Washington DC Navy Yard Shooting Attorney
Representation for Victims and Families
Our Washington, DC wrongful death lawyers are prepared to help families who lost loved ones during the Navy Yard shooting in Washington, DC that occurred on Monday, September 16, 2013.
Reports have indicated that the negligence of multiple parties may have played a role in this incident. Our firm’s legal team can help families file wrongful death claims to hold these parties responsible for their negligence and financially liable for the damages endured by victims’ families.
Who can be held responsible?
In the aftermath of this tragedy, investigators have worked diligently to determine what happened on the day of the shooting and what transpired in the days, months, and years leading up to the event. Although investigations are still ongoing, questions have been raised as to whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
The circumstances and evidence obtained from investigations all point to the fact that many different parties failed in some way to recognize various warning signs about the Navy Yard Shooter, Aaron Alexis. In total, Alexis had a long, well-documented history of violence and mental instability that spanned nine years.
Preliminary investigations reveal that there are multiple potential theories of liability against the Federal Government and other companies involved in hiring and retaining Alexis, and allowing him to maintain a security clearance, including:
- Negligent hiring by the IT consulting company.
- Negligent retention and monitoring by the IT consulting company for failing to notify security officials of Alexis’ deteriorating mental state and allowing him to return to work despite his poor mental health and complaints of hearing voices.
- Negligent supervision by the Department of Defense for permitting Alexis’ to retain his security clearance despite his violent behavior and deteriorating mental health.
- Negligence of VA Hospitals and medical staff for failing to screen Alexis’ mental health, not performing psychological evaluations, and failing to intervene given Alexis’ poor mental state.
- Negligence or failures of the third-party company that conducted a background check on Alexis.
- Negligence of law enforcement officials in various U.S. states for failing to adequately build cases and prosecute Alexis. Alexis was arrested three times, had two encounters with police involving gunshots, and was cited three times for rash and violent behavior. Convictions could have potentially prompted anger management or mental health treatment and could have prevented Alexis from owning a firearm.
- Negligent and inadequate security at the Navy Yard on the day of the shooting.
Had the warning signs been noticed and appropriate action been taken by various parties with the authority to do so, this tragedy might have been avoided. You can learn more about the red flags in the Navy Yard shooter’s past on our blog.
Support & Representation from Proven Navy Shooting Yard Lawyers in Washington, DC
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. offers our sincere support to families who have had their lives forever changed by the Navy Yard shooting. By investigating these claims, we can work toward ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence and failures. Accomplishing this can help victims and families obtain the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve and can hopefully reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies happening in the future.
Our navy yard shooting attorneys in Washington DC have proven themselves as highly capable lawyers and are prepared to guide families through these difficult times. Throughout the more than 45 years that we’ve been representing victims in the DC metro area, we have successfully handled numerous cases involving negligence, inadequate security, and wrongful death.
If you would like to speak with a member of our legal team about your case and your right to pursue legal action, please do not hesitate to reach out to our firm. Call (202) 659-8600 to discuss your needs and schedule a free case evaluation. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
