World

Gun-Related Deaths Surge During the Pandemic

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2022

The number of deaths resulting from firearms has been consistently rising, with the peak occurring at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The CDC reported a worrying 35 percent increase from the previous years.

While gun violence and death have risen yearly, long before the pandemic, many people speculate that COVID-19 largely contributed to this increase. In fact, investigations have shown that difficult living conditions due to the onset of this pandemic lead to these staggering statistics. Social isolation, loss of employment, and economic instability also significantly contributed to the higher number of people purchasing firearms.

In addition, worldwide city lockdowns resulted in the use of lethal force by the police to restrain citizens, and long-term indoor confinement increased the cases of domestic violence. These facts can make the correlation between the pandemic and the uptick in gun crimes seem even more apparent.

Trends in Gun Violence

Investigations done by CDC officials revealed that the surge in gun deaths was observed primarily in poor counties across America. Areas and neighborhoods dominated by Hispanic, Black, and Native American individuals were reported to have the highest gun homicide rates. Reports also showed that the number of gun-related deaths among women had risen substantially.

Similarly, gun-related suicides also rose sharply, with significant increases among Native Americans and other minority groups. However, these figures were less than those of White men above the age of 50.

During an event to discuss crime, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti further explained how the pandemic could have caused an increase in gun homicides. He related the countrywide devastating mental health system, or lack thereof, as a significant contributor to the increased deaths.

The FBI reported new records of firearm background checks in 2020 as the pandemic saw millions of guns circulate throughout the American population. Reports have suggested that people might have been scared and felt the need to acquire guns for their own personal safety.

However, guns have been noted to endanger the members of the households which possess them. This is because they increase the probability of a gun homicide or suicide threefold compared to a home that does not have guns. Ironically, Americans can be more at risk by the very object thought and purchased to provide protection.

New Reforms

Congress is now keen on ensuring that solid gun control measures are in place. In an attempt to reduce the rates of firearm homicides, several research projects are in the works, and acts have been reinstated that aim to promote gun safety.

One of the policies currently being reworked includes the free distribution of lockboxes to help store firearms at home. This measure ensures that guns are only accessible by the right people at the right time.

With the pandemic slowly ending and people resuming their everyday lives, researchers hope that the number of gun-related deaths will decrease. Whether the pandemic was responsible for the surge in firearm homicides, gun deaths continue to be a significant challenge facing America.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.