Firearm Accident Lawyer

An accidental shooting involving a child is one of the most devastating events a family can experience, and in the large majority of cases, it was entirely preventable. Research shows that most accidental shootings involving children happen because a firearm was left loaded, unsecured, and accessible to a child who did not understand its danger. A firearm accident lawyer at The Killino Firm helps families hold negligent gun owners accountable and pursue the compensation their family deserves.

Our attorneys understand how emotionally difficult these cases are, and we handle every firearm accident case with the seriousness and compassion it demands. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

What Causes Most Accidental Child Shootings?

The overwhelming majority of unintentional shootings involving children trace back to unsafe firearm storage. Common causes include:

A loaded firearm left in an unlocked drawer, cabinet, nightstand, or vehicle
A firearm left within a child's reach without a trigger lock or other safety device
Ammunition stored together with an accessible firearm
A child finding a gun while playing at a friend's or relative's home
Failure to secure a firearm from a teenager or older child who has access to the household

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Firearm Accident Involving a Child?

Firearm owners have a legal duty to store their weapons safely, and many states have specific child access prevention laws that make negligent storage a basis for both criminal and civil liability.

The firearm owner can be held liable if they failed to store the weapon safely and a child gained access as a result.
A parent or guardian in the home may share liability even if they did not personally own the firearm, depending on the circumstances and applicable state law.
A property owner or business, such as a landlord or a facility where an improperly secured firearm was accessible, may also share responsibility in certain situations.
Many states allow a civil claim to proceed even in situations where no criminal charges were filed, since the standards of proof are different in a civil case.

What Injuries Result from Accidental Shootings?

Firearm injuries are frequently among the most severe injuries a child can suffer. Depending on the nature of the injury, consequences can include:

Life threatening internal injuries requiring emergency surgery
Permanent disability, including paralysis
Amputation
Traumatic brain injury
Severe, lasting psychological trauma for the child and witnesses
In the most tragic cases, wrongful death

What Compensation Can a Firearm Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?

A firearm accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:

Emergency surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing medical treatment
Long term rehabilitation and, if applicable, lifelong care
Pain and suffering
Psychological counseling and emotional distress
Lost wages for a parent who had to take time off work
Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship, if the shooting proved fatal

What Should You Do After a Child Firearm Accident?

Call 911 immediately to get emergency medical care.
Do not move or handle the firearm, and allow law enforcement to properly document and secure the scene.
Cooperate with the police investigation, since the resulting report can be important evidence.
Preserve any information about how the gun was stored, including photographs if it is safe to do so once law enforcement has cleared the scene.
Avoid discussing the incident with the gun owner's insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
Contact a firearm accident lawyer to understand your family's legal options, both civil and in relation to any criminal proceedings.

If your child was injured or killed in an accidental shooting because of negligent firearm storage, contact The Killino Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with a firearm accident lawyer who will investigate what happened and fight for the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

Call (878) 888-7878 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The gun owner was not criminally charged. Can I still file a civil claim?

Yes. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and a civil claim can proceed based on negligent storage even if criminal charges were not filed or did not result in a conviction.

What if my child was accidentally shot by another child?

In most cases, the claim is directed at the adult gun owner or guardian responsible for securing the firearm, not at the child who accessed it, since the negligence lies in how the weapon was stored.

Does it matter if the shooting happened at someone else's home?

No. If your child was injured by a firearm that was improperly stored in another person’s home, that homeowner or gun owner can still be held liable, and a claim may be covered by their homeowner’s insurance.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines vary by state, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your family’s right to compensation is protected.

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Testimonials

Courtney S

2 years ago

We contacted this firm when our son suffered a birth injury. They listened to our potential case and took us on. They helped us all the way through the process, always took my calls and questions. Killino is very passionate about his work and it felt like he was upset for our son like he was his own child. The paralegal, Kayla, was always on top of things and helpful. The whole firm that we worked with really did their best for us and now we have what we need to care for our son. We couldn’t be more grateful.

Reggie B

2 years ago

Jeff and his team at Killino Law Firm are truly exceptional! They took on my daughter’s challenging case when no one else would, and their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference. Thanks to their amazing work, we can now take care of our daughter for the rest of her life. Jeff handled everything with professionalism and kept us informed every step of the way. If you’re in need of a personal injury & accident lawyer, look no further—Jeff is your guy. I can’t recommend him and his exceptional team enough!

Corey E

3 years ago

The Killino firm is an excellent firm that tirelessly advocates on behalf of their clients. I’ve come across a lot of great personal injury attorneys in my time and simply put, Killino is the best.

Jeanne Y

3 years ago

Since day one I called the Killino firm, I was heard and taken care with respect. I very much thank Jeff for his proffesionalism and commitment. some days I’d email him in the middle of the night and exepct a response within an hour. They went beyond our spectactions. He did as promised. my husband and I are grateful for working with you. I’d 100% recommend this firm!!! thank you Jeff and the team

Trisha H

5 years ago

My sisters and I are so very grateful for The Killino Firm. They worked tirelessly for over three years on our case, were very attentive and kept us updated every step of the way. Aside from being gifted at what they do, Jeff and Dawn are so caring and understanding. Every single person we were in contact with from the firm was professional and kind. We will always recommend this firm! We really can’t thank them enough.

Michaelene C

6 years ago

Highly knowledgeable, listened to my concerns, gave wonderful advice and took a genuine interest in my case. Absolutely the best lawyers and firm around. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for competent lawyers to handle their case no matter how complicated.

Rhonda L

6 years ago

They helped me get through a terrible situation they were relentless for fighting on my behalf and because of there hard work my situation was resolved very favorable for me and my family I can’t thank them enough if you need help call them first you won’t be sorry

The Killino Firm Changes Lives

In the aftermath of a wrongful death or catastrophic injury, particularly those involving babies and children, victims and their families are forced into the new “normal”. Their lives are often characterized by multiple facets of struggle; physical, medical and financial. The worry and stress can be unbearable. But, that is where the Killino Firm steps in.

Life-Changing Financial Security

Time and again for over two decades Jeffrey Killino has changed the lives of his clients and their families with recoveries that will provide for all future medical care and day to day needs. The Killino Firm clients are regularly purchasing new homes and vehicles; securing much needed medical care and assistance; and sleeping better at night know there are millions of dollars to take care of them for the rest of their lives.

Ongoing Client Support and Protection

Yes, the Killino Firm regularly secures multi-million dollar settlements and/or verdicts, however, we measure our true success in terms of how we change our clients’ lives. The Killino Firm is dedicated to its clients and their plight. After the cases are over, the Killino Firm stays involved and available to it’s clients as the journey continues.

Caring for Clients and the Community

At the Killino Firm we care about our clients and we care about our community, which is why from time to time when we uncover a hazard or danger with the potential to harm others, the Killino Firm takes action to alert the public and appropriate regulatory authorities.