If you are a victim of an assault, you should first go to a hospital to receive the proper medical treatment. You should then contact the police to ensure that your attacker is captured. If the attacker is captured, the local government will bring criminal charges. In addition to a criminal trial, you may also contact an experienced Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia personal injury lawyer to bring a civil suit and recover money for any injuries you received, including money to cover any medical costs and pain or psychological suffering. Such a personal injury attorney can help victims of premises liabilityor assaults including:
- sexual assault,
- inadequate security,
- sexual molestation,
- negligent hiring,
- a drunk-driving crash,
- a dram shop violation,
- school or campus violence,
- nursing home abuse,
- negligent release,
- financial fraud,
- or one of the numerous other types of crimes or torts that destroy victims lives
The Elements of an Assault Charge
To legally prove an assault occurred, you must show that the attacker placed you in a state of fear of being attacked. The attacker’s words are not enough to show that you were in fear of being attacked, but small acts such as the attacker showing you a gun or knife, are enough. It does not matter if the attacker was physically unable to attack you. But you do need to show that you were actually afraid that he was going to attack in order to find the defendant guilty of assault. For example, if someone holds a gun in a victim&;s face, he can be found guilty of assault even if the gun was not loaded.
It also does not matter whether the defendant ultimately attacked the victim, as any physical threat is enough to prove an assault. If the defendant actually attacked the victim, he may also be found guilty of battery, which is the harmful or offensive contact by the attacker with the victim’s person.
Civil Lawsuits for Victims of Crime
Contrary to the criminal justice system, the civil justice system works differently. It does not determine if the offender is guilty or innocent, nor does it imprison the offenders. Civil courts determine if the offender and/or third party are at fault for the injuries a victim has suffered as a result of the crime. Monetary compensation awarded in civil cases can help rebuild a victim’s life, even if it can never fully compensate for their loss.
Civil liability also motivates business owners, landlords, and proprietors to take steps to prevent crime on their property. If a public establishment has not taken proper securities measures, they can be held responsible if an incident arises.
If You Have Been Assaulted
If you are a victim of an assault, it is important that you consult a qualified Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland personal injury attorney to determine whether you may be able to pursue your claim. If you need assistance with your assault claim, a Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia personal injury attorney at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P. is available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
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