There seems to be more and more instances of physical assaults, injuries, shootings and even deaths in the news these days. A lot of what happens winds up being talked about around the dinner table at home, or around the water cooler at work. In our law offices, we tend to have more and more conversations with clients about physical violence, and the extent of their legal rights
While a majority if personal injury lawsuits are the result of an accident – a car accident, injuries caused by a product malfunction, a slip and fall, etc. – there are some instances when the injuries suffered by the victim are not due to an accident, or even carelessness. They are from willful violence. They are the result of an intentional and oftentimes violent act. Around here, and in some of the court rooms and hospital rooms our legal professionals spend their time in, these intentional and violent acts are referred to as assault and battery.
In a fairly typical case, for example, the victim of an assault and/or battery would sue the person(s) that inflicted the harm, the pain, the violence, and seek compensation like they would in any other personal injury lawsuit – they would seek legal and financial justice for pain suffered, medical bills, lost wages, companionship, suffering and any myriad of applicable issues. Intentional or willing violence against another is a complicated area of personal injury law. There are a large variety of legal or even criminal charges stemming from the incident. The nature of the assault and/or battery, the severity of the damage done and the extent of the criminal charges will all factor into how much financial compensation the victim and their attorney(s) will pursue.
Quickly, here are some definitions as they pertain to assault and battery cases.
— Assault
— Assault with a deadly weapon
— Battery
— Assault & battery
— Domestic assault & battery
— Aggravated battery
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an intentionally violent act (an assault and/or battery) it is important that you know you have certain legal rights. Of course, if you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our offices for a complimentary, confidential conversation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
