If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a hunting or firearms accident, you may be entitled to file suit for monetary compensation. Our firm has the credentials and experience to help ensure that you receive the maximum dollar amount available for your claim. Because we have experience in all areas of personal injury law, we know the physical, mental and financial pain that accompanies a personal injury. If you need someone to represent your interests and protect your rights, contact The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP today. We will help you determine whether to aggressively fight or to settle a case in order to achieve the maximum award.

The state of New York has an estimated 700,000 hunters whose arsenal includes shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders and even handguns. These incidents often involve members of the same hunting party and result from accidental discharge or unsafe handling of the firearm, or from the victim being out of sight or mistaken for game.

Compared to other outdoor sports, hunting is statistically safe. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and are often the result of hunting safety and game law violations that include:

• Running or walking with a loaded firearm,
• Placing or removing a loaded firearm in a vehicle,
• Firearms in insecure resting place,
• Shooting across the roadway,
• Shooting near occupied buildings, schools and playgrounds,
• Unclear sight of target and beyond,
• The firearm's "safety" has not been engaged, and
• Crossing fences, climbing trees or any awkward action with a loaded gun.

Homeowners insurance policies will often cover injuries caused by the negligent use of a firearm. This coverage may be available to the homeowner as well as other family members residing at the home. Some hunters also carry separate hunting accident insurance that may be obtained through certain hunting clubs and organizations.

If you have been injured as the result of a firearm in a hunting accident, you may be entitled to file a claim and receive damages from the responsible party. Hunting accidents are often investigated by the local police or the Department of Environmental Conservation. When investigating a hunting accident, it is important to obtain copies of any reports compiled by these agencies. In personal injury and wrongful death claims, those responsible must pay monetary damages that include lost wages (current and future), medical costs and other financial compensation.

Due to events beyond their control or understanding, many hunting accident victims receive no compensation, inadequate benefits or a less than equitable settlement for their claim. We will fight to protect your rights and act as your strong voice in the courtroom and to insurance representatives. We have the resources and experience to investigate all avenues to determine who was at fault for your injury and to prove your entitlement to compensation. If you believe you have a claim against someone for an injury sustained from a firearm in a hunting-related accident, contact The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP at 1-800-TALK-LAW (1-800-825-5529) or via our online contact form. All calls and inquiries receive a response within the same day, usually within an hour. There is no case review cost.

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