When the negligence of an individual causes a head injury to another person, the long-term consequences for both parties can be significant. Head wounds sustained in car accidents, falls and other unfortunate situations can all cause brain trauma, which can lead to permanent disability. Brain injury victims may find their lives changed by events they had no control over.

This rings particularly true for the girlfriend of a Boston anti-crime street worker, who was allegedly accidentally shot in the head by her boyfriend on Jan. 20. The shooting, which took place at approximately 10:15 a.m., apparently happened while the street worker was cleaning his gun. According to reports, the 28-year-old suspect forgot to remove a shell from the chamber of the gun before beginning the cleaning process. The firearm was not licensed.

The man’s father is a well-known youth minister involved with an anti-crime outreach program designed to positively impact young people. He asserted that his son and his son’s girlfriend, who both lived in the residence in which the shooting took place, were “madly in love” with one another and that the incident had been an accident. He also maintained that his son knew it was wrong to possess an illegal weapon.

The woman, who was hospitalized, survived the initial head trauma but was reportedly still in a critical condition. Her boyfriend was taken into custody and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of an unsecured firearm in the presence of a minor. Depending on the results of the police investigation, the man may face further charges.

For brain injury victims, the effects of their wounds can be ongoing and can cause a significant change in the quality of their lives. Medical expenses can be overwhelming, particularly when long hospital stays are involved in the rehabilitation process. Individuals affected by the serious nature of brain trauma may be entitled to compensation.

Source (Previously Published Article): BostonHerald.com, “City street worker in gun ‘accident’,” Christine McConville, Jan. 21, 2013