Illinois Hunting Accident Lawyers

Most hunters are meticulous in their preparation when participating in the sport and follow safety regulations and rules. Even so, many individuals still fall victim to serious injuries in hunting accidents. Unfortunately, most hunting accidents are preventable and often caused by negligence of hunters, property owners, gun manufacturers and others.

Individuals injured while participating in the sport often suffer numerous serious consequences. Serious injuries can include:

• A gunshot wound
• Wound by a bow and arrow
• Eye injury
• TBI (traumatic brain injury) or injury to the head
• Spinal injury
• Injury to the neck and back
• Fractures or broken bones
• Death

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC represents people who have been injured while hunting due to the carelessness of others. Our attorneys are committed to getting you the compensation that you are entitled to under Illinois law for serious injuries inflicted by rifles and bows. Contact our office for a free case review with an attorney who has experience with these unique type of case.

Firearm Accidents Too Common Amongst Hunters

Being injured in a firearm accident is a rare event, even during hunting season. Even so, hundreds of thousands of hunters take to the woodlands and back roads each year to hunt for game in the wild. Most hunters take along an extensive arsenal into the woods including rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, and bows and arrows. In most incidences, some type of accidental discharge from the weapon occurred or the hunter was mistaken as game in the wild.

Most firearm accidents happen because:

• Hunters shoot firearms without a clear target
• Hunters shoot randomly hitting populated areas near buildings and roads
• The weapon discharged when removed from a sheath or placed in a vehicle
• The weapon discharged while the hunter was climbing, walking or running
• The hunter failed to engage the firearm’s safety
• The hunter performed an awkward action while climbing a tree or crossing the fence with a loaded firearm

In nearly every case were negligence is involved, the shooter can be held legally liable to the victim for all injuries caused. There may be additional parties also at fault for the accident including a weapons manufacturer, property owner or other hunter.

Not all hunting accidents are firearm related. In many incidences, hunters are injured because of a defective or improperly installed tree stand, along with defective hunting and camping equipment including defective heaters.

Proving Negligence Against the Individual or Manufacturer

A firearm can be a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Most firearm-related hunting accidents usually involve specific factors that are used to prove negligence when the victim seeks financial compensation from the shooter. These factors include:

• The shooter was poorly trained in gun safety
• The firearm was improperly stored
• Inexperienced adults or young children were showing off or playing with the weapon
• Someone impaired by alcohol or drugs handled the weapon
• The weapon had a manufacturing or design defect

In the event that the victim dies, every party responsible can be held financially liable in a wrongful death lawsuit and possibly face extensive criminal charges.

Seeking Compensation for an Injury or Fatality From an Illinois Hunting Accident

If you have been injured in an Illinois hunting accident, you have a legal right to seek compensation to recover all of your damages and losses. The amount of compensation should cover:

• Hospitalization and medical bills
• Outpatient rehabilitation and therapy
• The cost of durable medical equipment to assist in healing
• Psychological counseling when necessary
• Lost wages
• The loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment
• Mental anxiety, depression, pain and suffering associated with your injuries

To ensure full compensation, the accident should be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible. Filing a police report is necessary, as is obtaining a copy of every piece of paper you sign. Typically, local authorities and government agencies will investigate the accident to determine its cause and parties at fault for the injuries or death.

Hiring a Lawyer Who Appreciates Dangers Related to Hunting

If you have been a victim of a shooting while hunting, or a loved one has died in a hunting accident, it is essential to seek legal consultation before the statute of limitations expires. Surviving family members have a right to seek financial compensation if their loved one is killed in a hunting accident caused by the negligence or reckless actions of another.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have extensive experience in hunting and firearm accident cases. Our legal team fights aggressively to protect your rights to ensure you receive fair and adequate compensation for your losses. We provide an initial, free consultation to discuss the merits of your case. To ensure maximum compensation, call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 to speak with an attorney today.