NOTE: Our law firm does not handle Assault cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
Have you been recently assaulted in Baltimore? The first step in protecting your legal rights is to consult with an experienced Baltimore assault injury lawyer. The legal team at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Baltimore office at (410) 837-2144 today to schedule a free consultation.
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How Can Our Personal Injury Lawyers Help You?
Being assaulted is a traumatic experience, regardless of whether you knew your attacker or not. The person who attacked you may face a criminal charge. However, those criminal charges are separate and apart from any civil action that you might file.
Through an assault injury lawsuit, you can seek justice for the pain, suffering, and damages your attacker caused. You can hold your attacker accountable and liable for his or her actions. We can help.
Our Baltimore personal injury attorneys investigate the incident to gather evidence proving fault and liability. Our legal team takes numerous steps to ensure that we prepare a strong case to obtain maximum compensation for you.
Some of the steps that we take include:
- Interviewing eyewitnesses to obtain sworn statements.
- Obtaining and reviewing medical records, police reports, and other relevant information.
- Closely monitoring any criminal cases pending against the attacker.
- Working with law enforcement officials to gather additional evidence and information.
- Identifying any third parties who might also be liable for your injuries, such as property owners or business owners.
- Enlisting the assistance of various experts, if necessary.
- Negotiating with all parties who are liable for your injuries and damages for a fair and just settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit for assault injury damages, if necessary.
An assault is an attack or an attempted attack by another person. The attack may or may not involve a weapon. Also, the attacker may be an unknown person, friend, family member, or associate.
In addition to protecting your legal rights and handling the investigation and settlement of your claim, our legal team provides support throughout the entire process. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns as we fight together for the justice you deserve after an assault.
What is Assault?
Under Maryland law, assault is defined as the criminal act of “assault, battery, and assault and battery.” The laws in Maryland do not separate assault from battery. A threat of violence or actual physical violence are both considered assault under Maryland’s criminal justice system.
The circumstances of the assault determine the exact charge. For example, a second-degree assault is generally a misdemeanor. The crime involves assault and/or battery but does not meet the qualifications for a first-degree assault.
First-degree assault involves using a firearm in the assault. A person may also be charged with first-degree assault for attempting to or causing serious bodily harm to another person.
The State of Maryland has several victim resources available that can help victims of assault and other crimes. However, if you want to pursue a civil claim against your attacker to recover compensation for your injuries and damages, you will likely need help from a Baltimore assault injury lawyer.
Our Law Firm Handles All Types of Assault Cases
Assault cases arise from numerous situations and incidents. Our legal team has significant experience handle assaults arising from situations include:
- Fights at an entertainment or sports venues.
- Assaults at nightclubs and bars.
- School bullying.
- Sexual abuse.
- Mugging and general assaults.
- Domestic violence.
- Excessive force and police misconduct.
- Other instances of criminal assault.
If you have questions about an assault, reach out to our Baltimore assault injury attorney for a confidential meeting.
Damages Available to Assault Victims in Baltimore
An assault can result in physical, emotional, and financial damages for the victim. The type and amount of the damages depend on the facts of the case. At WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, we strive to secure the maximum compensation allowed by law for your injuries, losses, and damages.
Examples of damages in an assault claim include, but might not be limited to:
- The cost of your medical care and personal care.
- Loss of income, wages, and benefits.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Psychological trauma and emotional suffering.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Disability and impairment.
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life.
Our lawyers understand how to calculate the value of your damages. By using the facts of the case, we present a strong argument for maximum value for all damages, including pain and suffering damages.
We often work with medical experts, financial professionals, and mental health experts to assess the full extent of your damages and losses. By working with experts to gather evidence, we strengthen your case and improve your chance of success.
Common Assault Injuries Sustained By Victims in Baltimore
The injuries from an assault may range from scratches and bruises to permanent impairments. Assaults are violent crimes. Victims often sustain injuries from assaults that include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Dislocations
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Scarring and disfigurement
It can be helpful for your claim to document your physical injury after an assault by taking photographs and making videos.
What Should I Do After an Assault?
Get away from your attacker and go to a safe location. You can call 911 or go to the police station for help. Making sure that you are safe is your first priority.
If you go to the emergency room, the hospital may contact the police for you so that they can come to the hospital to take the report. While the criminal case is separate, filing a police report can strengthen your civil claim.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after an attack. You need to protect your health, but you also need to document the injuries for an assault injury claim. Without medical evidence, it can be nearly impossible to win your claim.
Your Attacker May Not Be The Only Liable Party
Your lawsuit for assault injuries may name more than your attacker as a defendant. You may also have a claim against a third party. There are several causes of action our legal team may explore regarding your assault injury, including a premises liability claim.
If the assault occurred on another party’s property, that party could share in the liability for your assault injuries and damages. Property owners have a duty of care to provide safe premises for invitees and guests. Therefore, if you are attacked, a negligent property owner could be liable for damages.
Examples of reasons why a property owner may be liable for your assault injuries include:
- Failure to provide adequate security, including security guards and surveillance cameras.
- Having inadequate lighting on the premises.
- Negligent hiring policies that lead to an assault by an employee.
- Failing to recognize foreseeable acts of third party violence.
- Inciting events that may lead to violence.
Our legal team explores all avenues of compensation to maximize your financial recovery.
Is There a Deadline for Filing an Assault Injury Claim in Maryland?
Yes, your time to file a claim for damages arising from an assault is limited by the Maryland Statute of Limitations. A Statute of Limitations is a deadline for filing a claim or lawsuit. The deadlines vary depending on the specific legal cause of action.
Victims of assault have just one year from the date of the assault to file a civil action to recover damages. This deadline is shorter than the deadline for other personal injury claims.
Other factors in your case could shorten or lengthen the deadline. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to talk to a Baltimore assault injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to pursue an action through the courts.
Get Help With Your Claim From Experienced Baltimore Assault Injury Lawyers
It may be difficult to consider facing your attacker in court. However, you are not alone. Our legal team stands with you and fights for justice by your side.
Assault is a violent, offensive crime that deserves to be punished through the criminal courts and the civil courts. Contact our Baltimore, MD law offices to schedule a free consultation to discuss how WGK Personal Injury Lawyers, can help you as you continue to recover from an assault.
Our Baltimore, MD personal injury law firm also offers:
- Car Accident Lawyers in Baltimore, MD
- Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore, MD Dog Bite Lawyers
- Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore, MD Aviation Accident Attorneys
- Baltimore, MD Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- Maritime Accident Lawyers in Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore, MD Wrongful Death Lawyers
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Baltimore, MD
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Baltimore Office
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 837-2144
Open 24 hours