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South Carolina Shootings Injury Lawyer
Helping victims of shootings and firearm-related injuries
Shootings can be among the worst outcomes of negligent security. Negligent security issues occur when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. This can include crimes such as assault, robbery, or sexual assault.
Here at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina negligent security attorneys have the experience to hold property owners accountable when people like you are injured or harmed. We have secured millions in personal injury settlements and jury verdicts for our clients and hold property and premises owners responsible when their lack of accountability results in harm to customers, clients, and guests.
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What is negligent security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability that arises when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. This can include crimes such as assault, robbery, or shootings.
To establish a claim for negligent security, the victim must prove that:
- The property owner or manager had a duty to provide security measures.
- The property owner or manager breached that duty by failing to take reasonable security measures.
- The victim was injured as a result of the breach of duty.
- The victim's injuries were foreseeable.
Some common examples of negligent security include:
- Lack of security guards or other staff
- Inadequate lighting
- Broken locks or security systems
- Poorly maintained fences or gates
- Failure to remove known hazards
Where do most shootings happen?
South Carolina is an open-carry state, and we are very close to becoming a permitless carry state as well. According to the Longview News-Journal, citing data from the RAND Corporation, “approximately 45.0% of households in South Carolina own at least one gun, the 20th highest gun ownership rate among the 50 states.”
We point this out because a shooting can happen anywhere. There have been at least nine mass shootings in South Carolina in 2023 so far, and we may see an increase in firearm accidents, injuries, and deaths if permitless carry becomes the law.
Shootings can occur in or near:
- Commercial properties. This includes businesses, restaurants, bars, and other places where people are likely to gather.
- Residential properties. This includes apartment complexes, condominiums, and other places where people live.
- Educational facilities. This includes colleges, universities, teaching hospitals, and schools – primary, middle, and high.
- Public spaces. This includes parks, sidewalks, and other areas that are open to the public.
If you have been injured because of negligent security, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner or manager. An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a case and can represent you in court.
How does negligent security lead to shootings?
Negligent security can contribute to shootings or acts of violence by creating an environment where criminals are more likely to carry out such acts or by failing to prevent foreseeable harm.
If a property owner fails to implement reasonable security measures, such as installing surveillance cameras, proper lighting, access controls, or security personnel, it can create an environment that is attractive to criminals. Insufficient security may make it easier for individuals to bring weapons onto the premises or carry out acts of violence without being deterred or detected.
Negligent security can also involve a failure to monitor the premises effectively or respond promptly to potential threats. For example, if a business or establishment does not have adequate surveillance or security personnel, they may not be able to identify and intervene in escalating situations that could lead to violence or shootings.
Negligent security may occur if a property owner or occupier is aware of previous incidents of violence, threats, or criminal activities on or near the premises but fails to take appropriate action. Failing to address known risks or not implementing reasonable security measures to prevent such incidents can increase the likelihood of shootings.
Further, if security personnel (if present) are not trained in threat assessment, conflict resolution, or emergency response, it can contribute to situations escalating into violence. Without the necessary training and protocols, security personnel may be ill-equipped to handle potential threats effectively.
Finally, negligent security may involve a failure to enforce firearm regulations, such as allowing unauthorized individuals to carry firearms or neglecting to implement proper checks and controls. This can increase the risk of shootings occurring on the premises.
Who is liable for my South Carolina shooting injuries?
The liability for your South Carolina shooting injuries depends on the specific circumstances of the case. In general, the person who shot you is liable for your injuries. However, there are other parties who may also be liable, such as the property owner or manager if the shooting occurred on their property and they failed to provide adequate security.
To determine who is liable for your shooting injuries, speak to a South Carolina attorney who can review the facts of your case and advise you on your legal options.
Here are some factors that will be considered when determining liability for a shooting:
- The relationship between you and the person who shot you.
- The location of the shooting.
- The security measures in place at the time of the shooting.
- The actions of the property owner or manager, if applicable.
If you can prove that someone is liable for your shooting injuries, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you have been the victim of a shooting in South Carolina, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person who shot you or any other parties who may be liable. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you determine whether you have a case and can represent you in court.
Do you have a negligent security attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Experienced South Carolina firearm and shootings attorneys
If you were injured in a shooting because of negligent security, talk to the attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today. We have decades of experience protecting people just like you and have the resources to hold the right people accountable. We can handle the most complex cases throughout the state and are ready to help you. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, proudly serves people throughout South Carolina.