Crime Victim Attorneys announced in October 2026 that it has expanded its online information concerning civil legal options for shooting victims in California, providing material that explains how negligent-security and premises-liability issues may be evaluated separately from criminal proceedings. The update is intended to provide general information about the legal framework that can apply when a shooting occurs on residential, commercial, or other managed property.
“Crime Victim Attorneys is publishing these materials to explain the civil issues that may arise after a shooting and the types of facts attorneys examine when evaluating a potential claim,” said Michael Haggard, Esq., Managing Partner. “The information also distinguishes a civil investigation from the separate criminal process associated with an incident.”
The updated materials address circumstances in which a shooting may lead to questions about the conduct of a property owner, property manager, business operator, or security provider. Civil litigation in these matters can examine whether a party had a legal duty under the circumstances, whether reasonable measures were taken in response to known conditions, and whether an alleged failure contributed to an injury or death. The existence of a shooting by itself does not establish civil liability.
California negligent-security matters are governed by state law and depend on the facts associated with an individual incident. Courts may consider foreseeability, prior incidents, property conditions, security procedures, access controls, lighting, surveillance systems, and other evidence when disputed issues are presented in litigation. Crime Victim Attorneys states in its legal resources that California matters handled by the firm involve locally licensed counsel where required because Haggard is licensed in Florida rather than California.
Civil claims also operate independently from criminal prosecutions. A criminal proceeding focuses on alleged violations of criminal law and potential penalties imposed by the government, while a civil proceeding may examine whether another person or entity bears legal responsibility for losses associated with an incident. The outcome of one proceeding does not automatically determine the outcome of the other.
Evidence in a civil shooting case can include police reports, witness statements, surveillance recordings, property records, incident histories, security contracts, maintenance documents, photographs, and medical records. Attorneys may also investigate whether earlier events or reported conditions are relevant to the foreseeability analysis required under applicable law. The significance of each category of evidence depends on the circumstances and the legal standards governing the property and parties involved.
The firm’s materials also describe procedural deadlines that may apply to California civil claims. Its California information states that personal injury and wrongful-death matters are generally subject to statutory filing periods, while matters involving government entities can involve separate administrative notice requirements. Specific deadlines depend on the nature of the claim, the identity of the parties, and other facts, so the published information does not establish a deadline for an individual matter.
Crime Victim Attorneys publishes information about civil claims arising from violent incidents, including shootings and other alleged crimes occurring on managed properties. Its shooting-victim materials discuss premises liability, negligent security, wrongful death, and the relationship between property conditions and civil responsibility. The resources state that legal conclusions depend on the evidence associated with each incident rather than the occurrence of a criminal act alone.
Michael Haggard serves as Managing Partner of The Haggard Law Firm, which was established in 1972 and handles civil matters involving personal injury, wrongful death, negligent security, premises liability, and crime victims. Haggard joined the firm after work as a public defender and at a personal injury practice and was named a partner in 2001. His professional biography identifies negligent security, wrongful death, unsafe premises, and related civil litigation among his areas of practice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_aq1cPr6Y
The expanded California material forms part of the organization’s broader publication of information concerning civil remedies available after violent incidents. Additional background concerning the firm, its attorneys, and its published materials is available through the visit website resource.
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For more information about Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, contact the company here:
Haggard Crime Victim Attorney
Michael Haggard, Esq.
(305) 446-5700
Michael@crimevictim.attorney
