I was shooting steel targets at 10 yards (too close). A jacket fragment splashed back and sliced the neck of the shooter in the next lane. He needed stitches and is suing me for medical bills and “pain and suffering.” The range told me, “Our insurance covers us, not you.”
Key Takeaways
- Range Waivers Protect the Range: The waiver you signed at the counter protects the business from you suing them. It does not protect you from other shooters suing you.
- Homeowners Liability applies: This is a classic “negligence” claim. Your homeowners or renters “Personal Liability” section is your primary defense. It covers bodily injury caused by you (non-intentionally).
- “Gross Negligence”: If you were violating range safety rules (e.g., shooting steel closer than the posted minimum distance), the insurer might try to argue “Recklessness,” but usually, stupidity is covered.
- Umbrella Policy: If the fragment hit his eye and blinded him, the lawsuit could be $2 Million. You need a Personal Umbrella Policy.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Assumption of Risk.”
While shooters assume some risk, they do not assume the risk of your negligence. If you load a double-charge or shoot unsafe steel, you created an undue hazard.
CCW Insurance (USCCA/US Law Shield) generally excludes this because it was not a self-defense incident. It was a sporting accident.
The Investigation (I Quoted Policies)
I checked who pays for a range accident.
USCCA / Self-Defense Plans
- Verdict: Denied. “This incident did not involve the use of force in self-defense.” (Note: Some specific “Gun Owner” liability add-ons might exist, check your specific policy).
State Farm (Homeowners)
- Verdict: Covered. “We cover personal liability for bodily injury caused by an accident.”
- Caveat: Must not be a “business pursuit” (e.g., you weren’t teaching a class for money).
The Range’s Policy (Lockton)
- Verdict: They might have “Participant Accident” coverage that pays small medical bills (MedPay) for injuries on the premises regardless of fault, but they won’t defend you in court.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | CCW Insurance | Homeowners Liability | Range MedPay |
| You shoot intruder | Covered | Denied | N/A |
| You accidentally shoot shooter | Denied | Covered | Maybe (Deductibles) |
| You shoot yourself | Denied | Denied (Health Ins.) | Maybe |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call “Cease Fire”: Secure the weapon. Render aid.
- Get Witness Statements: Get the RSO (Range Safety Officer) to write a report stating exactly what happened.
- Notify Homeowners Insurance: Do not wait for the lawsuit. Call them and say, “I was involved in an accident where someone was injured.”
- Preserve the Ammo/Target: Don’t throw away the steel plate or the rest of the ammo box. That is evidence.
- [IMAGE: Photo of a pitted steel target showing damage]
FAQ
Does the waiver I signed mean I can’t be sued?
No. You can always be sued. The waiver is a defense, not a shield.
What if I was using illegal ammo (tracers)?
The insurer might deny based on “Illegal Acts” if the ammo was prohibited by law in that area (fire hazard).