If my wife was shot when passing a crime scene, do we have any legal recourse?

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If my wife was shot when passing a crime scene, do we have any legal recourse?

My wife was driving by a police scene. The cop at the intersection waved her to pass by and when she did she was shot by a stray bullet. She has permanent nerve damage in her leg and a huge scar on her abdomen. Is there any legal action we can pursue as a result of police having a shoot-out in a residential area or negligence of the police letting her enter the area? Should we speak to a personal injury attorney? In Harris County, TX.

Asked on September 20, 2010 under Personal Injury, Texas

Answers:

Richard Weaver / The Weaver Law Firm

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

I recommend speaking to a Houston personal injury attorney.  I have a few additional questions before I can answer fully. Please call to discuss

R.D. Weaver

Attorney At Law

713-572-4900

www.ahoustonpersonalinjurylawyer.com

Nationwide Representation

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

It would be advisable to speak with a personal injury attorney.  Your wife may have a claim for negligence against the police for allowing her to enter that area where the gunbattle was occurring.  Prior to filing a lawsuit against the police, a claim would need to be filed with the city in which the incident occurred.  The claim must be filed prior to the deadline.  If the claim is filed prior to the deadline, it will probably be denied by the city.  After the claim has been denied, your wife can file her lawsuit for negligence against the police.  If the case can be settled with the insurance carrier for the police, that option should be considered prior to filing the lawsuit provided that can be done without the statute of limitations expiring.  If the case is not settled, the lawsuit must be filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations or your wife will lose her rights forever in the matter.

Your wife should obtain her medical bills and medical reports and document any wage loss.  The medical reports will document the nature and extent of her injuries and will be used to determine the amount of compensation she receives for pain and suffering.  Compensation for pain and suffering is an amount in addition to the medical bills.  Compensation for the medical bills and wage loss is straight reimbursement.  Her claim should include the medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering and any wage loss.

In addition to the personal injury lawsuit, your wife should contact the District Attorney's office to press criminal charges against the shooter.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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