Types of Gunshot Wounds That May Lead to Negligent Security Lawsuits in South Carolina
A brazen shooting at a restaurant, bar, or hotel can cause you to suffer various gunshot wounds. Different types of gunshot wounds can lead to different injuries that require distinct treatments and therapies. That being said, all gunshot wounds could potentially lead to negligent security lawsuits in South Carolina.
Penetrating Wounds
A penetrating wound occurs when a projectile enters the body and remains inside. There is no “exit wound,” and the presence of a bullet inside the victim can make treatment challenging. Doctors may need to extract the bullet, which can be both risky and complex.
Perforating Wounds
A perforating wound occurs when a projectile enters the body before exiting. With this type of gunshot wound, no bullet remains inside the body. Although doctors don’t need to worry about extracting a bullet in this situation, these types of wounds often lead to more blood loss and destroyed tissue.
Grazing Wounds
Generally speaking, grazing gunshot wounds are less serious than either perforating or penetrating gunshot wounds. This is because the bullet merely grazes the outer tissue without entering. For example, a bullet might graze the back of someone’s leg, causing only superficial damage rather than life-threatening injuries. That said, a grazing gunshot wound can be fatal if the projectile grazes and severs an artery.
Bullet Location and Velocity Also Matter
Aside from the type of gunshot wound, the severity also depends on the location of the impact and the velocity of the projectile. Velocity is a major factor, and high-velocity rounds can create a “cavitating” effect that warps tissue. For example, a high-velocity rifle round can cause major wound cavities that often prove fatal. The higher the round velocity, the more kinetic energy the victim experiences.
In addition, high-velocity rounds are more likely to tumble once they enter the body. These rounds might also fragment after striking bone, causing a wide range of impacts across the body.
The location of the impact also determines the severity of the wound. Most of the body’s vital organs are located in the “center mass,” the area above the hips and below the shoulders. An impact in this area could easily strike a vital organ, regardless of wound type or projectile velocity. An impact to the head is also often fatal.
That being said, impacts to the limbs can also be fatal. If a bullet strikes and severs an artery, the victim may only have a few minutes before they pass away from severe blood loss.
Can a South Carolina Negligent Security Lawyer Help Me?
No matter what type of gunshot wound you have suffered, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit in South Carolina. These kinds of lawsuits can hold property owners accountable for not doing more to protect you. Legal action can also provide you with the compensation you need to access effective treatment. Expand on this conversation by contacting the Charleston negligent security lawyers at Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.
Source:
orthobullets.com/trauma/1059/gun-shot-wounds
