Hunting Accident Attorneys in Jackson

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Thanks to Mississippi’s beautiful weather, varied terrain, and its range of wild game, the state is something of a hunter’s paradise. While Mississippi has embraced hunting as its favorite recreational sport, it can pose a serious risk.

According to the latest information from the International Hunter Education Association, the U.S. and Canada suffer from roughly 1,000 hunting accidents each year. Nearly 100 of these are fatal.

If you or someone you love was injured while hunting, talk to a Jackson hunting accident lawyer at ‘MAGGIO LAW. If another person or company is responsible, you could be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses or losses. Our lawyers can help you understand your rights and options during a confidential, free consultation.

Call (601) 265-6869 to find out whether you have a case, and what it’s worth. We’re here to help!

Mississippi Hunting Accidents

According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, 26 hunting accidents occurred in Mississippi in 2013-2014. In just the first three months of the 2014-2015 hunting season, a dozen hunting accidents occurred. Data indicated that tree stands were the leading cause of hunting accidents in Mississippi, but firearms themselves still contributed to many of the state’s accidents.

Compound these statistics with the fact that the state already has one of the highest gun death rates in the country, and it is clear that Mississippi hunters need to remain cautious and vigilant at all times.

The Importance of Firearm Safety While Hunting

Gun safety is a critical part of preventing firearm deaths as a whole, including fatal hunting accidents. While hunters are required to take mandatory hunter safety courses, gun accidents continue to occur each and every year. Accidental firearm discharges and negligent bow and arrow handling are a frequent cause of hunting injuries, and these are easily prevented with proper safety procedures.

Other situations are more complicated, such as a recent story where a hunter was shot by a fellow hunter. The hunter who was shot was not wearing protective orange safety gear, making him difficult to spot and increasing the risk of a shooting accident.

The following are examples of hunting accidents:

• Firing into a wooded area without aiming at a clear target
• Shooting near populated areas, roads, or buildings
• Running or climbing with a loaded firearm
• Carrying a weapon without engaging the safety when firing is not intended
• Defective or improper use of a tree stand

Hunting Safety Tips

Since tree stands and unsafe firearm habits are the leading causes of hunting accidents, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips on how to prevent these kinds of accidents.

For tree stands, Mississippi hunters can reduce their risk of an accident by:

• Only using factory manufactured tree stands on healthy, non-diseased trees
• Carefully inspecting the tree stand, safety harness, and fastener before each use
• Removing debris near the base of the stand
• Using a haul-line to bring equipment up to a stand, rather than climbing with a firearm
• Wearing a harness in accordance with proper safety procedures

For gun safety, hunters should take care to follow the so-called “10 Commandments of Firearm Safety.” These guidelines advise hunters to engage in safe firearm handling techniques that reduce the risk of a needless gun accident.

Talk to Our Jackson, MS Hunting Injury Lawyers

Even when we take proper safety precautions, hunting accidents happen. When they do, we must consider our options in holding at-fault parties accountable. This may be another hunter or perhaps the manufacturer of a defective firearm or tree stand. Identifying fault and pursuing maximum compensation can offer a victim an invaluable opportunity at a more stable future, and that is our goal here at ‘MAGGIO LAW.

Call (601) 265-6869 or contact us online for your free consultation!