Boston Injury Lawyer Blog
According to media reports, 66-year-old Cheryl Blair is struggling to recover and battling an infection one week after she was accidentally shot by an off-duty state trooper on New Year’s Eve. Trooper John Bergeron was hunting at the time and made the mistake of thinking that one of her golden retrievers was a deer.
The Norton, Massachusetts injury accident happened as Blair was walking her dog in the woods behind her residence. Bergeron, who lives on the same street, fired one .50-caliber lead ball from his rifle. The lead ball, which ripped through her side, created a 10-inch wound. She was rushed to the ICU where she has since had to undergo surgeries.
Doctors expect to send her to a rehab center after her stay at the hospital. They also believe that she will continue experience chronic pain and may have a permanent limp.
Following the accidental shooting, Trooper Bergeron asked Blair why she hadn’t been using blaze orange, which is required clothing for hunters. Her husband, however, has said that because she isn’t a hunter, the requirement didn’t apply to her.
Norton police don’t plan to file criminal charges against Bergeron over the shooting. However, the accidental shooting is prompting some citizens to call for changes to the state’s hunting law. Currently, Massachusetts doesn’t mandate that a hunter get a landowner’s permission to hunt on private grounds.
Boston Personal Injury
If you or someone you love was seriously injured by another party, you may be able to file a civil case even if criminal charges aren’t filed. You should speak with an experienced Boston injury lawyer to explore your legal options. Claims can be filed if someone else was reckless, negligent, or acted with the intent to cause harm. Massachusetts has a modified comparative negligence system when it comes to compensation. For a party that was injured to recover any compensation he/she cannot be found 51% (or more) liable. If any liability less than that is placed on the victim, his/her recovery will be reduced by that percentage.
Shooting of woman spurs call to change hunting law, Boston Herald, January 3, 2012
More Blog Posts:
Boston Injuries Reported in 10 Segway Accidents in 2011, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, December 7, 2011
Hampshire County, Massachusetts Lawsuit in Phoebe Prince’s Bullying Settled for $225K, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, December 31, 2011
Cambridge, Massachusetts Tractor-Trailer Crash Causes Bicyclist’s Death, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, December 28, 2011
In Massachusetts, contact Altman & Altman LLP and ask to speak with an experienced Boston injury lawyer.
