The family of the 9-year-old Arizona girl who accidentally shot and killed her shooting range instructor released a statement saying they are “devastated” over the incident, describing it as a “life-changing tragedy.”
While it is not expected the girl or her family will face charges, the incident does raise questions about liability and how insurance will play a role in the damages suffered by shooting range instructor Charles Vacca’s family and the Arizona shooting range where he worked.
Vacca was shot in the head in August after showing the girl how to fire an Uzi, an Israeli-made 9mm submachine gun. The girl pulled the trigger and the gun jumped out of her left hand toward Vacca.
“They are dealing with this privately as a family,” said attorney Kevin Walsh on behalf of the 9-year-old’s family.
It recently emerged the 9-year-old, who was of legal age to handle the gun, told police she felt the Uzi “was too much for her.”
Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute, said fault will likely have to be established, as well as whether there were any problems with the firearm, before insurance can kick in.
Most shooting ranges do carry liability insurance, with coverage reaching $1 million to $3 million on average. There could also be insurance under workers’ compensation for the family of the instructor, and if Vacca carried life insurance, they may also find financial support there.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of investigating to see what happened,” Worters said. “They have the video was well, which will no doubt help.”
Initial media reports seem to indicate suspicion and fault lies with Vacca. No criminal charges are currently pending, but the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the shooting.
