Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know that, like most major cities in the U.S., ours has its fair share of crime.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, our Georgia city has a crime rate of 44.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. Crime victims in Atlanta need to know that they have the right to pursue personal injury claims against the perpetrators or other responsible parties for the harm they have suffered.
However, personal injury claims in the context of crime victims typically arise when an individual has been injured or harmed as a result of another person’s intentional or negligent actions. Here, we discuss how and when that is true and how we can help.
When Can Crime Victims Pursue Civil Remedies for Their Injuries?
Crime victims can pursue civil remedies for their injuries when they have suffered harm as a result of another party’s intentional or negligent actions.
Personal injury claims against the perpetrators or other responsible parties may be initiated to seek compensation for the damages and losses they have incurred.
Here are some scenarios in which crime victims may pursue civil remedies for their injuries:
- Assault and Battery
If a crime victim, including shooting victims and those who have been physically assaulted or battered by another individual, may pursue a personal injury claim against the perpetrator for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
- Sexual Assault and Abuse
Victims of sexual assault, rape, or other forms of sexual abuse may pursue civil remedies against the perpetrators for the physical and emotional harm they have suffered. Personal injury claims in these cases may seek compensation for medical treatment, therapy, counseling, and other related expenses.
- Negligent Security
In cases where a crime occurs on someone else’s property due to inadequate security measures, victims may pursue civil remedies against the property owner or manager for negligence. This can include assaults, robberies, or other criminal acts that could have been prevented with proper security measures.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
In cases where a victim has suffered severe emotional distress as a result of another party’s intentional or outrageous conduct, they may pursue civil remedies for deliberate infliction of emotional distress. Personal injury claims in these cases may seek compensation for the psychological harm caused by the defendant’s actions.
Georgia Personal Injury Claims Are Separate from Criminal Cases
It’s important to note that civil remedies for crime victims are separate from any criminal charges brought against the perpetrators by law enforcement authorities. While criminal charges focus on punishing the offender for violating the law, civil remedies focus on compensating the victim for their injuries and losses.
Crime victims may be entitled to various damages in a personal injury claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and punitive damages (in extreme misconduct or recklessness).
Besides pursuing personal injury claims, crime victims in Atlanta are entitled to certain rights and protections under Georgia’s Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. These rights include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to be informed about court proceedings, and the right to receive restitution from the perpetrator.
Have You Suffered Injuries as a Crime Victim in Atlanta?
Liability in personal injury claims for crime victims may extend beyond the perpetrator to include other parties whose negligence or wrongful conduct contributed to the victim’s injuries. For example, property owners or managers may be held liable for inadequate security measures contributing to a crime occurring on their premises.
If you are unsure who is liable for your injuries, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This will ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.