Manhattan Assault Lawyer | Victim of Assault?
Were you the victim of an assault in Manhattan? Assault is a serious crime with lasting physical and emotional consequences. If you've been assaulted, it's crucial to have an experienced legal advocate on your side to protect your rights and help you seek justice and compensation.
At Veridian Legal, our Manhattan assault lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of assault. We understand the trauma and challenges you're facing, and we're committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
What is Assault in New York?
In New York, assault is defined as intentionally causing physical injury to another person. There are different degrees of assault, depending on the severity of the injuries and the intent of the attacker:
Assault in the Third Degree (NY Penal Law § 120.00): This is a misdemeanor involving intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. For example, this could include a bar fight that results in minor injuries like bruises or cuts.
Penalties: Up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Assault in the Second Degree (NY Penal Law § 120.05): This is a felony that can involve intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person or causing injury with a weapon. This could include a violent attack with a weapon that results in broken bones or a concussion.
Penalties: Up to seven years in prison.
Assault in the First Degree (NY Penal Law § 120.10): This is a more serious felony that can involve intentionally causing serious physical injury with a weapon or with the intent to disfigure or disable someone. This could include an attack with a deadly weapon that results in permanent disfigurement or disability.
Penalties: Up to 25 years in prison.
Types of Assault Cases We Handle
Our Manhattan assault lawyers handle a wide range of assault cases, including:
Physical assault: This involves any intentional act that causes physical harm to another person, such as hitting, kicking, punching, or shoving.
Sexual assault: This includes any unwanted sexual contact, including on college campuses, ranging from unwanted touching to rape.
Domestic violence: This refers to assault that occurs within a family or intimate relationship, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Bar fights and nightclub assaults: These often involve altercations that escalate into violence, sometimes fueled by alcohol or drugs. Areas like the Meatpacking District or Lower East Side, with a high concentration of bars and nightclubs, can see a higher incidence of these assaults.
Assault with a deadly weapon: This involves using a weapon, such as a gun, knife, or bat, to cause or threaten serious physical injury.
Gang violence: Assault related to gang activity, often involving weapons and serious injuries.
Hate crimes: Assault motivated by bias or prejudice against a victim's race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic.
Assault in the workplace: Workplace assault can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, and harassment. If you've been assaulted by a coworker, supervisor, or customer at your workplace, we can help you understand your rights and options for seeking justice and compensation.
Assault on public transportation: Unfortunately, assaults can occur on buses, subways, and trains. If you've been assaulted on public transportation, we can help you hold the perpetrator accountable and seek compensation for your damages.
Road rage assault: Aggressive driving and road rage can sometimes escalate into physical altercations. If you've been the victim of road rage assault, we can help you pursue legal action against the aggressor.
What to Do if You've Been Assaulted in Manhattan
If you've been the victim of an assault, it's important to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are the top priorities. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to get treatment for your injuries. Be sure to keep all medical records and documentation.
Report the assault to the police: File a police report as soon as possible. This will create an official record of the assault and help with the investigation. You can find information on how to file a police report on the NYC Police Department website.
Preserve evidence: If possible, take photos of your injuries and any other evidence related to the assault, such as torn clothing or damaged property. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information.
Contact an assault lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the legal process.
Understanding the Impact of Assault
Assault can have a devastating impact on victims, both physically and emotionally. Common physical injuries include bruises, cuts, broken bones, and head trauma. The emotional and psychological effects can be equally severe, with many victims experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
If you're struggling with the aftermath of an assault, it's important to seek help. Here are some resources that can provide support and assistance:
Your Legal Options After an Assault in Manhattan
If you've been assaulted in Manhattan, you have several legal options available to you:
Orders of Protection: An order of protection is a court order that can help protect you from further harm by your abuser. It can prohibit the abuser from contacting you, coming near you, or possessing a firearm.
