According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the trend of declining violent crime in the U.S. has reversed direction in the last few years. In its most recent study on criminal victimization, BJS found that the number of victims of violent crimes for U.S. residents over age twelve has risen by 20%.
In other words, if you’ve ever been the victim of violence—or even the threat of violence—you’re hardly alone. Assault and battery cases are on the rise, meaning that more and more Americans are finding themselves considering support from personal injury attorneys.
If you’re among them, it’s worth knowing the difference between assault and battery, and when to seek help. Here’s what you should know.
What Are Assault and Battery?
First of all, it’s worth mentioning that assault and battery are two different crimes, though they are often linked together.
Assault happens when a person intimidates or threatens a victim with intentional harm. This causation of apprehension or fear is the definition of assault.
Battery, on the other hand, involves physical harm. In these cases, an offender hurts the victim through direct offensive contact.
It should be easy to see why these crimes are often linked: many instances of violence include both the threat of physical harm as well as the harm itself.
It’s also worth noting that assault and battery can run the gamut from simple cases to cases with serious bodily injury. Assault and battery also include cases of sexual or vehicular assault, domestic violence, and assault with a deadly weapon. If you are unsure whether or not you have suffered assault or battery, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney.
What Are the Possible Damages for a Victim of Assault and Battery?
As a victim of assault and battery, you may be entitled to compensation.
At a basic level, you can fight for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Repercussions on your mental health can also be considered, allowing you to get compensation for therapy, anxiety, or emotional trauma. In addition, you can sometimes recover losses for long-term trauma, like your lost future earnings or your loss of enjoyment of life.
When Should You File a Personal Injury Claim?
If you were the victim of intimidation or violence, you can sue for compensation. Even if the offender isn’t found guilty via a criminal conviction, you can still file a civil lawsuit to recover losses.
Speaking to a reputable attorney can help you understand whether your case constitutes assault and/or battery, as well as how to establish legal liability. If you are hurt, make sure to find a personal injury lawyer in your area as soon as possible in order to start gathering the evidence you’ll need for your case.
Get Compensation for Your Case
If you’ve suffered from any type of assault and battery, it’s important to get the compensation you deserve. Fighting to recover damages can help you finance your recovery while ensuring that the person responsible is called out for the attack. Make sure to partner with a trustworthy personal injury lawyer in your area to improve your chances of succeeding with your claim.
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