Most everyone has had to deal with a defective piece of equipment at some point in their life. However, when it comes to firearms, the stakes are much higher. Defective guns pose a significant hazard to anyone who fires the weapon. When a gun is defective, it can lead to serious injury or even death.
One example is a malfunctioning barrel. If the barrel is not properly fitted to the gun or not machined properly, the round may not exit the barrel and instead explode inside the chamber, possibly causing fragments to eject at the user, causing severe injuries. A defective firing pin can also cause tremendous damage. A misfire can cause the explosive power of the round to improperly discharge inside the chamber, causing injury or death.
In all cases, a defective gun poses a significant safety risk to anyone handling the weapon, and a faulty firearm can lead to serious, even fatal, injury. If you have been injured by a defective firearm, call the Arizona defective gun injury lawyer at Torgenson Law for a free consultation on how you can receive compensation for your injuries.
When filing a defective gun claim, there are a few different types of compensation you can expect. Compensation depends on the type of injury caused by the defective gun, as well as the amount of financial damage sustained by the claimant.
The most common type of compensation for a defective gun claim is coverage for medical expenses. This award is used to cover any expenses related to treatment for any injuries resulting from the defective gun. This includes anything from doctor visits, and hospital stays to physical therapy and long-term medical needs.
Another form of compensation associated with a defective gun claim is lost wages due to being unable to work because of your injury. This would cover the loss of income while you’re in recovery or receiving therapy after an injury.
In addition, claimants can also receive financial compensation for any emotional damage sustained from a defective gun injury. These damages can include mental anguish, physical pain, and emotional distress associated with the injury.
Finally, claimants may be eligible for punitive damages from the manufacturer of the defective gun. This form of award punishes the manufacturer for negligence and serves as a form of deterrence for future cases.
A defective gun claim is a complaint that a gun was either negligently manufactured or designed in a way that is defective and resulted in injury or death. Liability in this situation can be found within the chain of distribution, meaning that the manufacturer, distributor, or seller can ultimately be held liable for the injury or death due to the defective gun.
The manufacturer is typically the first to be found liable. Manufacturers are held to a high standard of care and safety and must follow strict regulations when creating their products. If the manufacturer is found to have created a gun that is defective or defective due to engineering flaws, they can be held responsible for the injury or death caused by the gun.
In Tampa, a 30-year veteran reserve police officer filed suit against gun manufacturer Sig Sauer after his issued P320 service pistol misfired, shattering his ankle and foot. According to his attorneys, the claimant stated he merely brushed up against the holstered gun, and it went off without him pulling the trigger. There are several dozen lawsuits against this manufacturer for the same issue.
A gun dealer can also be held liable if they were negligent in ensuring that the gun was working properly and safely prior to the sale. They have a responsibility to ensure that they only sell firearms that are free from defects and in good working order.
Have you been injured by a defective firearm? Contact the experienced attorneys at Torgenson Law.
At Torgenson Law, our Arizona defective gun lawyer represents victims of gun injury or death due to the negligence of others. If it is found that any of the parties responsible for the production, distribution, or sale of the gun were negligent in their duties, they can be held liable for the damages caused.
We work with our clients to uncover all the facts, investigate the chain of custody, and fight for fair and adequate compensation for your pain and suffering. Call us today at 602-726-0747 or get in touch with us online to get started.