Dallas Criminal Shooting Victim Lawyer

Determining third-party liability for a criminal shooting is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including where the incident occurred, who was involved, how it happened, and even what weapons were used. Our team at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers understands how to investigate these cases and identify all potentially liable parties.

Depending on the circumstances, our Dallas criminal shooting victim lawyers may be able to pursue legal action against:

• The shooter. The most obvious liable party is the individual who actually committed the shooting. You can pursue a civil lawsuit no matter what happens with a criminal case.
• Accomplices. Any individuals who aided or abetted the shooter before, during, or after the commission of the crime could also be held liable.
• Property owners. The owner of the property where the shooting took place can be held liable if it is determined that they failed to implement adequate security measures or allowed a dangerous environment to persist. This can apply to various settings, including residential properties, businesses, and public venues.
• Employers. If the shooting occurred in a workplace setting, the employer might be held liable, particularly if there were known threats or a history of violence involving employees. Like other property owners, employers are expected to provide a reasonably safe working environment and can become liable for negligent security.
• Event staff. In instances where a shooting happens during a public event, event staff or organizers could be held liable if it is found that they did not implement sufficient security measures to protect attendees. This includes ensuring proper screening procedures, adequate security personnel, and emergency response plans. Failure to address known safety concerns or ignoring potential threats can lead to legal consequences for negligence.
• Security personnel. Security personnel may also be held liable in the event of a criminal shooting, especially if it is determined that they were negligent in their duties. This can include failing to properly monitor entrances, conduct searches, or respond adequately to threats as they emerge. Security guards and agencies are entrusted with the safety of individuals in a given area, and any lapses in their responsibilities that contribute to a shooting could result in liability.
• Alcohol-serving establishments. Establishments that serve alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, can also be held liable in the event of a criminal shooting if the shooter was intoxicated at the time of the incident. Under Texas dram shop laws, these establishments may face legal consequences if it can be proven that they served alcohol to an intoxicated person who subsequently committed a shooting. The staff of these establishments are expected to exercise caution and adhere to regulations regarding the overserving of alcohol, and failure to do so can result in significant liability.
• Gun sellers and manufacturers. Liability can extend to those who sold the firearm or ammunition if it can be proven that they did so illegally or without following proper background checks. Additionally, gun manufacturers might be held accountable if the weapon malfunctioned due to a defect.
• Parents or guardians. In cases involving a shooter who is a minor, their parents or legal guardians may face liability. Texas law mandates that gun owners must securely store firearms, particularly when minors are present. Failure to comply with these safety measures can result in criminal charges and civil liability.

Discuss your options for recovering compensation after a criminal shooting with us today by calling (469) 689-0200 or contacting us online.