Hunting Accidents in Nebraska

Nebraska is an excellent place for hunting, thanks to its supply of big game, waterfowl, wild turkeys, and more. Hunters can enjoy the sport throughout the fall and winter, depending on the types of game they hunt.

Most hunters are passionate about their sport and take care to follow gun safety guidelines while hunting. However, accidents happen, and, unfortunately, hunting-related accidents often result in fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accidental shooting in Nebraska, it may be time to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced injury lawyer can help you understand your options, build your case, and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Nebraska Hunting Accident Statistics

A hunting-related shooting incident (HRSI) is defined as “an occurrence when a person is injured as the result of the discharge of a sporting arm while hunting or trapping.”

In 2022, Nebraska experienced 5 hunting-related accidents. This is down from the 2021 total of 8 shooting accidents. Both years saw one fatality as a result of these accidents.

Nebraska has seen 9 hunting accident deaths since 2013.

Most Nebraska hunting accidents happen when one hunter shoots a member of their own hunting party. Another large percentage are self-inflicted injuries.

All 2022 hunting accident injuries were inflicted by rifles. From 1958-2022, the most common weapons used in shooting accidents were shotguns, rifles, and handguns.

More than 60% of Nebraska hunting accidents involve people between the ages of 10-29. Teens are the most likely group to be involved in hunting accidents.

Men are far more likely to be involved in a hunting incident than women.

Hunter Safety in Nebraska

Hunter education is required for prospective hunters between the ages of 12 and 29 who wish to hunt using a firearm or airgun. Bowhunter education is required for people 12-29 who wish to hunt using a bow and arrow or crossbow.

Hunter ed courses are offered through the state of Nebraska and the International Hunter Education Association.

Hunting licenses and permits are required for both big game and small game.

Any hunter under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a licensed hunter aged 19 or older.

To avoid injuries and fatalities, follow these gun safety tips from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF):

• Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction
• Know what lies in front of and beyond your target
• Don’t rely on your gun’s safety feature
• Unload guns when not in use
• Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting

Other hunting safety tips include:

• Always wear hunter orange while in the woods
• Always identify your target before putting your finger on the trigger
• Assume every gun is loaded and act accordingly
• Know the hunting seasons for each type of game
• Obey local wildlife and firearm safety laws
• To avoid tree stand accidents, practice using your stand at ground level first

Common Hunting Accident Injuries

• Puncture wound from bullets or arrows
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures or broken bones

Common Causes of Nebraska Shooting Accidents

According to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the most common causes of hunting accidents include:

• Victim covered by shooter swinging on game
• Victim out of shooter’s sight or standing in line of fire
• Falling accidents
• Loading or unloading firearms from vehicles
• Riding in vehicles with loaded firearms

Most hunting accidents can be avoided by carefully following hunting safety rules. 

What to Do After a Hunting-Related Shooting Incident in Nebraska

If someone in your hunting party is injured in an accident, take the following steps:

• Check for injuries
• Call 911 for medical attention as soon as possible
• Report the accident to law enforcement
• Record what happened in writing
• Speak to any witnesses to the accident and record their accounts
• Consider contacting an injury attorney

How a Nebraska Injury Attorney Can Help

If you were injured in a shooting accident, it’s possible that an individual or manufacturer was either partially or fully responsible the incident. Some examples of negligence include: 

• The shooter did not follow hunter safety guidelines
• The shooter was impaired by drugs or alcohol
• The firearm was not stored properly
• The weapon was defective

A personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case. If someone else is at fault for your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Every case is different, so the damages you will be able to seek will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident. You may be able to receive compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Emotional anguish
• Funeral expenses if the accident resulted in a fatality

Your hunting accident may have left you feeling like life will never be the same. An Advocate will be by your side to listen to your story, help you access the resources you need, and receive the compensation you deserve.

You deserve an attorney who truly cares about you, your family, and your recovery. You deserve an Advocate.