By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Personal Injury Lawyer | Shin Law Office
High School Shooting Wrongful Death Lawyer Virginia | School Negligence Claims
When a mass shooting happens at a high school, the grief is overwhelming, and the questions are immediate.
Could this have been stopped?
And if so, who failed to act?
As a wrongful death attorney, I work with families who have lost children in the most devastating circumstances imaginable.
I help them do more than grieve; I help them hold people accountable.
Because in many cases, these tragedies weren’t random, they were preventable.
Negligence Isn’t Just a Mistake—It’s a Legal Breach of Duty
Schools must protect students. When that duty is ignored or performed carelessly, and someone is killed as a result, the school and possibly other parties can be held legally responsible.
Here are some of the most common failures we investigate:
- Ignored Warning Signs: Threats made by the shooter that went unreported or uninvestigated
- Inadequate Security: Unlocked doors, lack of secure entry points, or no threat detection measures
- School Resource Officer Negligence: Delayed response, failure to intervene, or complete absence
- Mental Health Failures: Missed red flags by school counselors or refusal to escalate concerns
- Training Gaps: Staff unprepared to respond to active shooter situations
Any of these lapses can form the basis of a wrongful death claim under Virginia law.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a School Shooting?
Each case is unique, but potential defendants may include:
- The school district
- The individual school administrators
- The resource officer or private security provider
- Mental health professionals who failed to act
- Parents or guardians of the shooter if they failed to secure weapons
In some cases, we also explore claims under federal law if civil rights violations or systemic failures are involved.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
Under Virginia’s wrongful death statute, families may be entitled to recover:
- Medical bills and funeral costs
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional suffering
- Lost future earnings and support
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct
These cases aren’t just about financial recovery—they’re about justice, reform, and making sure no other family suffers the same fate.
Why Families Choose Me
I understand the legal system—but more importantly, I understand people.
When you’re navigating shock, grief, and public attention, you need someone steady, strategic, and relentless in your corner.
I don’t offer false hope. I offer facts, options, and advocacy.
Let’s Have a Private, Honest Conversation
If you’ve lost a child in a school shooting in Virginia, you deserve honest answers.
And you don’t have to face this alone.
