If You Were the Victim of Assault, You May Be Able to File a Civil Claim for Damages

 Posted on July 16, 2021 in Personal Injury

Being the victim of an assault, battery, mugging, rape, or other act of physical violence is one of the most life-changing experiences a person can have. A victim may suffer from debilitating physical and emotional pain as a result of the experience. They may also be forced to contend with significant financial losses from missed work and medical bills. If you or a loved one were assaulted or otherwise harmed by another party’s intentional actions, it is important to explore all of your legal options. You may be able to file a personal injury claim for monetary damages in addition to any criminal charges the perpetrator faces.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Perpetrator

Criminal charges against an individual who intentionally injured someone else may punish the perpetrator for his or her actions, but the charges do not compensate the victim in any way. Consequently, many people who are harmed in a violent act wonder if they can sue the person who hurt them. It is possible to file a civil claim against someone who hurt you in an attack, however, this is not always the most practical option. If the perpetrator does not have significant assets, suing him or her is unlikely to result in adequate compensation. Even if you win the case, you may not receive the money you have been awarded.

Filing an Injury Claim Against the Property Owner or Facility

Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to keep the premises reasonably safe. This includes taking steps to prevent foreseeable injuries to individuals on the property. You may be able to sue a business or property owner if your injuries were the result of the party’s negligent actions or negligent inaction. Some examples of property owner negligence that may lead to injuries include:

• Inadequate security including lack of security guards or broken locks
• Allowing an establishment to be dangerously overcrowded
• Overserving alcohol to bar or nightclub patrons
• Insufficient lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or other areas in which an attack may be foreseeable

Filing a premises liability claim against the property owner may be the best way to pursue compensation for your damages. You may be able to secure compensation for emergency room bills, surgery, doctor’s appointments, psychological counseling, and other medical expenses. You may also be compensated for lost income caused by missed work and non-financial damages like pain and suffering.

Contact a Springfield Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt during a bar fight, robbery, assault, battery, or another type of attack, contact a Champaign personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible and collect financial compensation through a civil claim. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free, confidential consultation today.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57