Caught in the Crossfire of a Gang Shooting in South Carolina: Can I Sue?

In early August of 2025, Fox Carolina reported that police were continuing to investigate a shooting in the parking lot of Haywood Mall in Greenville. The incident claimed the life of an 18-year-old, although officials say that the gunshot wound might have been self-inflicted. Regardless, average people are facing serious threats in mall parking lots throughout the state. What happens if you get caught in the crossfire? Can you file a negligent security lawsuit in South Carolina?

Potential Damages Associated With Crossfire Injuries 

Crossfire injuries can lead to various damages in South Carolina. Even a grazing gunshot wound can lead to serious medical bills. If the bullet hits an artery, a victim may suffer serious blood loss and potentially fatal consequences. Even for minor gunshot wounds, first responders will likely rush victims to the nearest emergency room. Ambulances are more expensive than many realize, and victims may be on the hook for these expenses.

More serious gunshot injuries can lead to lasting medical issues. In particular, an impact to the spinal cord may cause partial or total paralysis. This may require a lifetime of rehabilitation, expensive treatments, surgeries, and so on. In addition, a total disability may end your career, leading to decades of lost wages you could have earned.

Gunshot wounds might also cause damage to internal organs. Depending on the severity of the impact, this may require transplants and extensive surgery. In some cases, the organ may be so damaged that it must be removed. This could also lead to a lifelong disability.

Finally, gunshot wounds may cause disfiguring injuries. Impacts to the head or facial area could lead to serious scarring and blemishes. These injuries can occur even after impacts from shrapnel (bullet fragments).

Another example of non-economic damages is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The memories of the shooting may cause nightmares, flashbacks, social reclusion, intrusive thoughts, and many other consequences.

What Do I Need to Prove in a Negligent Security Claim? 

In the case of a mall parking lot shooting, you may need to prove that similar shootings have occurred at the same mall in the past. If this is the case, you could argue that the mall owners became aware of the safety issue. The next step is to establish that the mall took insufficient steps to address the safety issue. An experienced negligent security lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Can I File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in South Carolina? 

If you were struck by crossfire in a mall parking lot, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit in South Carolina. Malls have a legal responsibility to keep the premises safe, and this certainly extends to their parking lots. To explore this possibility in more detail, consider speaking with an experienced negligent security lawyer. Contact the Charleston negligent security lawyers at Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC for more information.

Source:

 foxcarolina.com/2025/08/04/man-dead-after-haywood-mall-parking-lot-shooting-officials-say/