A shooting changes everything in a matter of seconds. Whether it happens at an apartment complex, workplace, gas station, or even your own front yard, the damage runs deep. Lives are lost. Families are shattered. Survivors face pain, fear, and hospital bills they never asked for. The truth is, a shooting victim doesn’t just need sympathy—they need someone ready to dig in, investigate fast, and hold every responsible party accountable under Georgia law. When someone’s carelessness or refusal to protect others allows gun violence to happen, that’s not just wrong—it’s a legal failure.
Georgia Shooting Victim Attorney
Being a victim of a shooting has life-altering effects such as emotional and physical trauma. These cases call for real courtroom skill, careful legal strategy, and a willingness to go the distance.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Georgia Shooting Victim Legal Claims
- Types of Georgia Shooting Victims
- Injuries Sustained by Shooting Victims
- Identifying Who Might Be Liable After a Georgia Shooting
- Wrongful Death Cases
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Types of Georgia Shooting Victims
Accidental Shooting Victims — Firearm injuries in these cases result from mishandling or improper storage. Victims may be adults or children, sometimes injured while the gun was being cleaned, shown off, or thought to be unloaded. In some cases, the firearm may have been left unattended or within reach of a minor. These incidents are particularly heartbreaking, as they are typically unintentional and can occur during everyday activities at home, in vehicles, or in public places.
Domestic or Intimate Partner Shooting Victims — Violence in relationships can manifest in tragic shootings involving romantic partners, spouses, or family members. These incidents can occur in private residences, but also frequently extend into public spaces like parking lots, workplaces, or even schools. In some cases, there may have been a prior history of abuse or violence, and protective measures such as restraining orders might already have been issued before the shooting occurred.
Workplace Shooting Victims — Gun violence at a job site is often carried out by current or recently terminated employees. Victims may include coworkers, supervisors, customers, or even uninvolved bystanders. These incidents can happen in any workplace—from corporate offices and warehouses to restaurants and healthcare facilities. Motivations may vary widely, including personal grievances, job loss, or perceived mistreatment, and the impact can leave lasting trauma among surviving staff and the broader workforce.
Robbery or Crime-Related Shooting Victims — These shootings take place during crimes like armed robbery, carjacking, or burglary. These acts often occur in locations with a high likelihood of cash transactions or limited security presence—such as convenience stores, ATMs, gas stations, or late-night businesses. Victims in these cases may be store clerks, customers, passersby, or homeowners confronted by intruders. These shootings may be sudden, unpredictable, and often leave little time for victims to react.
Police-Involved or Wrongful Shooting Victims — Encounters with law enforcement sometimes escalate to shootings. These events may arise during routine traffic stops, arrests, or other enforcement actions. While many police officers are trained to manage potentially dangerous situations, there are instances where force is used inappropriately or misjudgments lead to serious or fatal injuries. Victims may include individuals suspected of a crime, as well as bystanders unintentionally caught in the encounter. These shootings often lead to public scrutiny and community-wide conversations about training, accountability, and policing methods.
Mass Shooting Victims — Public spaces become scenes of tragedy when a shooter opens fire on a crowd. Victims of these tragedies are often individuals who had no connection to the shooter and were simply present when the attack began. These events may involve a single gunman or multiple assailants, often using high-capacity firearms to inflict widespread harm in a short amount of time. The aftermath can be devastating not only for those physically injured but also for families, communities, and emergency responders.
Injuries Sustained by Shooting Victims
Gunshot Wounds Causing Paralysis or Amputation — Bullets can inflict devastating damage, particularly to the spine or limbs. Victims may end up paralyzed or require amputation, facing lifelong medical care and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Disfigurement and Scarring — These injuries frequently result in visible reminders, especially when the face is involved. Scarring and disfigurement often lead to emotional hardship and may necessitate multiple reconstructive procedures.
Internal Organ Damage — Critical organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or intestines can be harmed by gunfire. Such injuries pose serious health risks and can cause long-term complications.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD — Survivors frequently endure mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The experience of being shot or witnessing gun violence can trigger flashbacks and panic episodes.
Chronic Pain and Lasting Effects — Lingering issues like nerve damage or decreased mobility are common, even after physical wounds have healed. Many individuals deal with chronic pain that disrupts daily routines and demands continued care.
Death and Survivor Grief — The aftermath of a fatal shooting leaves families grappling with loss, funeral expenses, and the enduring grief that comes with losing a loved one.
Identifying Who Might Be Liable After a Georgia Shooting
The Shooter — In Georgia, the individual who fires the weapon—whether intentionally or accidentally—can be held legally responsible through a civil lawsuit. Under O.C.G.A. §§ 51-1-13 and 51-1-14, causing or attempting to cause physical harm is considered a tort, meaning the victim or their family can seek financial compensation in civil court.
