When an assault occurs on a private property, the victim of the attack may file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible for the attack. If the victim’s claim is successful, they can recover compensation for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the incident. A civil lawsuit can be filed whether the perpetrator is facing criminal charges or not.
The person responsible for committing the assault is often the first person named in the lawsuit. The key to establishing assault in civil court is to prove that the alleged attacker threatened imminent harm or offensive contact and/or actually attempted to cause harm to the victim. Physical contact is not necessary, but words without action are generally not enough to establish assault. To qualify as an assault, the perpetrator must have acted with intent to cause apprehension of harm and the act must have in fact caused the victim to suffer apprehension of harm.
Property owners may be responsible for making reasonable efforts to protect the residents and guests on their property. When an assault occurs in an apartment complex, shopping center or other private property, it can be the result of the behavior of negligent property owners. For example, if a property owner fails to provide adequate security, fails to provide adequate lighting, or fails to take other reasonable measures to protect people from potential attacks, the property owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
Victims of a threatening or violent act may be entitled to receive compensation for everything they were forced to endure. A personal injury attorney in the Seattle area can help you file a claim against all parties liable for your injuries.
