Many people do not realize that Louisiana ranks among the highest states for gun violence, but the question remains: why? This issue was discussed recently by a panel of experts during the “Gun Violence in Louisiana” symposium held by the Center for Louisiana Studies.
Louisiana had its fair share of gun violence this summer, with the shootings at Grand Theater and in the north side of Acadiana. Although at the national level and in Louisiana, overall crime has decreased, in impoverished neighborhoods of the state, it has not, and many of the victims are young men. Homicides alone jumped 35 percent within the last year, even though Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.
The Link Between Gun Violence and Personal Injury
Researchers have evaluated the relationship between gun ownership and injury outcomes, including the risk of a violent death in the home. They found that, where there was a gun in the home, the risk of suicide was five times as likely and risk of homicide three times as likely. Even the association between purchasing a handgun and the risk of a violent death is a strong one; researchers specifically found that a history of family handgun purchases was associated with a higher risk of both suicide and homicide.
Although many personal injury claims are filed over car accidents, falls on property, etc., sometimes personal injury lawsuits are filed over intentional acts as well. Specifically, victims of assault or battery have a right to sue and seek compensation and other damages for any injuries suffered, where assault covers any intentional act meant to cause a reasonable apprehension of imminent and harmful contact (for example, threatening to hurt you by hitting you, pointing a gun in your face, etc.) and battery describes the offender making actual harmful contact with the victim (pushing, punching, shooting, etc.). In these cases, no actual physical injury is necessarily required, even though there can still be medical bills and pain and suffering. And in addition to any personal injury claims, assault and battery can also be prosecuted in a criminal case by the government.
Harrell & Nowak
Personal injuries happen all the time simply because some else was careless in what they did or how they acted. And many of these personal injuries could have been prevented by the wrongdoer simply taking reasonable and common sense steps. The personal injury attorneys at Harrell & Nowak have helped many victims in New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, and throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries. Our accident lawyers will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair recovery if your injury has been caused by some else not being responsible. Please contact us today for a free consultation.