Criminal Charges: The police and district attorney's office can investigate the assault and potentially file criminal charges against the assailant. If convicted, the assailant may face jail time, fines, and other penalties.
Civil Lawsuit: You can also file a civil lawsuit against the assailant to seek compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our experienced assault lawyers can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.
Common Concerns of Assault Victims
"What if I'm afraid to report the assault?"
We understand that reporting an assault can be a difficult and frightening decision. We can help you understand your options, provide support and guidance throughout the process, and discuss safety planning to protect you from further harm. You can also contact confidential support services like RAINN for assistance.
"What if I don't have any witnesses?"
Even if you don't have any witnesses, you may still be able to pursue legal action. Our attorneys can help you gather other evidence, such as medical records, photos of your injuries, and any available surveillance footage.
"Will I have to face my attacker in court?"
We understand that facing your attacker in court can be a daunting prospect. We will do everything we can to support you and minimize your contact with the assailant. In some cases, it may be possible to resolve your case through settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods.
What to Expect in an Assault Case
Criminal Case
Investigation: The police will investigate the assault and gather evidence.
Arrest: If there is enough evidence, the assailant may be arrested and charged with a crime.
Prosecution: The district attorney's office will prosecute the case in criminal court.
Trial: If the case goes to trial, you may be called to testify as a witness.
Sentencing: If the assailant is convicted, they may face jail time, fines, or other penalties.
Civil Case
Filing a lawsuit: You can file a civil lawsuit against the assailant to seek compensation for your damages.
Discovery: Both sides will exchange information and evidence.
Negotiation: There may be attempts to settle the case out of court.
Trial: If the case doesn't settle, it will go to trial in civil court.
Judgment: If you win the case, the court will order the assailant to pay you damages.
Can I Sue My Assailant Even if They Are Not Convicted of a Crime?
Yes, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit against your assailant even if they are not convicted of a crime. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. In a civil case, you only need to prove that it is "more likely than not" that the assailant is responsible for your injuries.
Damages in Assault Cases
If you've been the victim of an assault, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, doctor's visits, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you can recover lost wages.
Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the assault.
Emotional distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects of the assault.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you previously enjoyed, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the assailant for their conduct and deter others from similar behavior.
How Our Manhattan Assault Lawyers Can Help
Our experienced assault lawyers can help you in several ways:
Investigate the assault: We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiate with insurance companies: We will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Represent you in criminal court: If the assailant is charged with a crime, we can represent you in criminal court to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive justice.
File a civil lawsuit: We can help you file a civil lawsuit against the assailant to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Seeking Justice and Compensation for Assault Victims
Being the victim of an assault can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Our goal is to help you seek justice and get the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses, lost income, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I'm afraid to report the assault?
We understand that reporting an assault can be a difficult decision. We can help you understand your options and provide support and guidance throughout the process. You can also contact confidential support services like RAINN for assistance.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In New York, the statute of limitations for assault cases is generally one year from the date of the assault. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It's important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
What are the penalties for assault in New York?
The penalties for assault in New York vary depending on the degree of the offense. They can range from fines and probation for misdemeanor assault to significant prison time for felony assault.
Can I sue the assailant even if they are not arrested or convicted?
Yes, you can pursue a civil lawsuit against the assailant even if they are not arrested or convicted of a crime. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case.
Why Choose Veridian Legal as Your Assault Lawyer?
If you've been assaulted in Manhattan, here's why you should choose Veridian Legal:
Experience: We have extensive experience representing assault victims in Manhattan.
Compassion: We understand the trauma and challenges faced by assault victims, and we provide compassionate and supportive legal representation.
Assertiveness: We are assertive advocates for our clients, fighting tirelessly to get them the justice and compensation they deserve.
Resources: We have the resources and expertise to investigate your case thoroughly and build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact Our Manhattan Assault Lawyers Today
If you've been the victim of an assault in Manhattan, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you through this difficult time and fight for your rights.
Call us at (212) 706-1007 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.