How Many Gun Injuries Happen Annually in the U.S.?

Every year, there are more gun injuries in the U.S., with statistics showing a continuous rise since 2009. The number of non-fatal gun injuries has increased by around 18% over the past decade, and the rate of fatal gun injuries has increased by nearly 25%. This makes gun violence one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in the U.S. and a significant public health concern.

Most gun violence in the U.S. occurs among young people between the ages of 15 and 24, accounting for over half of all gun injuries nationwide. While we have seen a wild increase in gun injuries among all genders, races, and age groups since Covid-19, the greatest increase seems to be among Black males. Experts have linked this increase to factors including increased access to guns, poverty, poor neighborhoods, and gang violence.

Officials hope that new legislation and safety requirements will help reduce firearm injuries. However, strengthening background checks, investing in community support programs, and implementing stricter gun laws can also help mitigate gun-related incidents and associated injuries.

You have the right to fair compensation for your pain and suffering if you’ve been injured in a firearm shooting, whether an accident or not. Call the gun injury experts at Torgenson Law for a free and confidential case evaluation.

How Many People Die from Gun-Related Injuries in the U.S. Each Year?

Gun-related injuries are a significant cause of death in the United States, and it only seems to worsen. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48,830 people died from a gun-related injury in 2021. These deaths included 26,328 suicides, 20,958 homicides, with all other deaths resulting from legal interventions and accidental shootings.

Studying the correlations between gun accessibility, injury, and death is a complex task that involves understanding cultural norms, economic policies, physical accessibility, and many other factors. However, the CDC report reveals some important behavioral trends. In 2021, the most frequent method of suicide was by a firearm (54%), and the most frequent method used in homicides was a handgun (71.2%).

What Share of U.S. Gun Deaths are Murders, and What Share are Suicides?

In 2021, nearly 49,000 people died from gun violence, with more than half resulting from suicide. According to the CDC, approximately 26,000 people in the U.S. died from gun suicide in 2021. This breaks down to about 56% of all gun deaths.

Firearms are the second leading cause of death for U.S. citizens between the ages of 1 and 18. Unfortunately, most gun-related deaths in this age group are from suicide, followed by homicide and unintentional injury.

Firearm homicides accounted for 20,958 deaths in 2021. This translates to approximately 40% of all gun deaths in that year and over 80% of all homicides. Homicide by firearm is the second-leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15 and 24. Most gun homicides occur in urban areas, particularly those with high poverty rates and gang-related violence.

Many gun-related deaths in the United States, whether homicide or suicide, are preventable. To begin to reduce gun violence in the U.S., strengthening gun laws, engaging in public health education initiatives, and investing in mental health services can all help curb the violent cycle.

Gun injuries can happen any time and affect every demographic. If you or a loved one has been the victim of gun violence or suffered an injury due to the negligence of a gun owner, call Torgenson Law to find out what steps you need to take to get compensation for your injuries. We can help you get your life back on track after a life-altering gun injury event.

Gun-Related Injuries in the U.S.

The rising number of gun injuries per year in the U.S. is a serious public health concern. According to CDC statistics, in 2017, there were 14,542 gun deaths in the U.S., consisting of 10,982 suicides, 4,479 homicides, and 81 unintentional deaths by firearms. That amounts to 3.22 gun deaths per 100,000 people.

In addition to deaths due to firearms, significant numbers of non-fatal injuries exist. Now, post Covid-19, those numbers seem to be climbing exponentially. Both homicides and suicides by firearm have dramatically increased, with numbers rising to 6.3 gun deaths per 100,000 in 2021.

Handguns cause the vast majority of gun injuries in the U.S. Their accessibility and the prevalence of gun violence in areas affected by poverty, and street crime contribute to the high rate of gun-related injuries. While it’s true that murders and suicides have increased, the number of accidental shootings is also on the rise.

Understanding the factors associated with gun-related injuries is important in preventing them. However, one thing is clear: gun-related injuries are a significant public health problem in the U.S., and the numbers are rising year after year.

Have You Been Affected by a Gun-Related Injury?

After suffering a gun-related injury, your first priority is getting well and taking care of your family. At Torgenson Law, we understand that the trauma caused by your incident never really goes away. Our team works with you to understand your injuries and damages, and we’ll work to secure adequate compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us online, or give us a call today at 602-726-0747.