Should a friend have to pay medical expenses for shooting me in the neck?
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Should a friend have to pay medical expenses for shooting me in the neck?
About 3 years ago, a friend was playing around, being stupid, and accidentally shot me in the neck with a pellet rifle. The medical bills totaled up to about $1000 and he and his father promised to pay them. Bills came, no money. I let it go to not lose a friend over an accident. Same friend just screwed me out of $300 that I can do nothing about. Anything I could do about the money from him shooting me?
Asked on September 27, 2011 under Personal Injury, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you were shot, either negligently (unreasonably carelessly) or on purpose, the person injuring you should be liable for your medical bills (and lost wages, if any; and possibly pain and suffering); if they don't pay voluntarily, you could sue them. The problem is, however, there is a time limit for how long a person has to take legal action, or sue, called the statute of limitations; once the statutory time period has passed, you may no longer sue. The limitations period in GA for personal injury (e.g. being shot) is only two years from the date of the injury; therefore, if it's been "about 3 years," then it is very likely too late to sue. That said, sometimes the statutory period can be extended, or "tolled"; you should consult with an attorney immediately about your case in detail, to see if there might be any grounds to bring a suit after 3 years. Good luck.
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