Owning a firearm is a legally enshrined American right. That means you can own and carry a gun in any state, including Arizona, albeit keeping to laws regarding concealment and use.
Unfortunately, gun injuries have become a public health crisis, with millions of Americans being victims of non-fatal firearm injuries. While most firearm injuries result from violence/ assault, a good number are accidental, usually from improper storage, maintenance, or handling. And sometimes, a defective design.
Now the physical, emotional, and psychological damage that comes with gun-related injuries can be life-changing. That is why, if you or someone you love has been injured by a firearm accidentally, you should consult an attorney to help you fight for compensation.
So, what type of injuries do gun injury lawyers in Phoenix handle?
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1. Spinal Injuries
According to the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, gunshot wounds are the third most common cause of spinal cord injuries, just behind motor vehicle accidents and falls. Unfortunately, many victims who suffer gunshot wounds to the spine end up with life-changing injuries, such as temporary or permanent paralysis, as a result of the bullet severing the spinal nerves.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are a pretty common consequence of firearm negligence, misuse, or abuse. And in many instances, a bullet penetrating the skull leads to traumatic brain injury, or TBI for short. This condition is characterized by bleeding, swelling, confusion, memory loss, poor coordination, persistent headaches, loss of consciousness, convulsions, etc.
In severe cases, it can lead to coma, permanent cognitive and physical disability, or worse, death.
3. Internal Organ Injuries
Gunshot wounds to the trunk of the body, otherwise known as the torso, may sometimes lead cause internal organ damage. Remember, the bullet travels at high speeds and can tear through everything on its way, including the skin, tissues, and, finally, organs.
Now, in addition to the primary organ impacted by the bullet, surrounding organs may suffer mild to severe damage, too, from the impact and bone shutters. Internal organ injuries are usually serious and, depending on nature, can lead to life-long impacts.
4. Eye Injuries
A gunshot can also cause ocular injuries, even if the gun was not directly aimed at the eyes. And that’s because aside from the bullet itself, debris and gasses are also released from the gun. Not forgetting the pressure from the explosion too. In fact, many eye injuries are often a result of gunshots to the head or neck. Gun-related ocular trauma can include open eye wounds, orbital fractures, and eye contusions, among others. And these often lead to temporary or permanent vision loss.
5. Infections
Unfortunately, bullets are not usually sterile. In fact, they can carry all sorts of bacteria, germs, and other harm-causing microbes. So, aside from the trauma a gunshot initial trauma a gunshot can cause, it can also lead to serious infection once the bullet interacts with internal body fluids.
If not identified and treated quickly, it can cause a host of issues, including sepsis and even death.
Get a Gun Injury Lawyer in Phoenix to Claim Compensation for Your Accidental Firearm Injury
Gun injuries are pretty common in Arizona. And in many cases, they result from human or gun manufacturer negligence. If this is the case, then you can sue the liable party for damages. Of course, with the help of a good firearm injury attorney.
