A Case Study on Gun Accidents

Arvin Wilson S. Alba

2011-18060
On January 21, 2013, Takim Rashad Neal, then 17, was playing with a black .380 caliber handgun
while playing basketball with his friends in south Orlando, Florida. Then, the gun just went off and
Mario Whitehead fell down. The bullet tore into his right shoulder near his collarbone. He is now
completely paralyzed from the ribs down.

This example is a clear violation of all four cardinal rules of gun safety. Firstly, the gun was being
played with, when Neal should be treating all guns as if it is loaded. A loaded gun would never have
been treated as lightly. Next, Neal never kept in mind where the muzzle was pointing. Neal never
meant to injure Whitehead, and should he have been mindful where the muzzle was pointing, the
mishap would never have happened. Thirdly, Neal was not intending to shoot anything; however,
since his finger is on the trigger even the smallest surprise can cause a disaster. Lastly, Neal was not
aware of his surroundings; he should have chosen a safer place to play with his gun.

Even the presence of a gun can increase the danger of the environment. Extra care should be taken
when handling firearms. This is especially true when bringing a gun in a social event, and in a public
space. Failure to take precautions will result in extremely costly mishaps that may result in lives
wasted.

With the case of Mario Whitehead, he can now take baths and eat breakfast by himself. he goes to
school regularly. However, paralysis will entail repercussions for the rest of his life. He will have
difficulties finding jobs, doing work and even simple everyday chores will become difficult. While
Mario Whitehead has forgiven Neal, the extreme consequences of this accident entails a moral
obligation on Neals part to compensate for the privileges he has accidentally denied to Whitehead.
It can be clearly seen from this one case how lives can be hugely affected by the failure to use
common sense.

Guns are dangerous, and can be disastrous in the wrong hands. However, these cases does not
mean that society should ban the use of guns. Guns can be used in a much safer manner, and it is
wrong to deny gun enthusiasts the right to own a gun because of the failures of less capable people.
Someday, society will be able to figure out a plan to ensure that those who own or handle guns are
capable of doing so.