When someone is injured in an assault, they do have the right to hold an assailant accountable. This may mean criminal or civil cases can result from the incident and the person may be able to receive compensation for their injuries to help cover medical costs and other expenses. When a person is a victim of an assault, it is important for them to file a police report and speak with a lawyer to get help.
Take Steps Immediately After the Incident
There are a few things that should be done immediately after the assault occurs to help ensure evidence is protected and that the assailant can be held accountable.
To prepare for holding an assailant accountable in court, it is a good idea to do the following if possible.
- Get Medical Attention – The most important thing is to get medical attention for any injuries, no matter if they seem minor. There may be hidden injuries that will get worse with time. If the injuries are severe, the person may need to be taken via ambulance to the hospital.
- Take Photos of Injuries and Scene – If the victim is able to, they should take photos of their injuries and the scene of the incident. It is okay to take photos after seeking medical care, especially when the injuries are severe.
- Get Witness Information – If possible, get the contact information for witnesses to the assault. If this is not possible, a lawyer may be able to get ahold of surveillance tapes for the surrounding area to show what happened.
- Keep Accurate Records – The victim will want to make sure they keep accurate records of the incident so they can give their lawyer all of the information needed.
File a Police Report for Criminal Charges
The police should be called immediately so the victim can provide a statement as to what happened. If the police arrive on the scene and the assailant is still there, they may be able to arrest them right away. If the assailant leaves before the police arrive, though, it is still important to file a police report. If the victim knows the assailant or the police can find out who it was, they can file criminal charges against them.
Consider Filing a Civil Suit for Compensation
The next step for the victim may be filing a civil suit against the assailant. The purpose of this is to hold the assailant accountable for the expenses caused by their actions, such as medical bills and lost wages. This is separate from the criminal case, though a conviction can be used in civil court to prove that the assailant is responsible for the injuries to the victim. A lawyer will help the victim through the process of filing a civil suit and taking the case to court. Depending on the situation, there may be other parties that can be sued, too, so the victim can get the money they need to cover all expenses related to the assault.
If you’ve been the victim of an assault, it is important to take action as soon as possible to hold the assailant accountable for their actions. Take the time to speak with a lawyer to learn more about your rights, how they can help, and what you can do. They’ll help you throughout the process, so you can focus on your recovery.
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