Kansas Firearm Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
Gun injuries are a serious issue across America, and Kansas is no exception. At Wallentine Injury Law, we treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve. Gun injuries can arise from a range of circumstances, including assault, accidental discharge, self-defense, and more. Regardless of the circumstances, the impact of a gun injury is often long-lasting for the injured individual, their family, or even bystanders.
Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an unexpected gun-related injury. You deserve the chance to focus on healing after such a traumatic event. Wallentine Injury Law follows a client-centered approach that provides compassionate legal representation when you need it most. Contact our experienced Kansas gun injury lawyers today to begin your path toward justice.
Kansas Gun Injury Statistics
While Kansas pales in comparison to Missouri’s gun injury statistics, any level of gun violence is a problem that must be addressed. According to USA Facts, an estimated 475 people died from gun-related injuries in Kansas in 2023 alone. That translates to approximately 16.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, compared to 13.4 per 100,000 who died in a motor-vehicle accident. Furthermore, an average of 45 children and teens die from gun violence each year in Kansas.
These death rates alone highlight the absolute devastation of gun injuries within the state; however, the consequences don’t end there. Gun injuries in Kansas cost the state an estimated $5.7 billion each year. Additionally, Kansas was given an “F” grade for gun regulation laws according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a national gun-safety nonprofit. The state received a ranking of 42 due to its weak legislative protections.
Gun violence and related injuries remain an obvious epidemic both in Kansas and nationwide. Pursuing a personal injury claim after such an incident not only helps victims seek justice but also brings greater public awareness to the consequences of negligence involving firearms.
Common Types of Gun Injuries
Gun-related incidents can result in a wide range of injuries, anywhere from minor to fatal, depending on the situation. At Wallentine Injury Law, we most frequently see the following types of gun injuries:
- Gunshot Wounds- These are the most common injuries in gun-related incidents. A bullet fired from a firearm can penetrate the skin, damage bones, or injure internal organs, leaving severe complications.
- Gun Misuse- The improper handling or use of a firearm often leads to gunshot wounds like those described above. Gun misuse can involve accidental discharge or failure to follow proper safety protocols. This form of negligence may cause harm to the shooter and/or nearby bystanders.
- Psychological Trauma- Both injured and uninjured victims of gun violence can experience post-incident psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, due to the horrid event.
- Wrongful Death- Tragically, some gun incidents result in loss of life. In these cases, it is vital to seek legal representation. This not only honors your loved one’s memory, but it also helps pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.
Kansas Gun Laws
As mentioned previously, Kansas ranks among the lowest states in the U.S. for gun control legislation. Unfortunately, these relaxed laws are often associated with higher rates of gun-related injuries compared to states with stronger regulations. While gun injuries can be caused by law-abiding citizens, looser restrictions also make it easier for firearms to fall into the wrong hands. No matter who caused your injury, Wallentine Injury Law is here to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
In essence, Kansas is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. This means that anyone who is of age and meets basic legal qualifications may lawfully possess and carry a concealed firearm without needing a permit or license. Moreover, background checks are not required for those engaging in private gun sales, nor do gun owners have to register their firearms or report lost or stolen guns.
Despite these lax standards, there are certain restrictions. Firearms may be prohibited in government buildings, secured public areas, or other designated locations. Additionally, several categories of individuals—such as convicted criminals, individuals with substance abuse issues, and those deemed mentally unfit—are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Here are a few specific Kansas statutes that may be relevant to your gun-related personal injury claim:
- K.S.A. 75-7c03- Recognition of licenses to carry from other states
- K.S.A. 75-7c04- Disqualifications, handgun safety and training courses
- K.S.A. 75-7c10- Restrictions on carrying concealed handguns
- K.S.A. 75-7c20- Concealed handguns in public buildings and public areas
Navigating gun laws in Kansas can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced gun injury attorneys are here to walk you through the legal process and explain any laws or statutes relevant to your case.
Liability in Kansas Gun Injuries
Kansas follows a comparative fault rule. This means that liability can be shared among multiple parties, and a plaintiff’s recovery is reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault, so long as their fault does not exceed 50%. Admittedly, plaintiff liability does not apply often in gun injury cases, but it is still important to be aware of, as it may occasionally apply.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we most often see these parties held liable in Kansas gun injury cases:
- Firearm Shooter- Unsurprisingly, the individual who fired the gun and caused injury is most often held liable due to negligence.
- Firearm Owner- If a gun owner fails to properly secure their firearm and it is accessed by an unauthorized individual who causes harm, the owner can be held responsible for that negligence.
- Firearm Seller- Licensed firearm dealers (unlike private sellers) are required to perform background checks on all firearm purchasers. If they fail to conduct a proper check, they can be held liable if the firearm is later used to inflict injury.
- Firearm Manufacturer- A gun manufacturer may be held liable if a defect in the firearm contributed to the incident.
Compensation in Kansas Gun Injuries
Victims of gun injuries in Kansas may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages through a personal injury claim. These damages can include both economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Medical Expenses- Coverage for any bills associated with the treatment of the injuries resulting from the gun incident.
- Lost Wages- Compensation for income lost due to time away from work, as well as any reduction in future earning capacity caused by the injury.
- Pain and Suffering- Compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the injury and traumatic event.
- Punitive Damages- Damages aimed to punish the defendant for particularly negligent or egregious actions.
Contact Wallentine Injury Law
Gun injury claims can be notably more complex and challenging compared to other personal injury cases. However, with the right legal team on your side, you don’t have to worry about anything except your healing process. Wallentine Injury Law is here to listen and encourage you every step of the way.
Call today at 913-934-6333 or contact us online for a free consultation. We will protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve after a Kansas gun injury.
