A Pittsburgh area girl is recovering at an area hospital after a Halloween party this past weekend went horribly wrong. The 8-year-old was hurt after a partygoer, referred to as a relative, shot her with a shotgun. The man reportedly thought the girl, who was wearing a black costume, including a hat with a white tassel, was a skunk. The bullet wounded her in the shoulder.

According to what was told to the police by the woman who threw the party, someone told her that there was a skunk in the yard. As a result she asked her 24-year-old son to take care of it with a shotgun. When her son took the shot, the woman was holding a flashlight, shinning it on the hillside where the girl was located.

After the incident the young girl was taken via a helicopter to UPMC Children's Hospital. Though she was reportedly alert at that time, as of this past Monday, her condition was categorized as critical.

The incident is of course being investigated by local police. The Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation is assisting. Depending on what is uncovered it is possible that criminal charges could be filed.

It is also possible a civil personal injury lawsuit could be filed on behalf of the girl. This would especially be likely if the girl were to face a long period of recovery or lasting aftereffects. While these cases can be difficult to navigate, particularly when they are filed against friends or family, they can be necessary for the injured party to more easily move forward with his or her recovery.

Source: Timesonline, "New Sewickley shooting victim still in critical condition," Michael Pound, Oct. 22, 2012

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