Man shot in both arms at shooting range files lawsuit

Photo courtesy of yelp.com



SEATTLE -- Wade's Eastside Gun Shop and a husband and wife have been named in a lawsuit filed by a man who was shot in both arms while he was target shooting at the range.

The lawsuit alleges that Wade's and the husband, Ronald H. Doss, were negligent in an incident that took place at the range on June 22, 2011. The plantiff, Andrew Macklin Schroer, was with a friend at the range and in a shooting "lane." Doss was in the lane next to Schroer and was using a handgun that was "rather new" to him, court documents said.

As Schroer was raising his arms to shoot, Doss' gun fired and the bullet penetrated the foam divider between the lanes, striking Schroer in the right arm. The bullet traveled through his right arm and then struck his left arm.

The lawsuit alleges that Wade's was negligent in not having a safety officer present to monitor the range, providing a safety briefing to those using the range and screening customers for "basic knowledge" of handgun operation. It also alleges that no safety rules were posted at the range and that the foam partitions were "inadequate."

Damages awarded to the Schroer will be determined in a trial. Doss' wife, identified as "Jane Doe" in the lawsuit, is a co-defendant as the two have marital property that will play a role in determining the amount of monetary compensation Schroer may be due.

Schroer is seeking damages that include compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, disability, disfigurement and pain and suffering.