How a Hunting Accident Lawyer Can Help You Win the Compensation You Deserve

Many people assume the majority of hunting injuries and fatalities are caused by accidental shootings. While gun safety is an important part of the sport, there are other types of hunting accidents that are equally dangerous. And, depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries. If so, hiring an experienced Michigan hunting accident lawyer is the best way to receive the settlement you deserve. 

With Michigan archery deer hunting season underway and rifle season fast approaching, here’s what you should know about staying safe and protecting your rights. 

The Most Common Hunting Accident

Contrary to popular assumption, the majority of hunting accidents are not caused by misfired guns or wayward arrows. Surprisingly, more hunters are injured in falls from tree stands than in gun-related incidents. In fact, tree stand accidents occur five times as often as accidental shootings.  

How do tree stand accidents happen?

Hunters fall from tree stands for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the hunter is responsible for the accident. Falling asleep in the tree stand, or failing to use caution when climbing up or down can cause a hunter to take a nasty fall.

Other hunters fall because they aren’t wearing a hunter safety system (HSS). Provided with most new tree stands, an HSS is a full-body harness that connects the hunter to the tree using a woven slackline. However, many hunters find these devices inconvenient and choose not to wear them.  

Other Types of Hunting Accidents

Hunters sustain serious injuries in situations other than tree stand falls and accidental shootings. Some of these include:

• Slip and falls on uneven or slippery terrain
• Heart attacks in locales not easily accessible to emergency medical help
• Auto accidents on the way to or from a hunting trip
• Alcohol-related accidents 
• Hypothermia in cold and wet weather conditions

Who is responsible for a hunting accident?

The answer to this question depends on several variables. To receive compensation, a victim has to prove their injuries resulted from negligence. The negligent party could be another person or the manufacturer of a defective product. 

For example, the victim of an accidental shooting may be able to sue the person who fired the gun if the incident resulted from reckless behavior.

In addition, if the gun malfunctions and someone is injured or killed, the manufacturer and/or seller may be found liable.

Further, if a hunter falls out of a tree stand that was defective or incorrectly assembled, the victim may be able to seek compensation from the tree stand manufacturer and/or party who assembled it. 

In all of these examples and more, hiring a knowledgeable hunting accident lawyer will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

10 Tips for a safe and enjoyable hunting trip 

1. Familiarize yourself with basic safety protocols via a formal hunter education class or other informational materials
2. Know the local and state hunting laws and regulations 
3. Make sure your weapons are in proper working order
4. Treat every gun as if it were loaded
5. Keep the safety on your firearm and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
6. Point the muzzle in a safe direction when not in use
7. Unload firearms and bows when traveling to a shooting area or climbing a tree or ladder 
8. Avoid alcohol and drugs while hunting
9. Wear proper footwear and weather-appropriate clothing
10. Wear a proper Hunter Safety System when utilizing tree stands

If you are injured in a hunting accident, contact us immediately. We know what it takes to win your case, and we are ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Hunting accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan hunting accident attorney is simple. 

Click the button below to fill out a brief form, or Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, remote no-obligation consultation from the safety of your home.