Brooklyn, NY - Two Students, One Guard Shot Outside Williamsburg Charter High School

Shooting Outside NY High School Leaves Three Wounded

NBC News reported a shooting occurred outside Williamsburg Charter High School located at 198 Varet St, Brooklyn, NY 11206.

A large fight broke out during dismissal at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Gunshots were fired, and three victims were shot, including two students. A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were both shot in their legs, and the school security guard was grazed in the neck by a bullet. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police are still investigating the shooting to determine if the victims were targets or innocent bystanders. No arrests have been made, nor have suspects been identified. 

Can I Sue If Shot Outside a High School?

Attorney contributor Laurence Banville has spent years representing shooting victims across the state of New York. Laurence recently shared the legal options available for shooting victims, including when a victim could sue if shot outside a charter high school.

"In the wake of increased school shootings, there has been a significant focus on the legal responsibility of high schools to protect their students and staff from preventable dangers. Basic school security should include steps taken to prevent dangers, such as a shooting, from occurring."

"High schools and school districts have a legal responsibility to protect students and staff from foreseeable risks of harm, including shootings. When evaluating the legal duty of a high school, a court will consider if the school took reasonable steps to protect students and staff. Such actions could include increased security personnel and ample security cameras on campus. The failure of a high school to take reasonable steps to provide protection can result in liability for the school."

"High school shooting victims can file a civil lawsuit against a high school for negligent security. Negligence claims can be based on a variety of factors, including a failure to implement adequate security measures or adequately respond to a threat of danger. Premises liability claims allege that the high school breached its legal duty to keep the premises safe."

"High schools have a legal duty to protect students and staff from foreseeable risks of harm, including shootings. A victim must prove that the high school had prior knowledge of dangerous conditions or threats to safety and failed to take reasonable steps to protect students and staff. Victims and their families should speak with an experienced school shooting attorney to discuss their potential case and the best course for justice."

Sources:

NBC News