that the shooting incident in which your loved one was involved could have been avoided but for the negligent security of the owner of the property where the incident occurred, it is important that you consult with an experienced Georgia negligent security attorney.
In Georgia, property owners are obligated to maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition, including providing a reasonable degree of security for the area. For example, it may be reasonable for property owners to provide adequate lighting, fenced properties, or to place security guards on the property. When this duty is breached, a property owner can be held liable for any damages that occur.
4. Manage Your Distress
The aftermath of a shooting can be very emotional for both you and your loved one. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides a number of tips for managing distress in the aftermath of a shooting, including talking about the incident, taking care of yourself, doing something productive, and honoring your feelings. Seeking help from a mental health professional is also recommended.
Contact Our Law Offices Today
If your loved one has recently been shot and harmed, contact our experienced Georgia negligent security attorneys today for a free consultation and information about what steps to take next.
The foregoing answer is not legal advice and is merely a general overview. You are advised to consult a lawyer to address your specific situation. Feel free to send comments or questions to: steve@aa-legal.com of Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, or call (404) 377-9191.
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