Florida's Child Access Prevention Law

Guns for hunting or protection are very common possessions in the US; researchers estimate that about one third of American homes include some kind of firearm. Unfortunately, if these weapons are not carefully stored, they can cause tragic accidents – particularly when minors are involved. Florida was one of the first states to pass a Child Access Prevention (CAP) law, which holds adults responsible for keeping their weapons out of the hands of children.

If you or a member of your family has been injured by a poorly stored gun, you may be able to pursue legal action against the negligent party. The Tampa personal injury lawyers of Beltz & Ruth, P.A. will fight aggressively for fair compensation on your behalf. Call our offices today at 1-800-235-8978.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

When you purchase a firearm, you are taking on many responsibilities towards the safety of people around you. Under the CAP law, this includes the responsibility to make sure children under the age of 18 cannot access your weapon. This may include storing them in a secured locker, a room with reliable locks, or another method that can reasonably be expected to keep children away.

If a person violates this law and a child obtains one of his or her weapons, he or she can be prosecuted in a criminal court. A violation of CAP is generally a misdemeanor if no one has been hurt, or a felony if the child injured himself or another person.

A gun accident involving minors can have civil as well as criminal penalties. Adults who fail to secure their weapons are considered liable for any injuries that result. If your life has been affected by a gun owner’s negligence, a Tampa child injury attorney from our firm can help you seek justice.

Contact Us

At the offices of Tampa child gun accident lawyers Beltz & Ruth, P.A. we are committed to maintaining a safe community for children and adults. To learn how we can help you build and present a legal claim, contact us at 1-800-235-8978.