When you have children in your home, it is important to keep firearms locked up and safely hidden away. When a child has access to a firearm, they are a danger to themselves and others and can inflict serious harm without understanding the consequences.
If your toddler gains access to your loaded firearm and shoots someone, there are a few different things that could take place.
You May Be Held Liable
States vary when it comes to parental liability, but in most cases, parents
will be held liable for the harm their child inflicts. Parental liability
is much more likely if the child is a toddler, as the child did not obtain
the firearm through theft or force.
Certain states will take into account the means by which the child gains
access to the firearm, but in terms of a child of toddler age, there was
no ill intent on their part, so the parents could be held entirely liable
for the acts performed by the child.
You May Face Jail Time
If your toddler gains access to your loaded firearm and injures or kills someone, you may be facing jail time. Not only could you be charged with criminal negligence and endangerment of a child, but with assault or murder as well.
You May Be Ordered to Pay Restitution
Even if the police do not choose to charge you, the family of the injured or dead party can bring you to civil court. The job of the civil courts is to ensure proper restitution, so you may be ordered to pay medical bills, burial costs, and even for pain and suffering.
You May Lose Custody
Depending on the circumstances, you may lose custody of your toddler and any other children in your care. When a child can easily gain access to a loaded firearm, they are a danger to themselves and others. If a firearm is improperly stored, this can be seen as negligence and child endangerment, both of which can lead to loss of custody.
Firearms that are not stored properly can be deadly. To ensure the safety of your child and those around them, it is important to keep any firearms properly locked up and out of their reach. If your child gains access, the consequences can be irreversible, and you may be held criminally liable.
Contact Bryan Caulfield Today
Bryan Caulfield offers proven trial experience and is highly respected among Tampa personal injury attorneys. He is available 24/7 and is pleased to offer consultations in Bradenton, Lakeland, Sarasota and Seminole. His law firm has offices in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Spring Hill, New Port Richey and Rocky Point.
For a free and immediate consultation with Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer Bryan Caulfield, call him at 1-800-535-2529 orcontact Bryan online. You only pay a fee or costs once Bryan has won your case. If no recovery is made, you owe nothing.