In cases of accidental shootings, the shooter may also be held accountable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2. If the shooter failed to use reasonable care—for example, by mishandling a firearm, failing to secure it, or discharging it recklessly—they can be sued for negligence, even if they didn’t mean to cause harm.
Civil lawsuits do not require a criminal conviction and operate under a lower burden of proof. This gives victims an additional avenue for justice. If the shooter is identified, they may be held liable for medical costs, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other damages linked to the injury or death.
Property Owners And Businesses — Under Georgia’s premises liability law, O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners must keep their premises safe for people they invite or allow onto their property. If someone is shot in a location with a known history of violent incidents and the owner failed to provide adequate security—like working lights, cameras, or trained guards—they may be held responsible.
Employers — If a shooting happens at work, the employer may be liable if they ignored known threats or failed to respond to warning signs. This could include failing to remove a dangerous employee or not acting on repeated complaints. In some cases, the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11 applies, but it doesn’t prevent all third-party claims, especially when negligence goes beyond basic employment.
Gun Owners — A gun owner might be liable under Georgia’s negligence law, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2, if their failure to safely store or handle a firearm results in a shooting. This includes leaving a loaded gun accessible to minors or transferring a weapon to someone legally barred from possessing one.
Law Enforcement And Government Officials — Police-involved shootings are legally complex. While law enforcement officers in Georgia are protected by qualified immunity in many situations, they can be held liable under certain state laws if their conduct clearly exceeds legal limits.
Wrongful Death Cases
In Georgia, a wrongful death case arises when someone is fatally shot and their surviving family members seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. Unlike criminal charges, which aim to punish the offender, a wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by the family. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2), the family can recover the “full value of the life” of the deceased. This includes economic losses like future income and services, as well as intangible losses such as companionship and life experiences the victim will no longer enjoy.
The lawsuit is typically filed by a spouse, child, or parent of the deceased. If none are available, a representative of the estate may bring the claim. In many cases, a separate estate claim may also be filed to recover funeral costs, medical expenses, and any pain and suffering the victim experienced before death. Depending on the circumstances—such as whether the shooting occurred on someone else’s property—other legal theories like premises liability may apply. Because of the complexity and emotional weight of these cases, families should consult with a Georgia attorney to ensure their rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone sue after being shot in Georgia?
Yes. If someone’s negligence helped cause the shooting, victims may file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if the shooter was never arrested?
A civil case does not require a criminal conviction. Victims can still sue others who failed to prevent the violence.
Do families have rights if a loved one was killed?
Yes. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, family members may file a wrongful death claim for the full value of the life lost.
Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit?
Yes. Most shooting-related personal injury or wrongful death claims must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Do shooting victims have to testify in court?
Not always. Many cases settle before trial, though testimony may be needed if the case moves forward.
What if the victim was injured at work?
The case may involve Georgia workers’ compensation laws (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11), or a third-party lawsuit, depending on the facts.
Can victims recover money for emotional trauma?
Yes. Georgia law allows compensation for mental suffering under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-6 when linked to a violent event.
Can a landlord be held responsible?
Yes. If they failed to provide reasonable security and someone was shot on their property, O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 may apply.
What happens if the shooter was a police officer?
Liability depends on whether the force used was legally justified. State immunity laws apply and require case-specific review.
Are gun owners liable for unsecured firearms?
They may be if their carelessness caused someone to be harmed.
Additional Resources
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Gun Deaths in Georgia — This page from the Center for Gun Violence Solutions offers data about firearm deaths in Georgia, including homicides, suicides, and child fatalities. It includes statistics on demographic disparities, geographic trends, and the financial costs of gun violence within the state.
CBS News: 4 Dead, 9 Hospitalized After Shooting at High School in Georgia — This article from CBS News reports on the September 2024 school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where a 14-year-old student killed four people and injured nine others. It includes official statements, details about the victims and suspect, and outlines the timeline of the shooting as it unfolded.
DOJ: Office for Victims of Crime — This U.S. Department of Justice page provides an overview of resources available for crime victims, including how to apply for victim compensation, find local victim support programs, and learn about federal help for victims of mass violence or terrorism.
Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund: Georgia Mass Shooting Statistics — This page from the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund outlines statistics about gun violence in Georgia, including mass shootings and youth fatalities. It also shares details about legislation they support to prevent school violence and how Georgia residents can get involved in advocacy for policy change.
Hire a Child Injury Lawyer in Fulton County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
