Assault

Being physically assaulted by another person can be an extremely traumatic and life altering event that can leave the victim with serious physical and emotional injuries. Such assaults can happen in many different situations such as: 

• domestic assaults; 
• bar fights; 
• road rage incidents; 
• excessive force by police or security guards; and 
• institutional abuse such as in seniors or nursing homes, youth sports    organizations, churches and schools.  

Assaults can result in life-altering injuries, including broken bones, brain injuries, scarring, and lasting emotional trauma. Victims of physical assault may pursue legal remedies through the civil torts of assault and battery, which protect individuals from both actual physical attacks and threats of physical harm.

The tort of “assault” encompasses any intentional act causing a person to fear immediate harmful or offensive bodily contact. For instance, pointing a gun at someone, even without pulling the trigger, constitutes an assault. Touching or physical harm is not necessary; it only requires creating a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact.

The tort of “battery” necessitates intentional and non-consensual physical contact, encompassing actions like punching, kicking, stabbing, shooting, or hitting. Without consent or self-defense, these actions likely constitute battery. If you are a victim of assault or battery, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, past and future income loss, and past and future treatment costs.