If you’ve been the victim of a crime and suffered a severe injury, you’re likely suffering mentally and emotionally, which is understandable.
However, you have options. You could potentially hold the perpetrator accountable for your physical and mental suffering through compensatory damages through a civil lawsuit in addition to their prison term, fines, or restitution that were part of their sentencing in criminal court. You might also be able to take action against anyone whose negligence contributed to the attack.
A crime victim lawyer with Rafi Law Firm can tell you much more. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation by calling (404) 800-9933.
In the meantime, here are some steps you should consider taking to make sure your rights are protected.
1. Report the crime
If you haven’t already, report the crime to the police. Police will immediately get to work finding the perpetrator and ensuring that they face the full punishment they deserve. Although it can be difficult to tell your story, cooperate fully with the police. The more details you can provide, the better the chances are that the police will catch the person who harmed you.
2. Get medical help
Even if you think you aren’t badly injured, you need to see a doctor right away so they can treat whatever injuries you’ve suffered. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the longer it will take for you to recover your damages. You’ve already been victimized once – you shouldn’t have to go through even more misery because you delayed treatment.
3. Speak with an attorney
Getting legal help will be almost as important as getting medical help. An attorney will look for different ways to help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, emotional trauma, the wages you’ve lost because you can’t work, and more.
For example, if the attack took place in a public setting, such as in a restaurant parking lot, a lawyer could help you take action against the property owner. If they had bothered to invest in security, the attack might not have happened. If they didn’t address potential safety concerns, they should be forced to pay for that negligence.
Your attorney will also tell you whether or not to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator. As stated earlier, this will give you the chance to make them pay for the suffering you’ve been forced to endure. It doesn’t matter what kind of prison term they may face. You might be able to file a civil lawsuit against them.
If you choose to take legal action, keep a record of everything that has to do with the attack. This means keeping all of your medical bills and all of your other financial losses caused by your injuries. Doing so will make it much easier for your attorney to prove that you deserve every penny you’re demanding.
4. Get the support you need
Coping with the emotional aftermath of an attack can be overwhelming. If you’ve been the victim of a crime, there’s no reason you should have to go through your recovery alone. Local therapists can be a great resource, and they can provide referrals to other resources that might be helpful for your recovery and needs such as support groups.
By talking to others who share your experiences in a support group, you could find relief from whatever emotional and mental issues you face. Talking to another victim of a crime may help you heal and move forward.
Victim of a crime? Rafi Law Firm is ready to help you
Learn more by scheduling a free consultation with crime victim lawyer Mike Rafi of Rafi Law Firm by calling (404) 800-9933.