If you were injured by an unintended discharge, often referred to as a “misfire,” you may be entitled to pursue legal action against the parties responsible, including the manufacturer, distributor, or, when applicable, the manufacturer of an aftermarket trigger.
The liable party in your case depends on the specific defect that caused your injury or resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one. The attorneys at Wheeles Garmon are here to answer any questions you may have about aftermarket trigger liability and other issues relating to defective firearm claims.
Our attorneys bring extensive experience in defective firearms and wrongful death litigation, providing clients with personalized, effective advocacy through every stage of a claim. Schedule a free consultation.
When Aftermarket Triggers Go Wrong
Many firearm owners install aftermarket triggers to change how their firearm feels and performs. But these components can create serious safety risks when they are defectively designed, negligently installed by a third party, or sold without adequate warning about compatibility with a specific firearm model.
Common failure modes of aftermarket triggers include:
- Unintended discharges: A defective or overly sensitive trigger may cause a firearm to fire when the shooter does not intend to pull the trigger.
- Trigger failures: Problems with the trigger mechanism may cause it to stick, fail to reset, or behave unpredictably after firing.
- Broken parts: Internal components like springs, pins, or connectors can wear out or fail unexpectedly.
- Defective Trigger Safeties: The aftermarket trigger may contain a trigger safety that is defectively designed or manufactured to the point that the gun will fire if dropped.
- Safety problems: An aftermarket trigger may interfere with built-in safety features, allowing an unintended discharge that the safety should have prevented.
- Installation or design defects: A trigger that is negligently installed by a third party, or that is defectively designed for compatibility with a specific firearm model, may fail to reset after a shot, prevent the safety from engaging, or allow the firearm to fire without a proper trigger pull.
These issues are just a few examples of the many common firearm defects that may lead to serious injuries and potential product liability claims.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Faulty Aftermarket Trigger?
Liability for a defective aftermarket trigger can extend to several parties, including:
The Trigger Manufacturer
The company that designed and made the aftermarket trigger may be held responsible if the part was defective. A manufacturer has a responsibility to create products that are reasonably safe when used as intended. If a flaw in the trigger’s design or manufacturing caused it to fail, the trigger manufacturer may be liable for the resulting injuries.
An Aftermarket Part Distributor
Distributors and sellers may also share responsibility if they supplied a defective trigger to customers. If a distributor sold a part with known safety concerns or failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the product was safe, they may be held accountable for injuries caused by the defect.
Third-Party Installer
An individual or business that installs an aftermarket trigger may be liable if the installation was done incorrectly or created an unsafe condition. Firearm modifications require careful attention to detail, and mistakes during installation can affect how the trigger functions and whether safety features work properly.
An experienced defective firearms attorney can investigate your case to identify all liable parties and help you pursue the legal options available under the law.
Protect Your Rights After a Faulty Aftermarket Trigger Accident
If you or someone close to you was injured in an accident involving a faulty aftermarket trigger, the steps you take immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on a potential legal claim.
If possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Your health and safety come first: Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt treatment is not only crucial to your well-being, but it also helps establish a record of care that will play an important role in a product liability claim.
- Preserve evidence: Keep the firearm, aftermarket trigger, ammunition, spent shell casing, holster, and any other related items in a safe place. Avoid making changes or repairs that could affect an investigation.
- Document what happened: Write down details about the accident while they are fresh in your mind: how the firearm was being used, what happened before the trigger failed, and any details about the aftermarket trigger or modifications.
- Avoid discussing the accident publicly: Be careful about posting details online or making statements that could be used against you later. Even a seemingly innocent post or remark could have an unintended effect on a potential legal claim.
One of the most important steps you can take is to consult with an experienced defective firearm attorney as soon as possible after your accident. A lawyer with in-depth knowledge of aftermarket trigger defects can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation available under Alabama product liability law.
Get Legal Help from Lawyers Who Know Firearms
At Wheeles Garmon, we combine deep legal knowledge with real-world firearm experience and technical knowledge regarding faulty aftermarket triggers and other defective gun parts.
If you or a loved one was injured and you suspect a gun defect was to blame, we are here to help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us to arrange a complimentary legal consultation with an experienced firearm defect attorney.