Were you assaulted in Pensacola, Florida? A criminal case might provide a sense of justice, but a personal injury claim enables you to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The Pensacola assault injury lawyers at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers can help. Call us today at (850) 434-3333 for a free consultation.
Our attorneys are here to help you seek accountability from your attacker and any other party whose negligence contributed to the attack. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win your case.
Why Choose Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers After an Assault Injury in Pensacola, FL?
Victims of violent attacks often face an uphill battle after the incident. The individual attacker may not have adequate damages to cover financial losses, and insurance companies and property owners who may share liability will do everything they can to limit their exposure.
You deserve a Pensacola assault injury attorney who can help you stand up and fight back.
Clients turn to Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers because we provide:
- 75 years of combined legal experience dedicated to personal injury cases
- More than $200 million recovered for injured clients
- A demonstrated history of going up against the largest corporations and defendants in the Panhandle
- Recognition from respected legal organizations like Avvo and the Florida Justice Association
- Over 500 five-star reviews on Google from satisfied clients
Our Pensacola personal injury attorneys understand that an assault can leave you feeling helpless. We’re here to be your voice. Contact us today to schedule a free case review to learn more.
What Constitutes Assault and Battery Under Florida Law?
Under Florida law, assault and battery are both criminal offenses, but they can also serve as the basis for a civil personal injury lawsuit.
Assault refers to intentionally placing another person in reasonable fear of imminent harm. Assault does not require physical contact. For example, threatening behavior or actions that make a person believe they are about to be attacked may qualify as assault (e.g., brandishing a knife or gun, raising a fist, etc.).
Conduct becomes battery when it involves intentionally touching or striking another person against their will.
Assault or battery may trigger criminal charges and criminal penalties like jail time and fines. The underlying criminal lawsuit will not generally compensate a victim for losses. A civil personal injury lawsuit empowers a victim to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and losses.
Importantly, you can file a civil assault claim regardless of whether criminal charges are successful; these cases are independent of one another and operate under differing burdens of proof.
What Is the Value of a Pensacola Assault Injury Claim?
Every assault case is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on a variety of factors. There is no universal settlement amount for assault-related injuries.
Several issues can influence the potential value of your case, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of emotional and psychological trauma you’ve suffered
- The medical expenses you’ve already incurred and expected future treatment
- Whether you lost wages or suffered a reduced earning capacity
- The effect of the injuries on your daily life and independence
- Whether additional parties share responsibility for the assault
- The available insurance coverage
- Whether you share liability for the incident by provoking or escalating the fight
- The strength of the evidence
Our attorneys carefully review every aspect of your case to determine the full extent of your losses. We even consult experts where necessary to ensure no compensation is left on the table. Our goal is to pursue a financial recovery that makes you whole and gives you a sense of closure.
We Handle All Types of Assault Injury Cases in Pensacola
Assault can occur in many different environments. Victims may be attacked by strangers, acquaintances, or even individuals they trusted. In some cases, violent incidents occur in locations where safety should have been prioritized.
Our assault injury attorneys represent clients in all types of assault injury cases, including:
- Street assaults
- Bar or club altercations
- Robberies
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence incidents
- Assaults involving firearms, knives, or other weapons
- Violence occurring in apartment complexes or rental properties
- Assaults involving negligent security
Many assaults can be prevented by business or property owners who take reasonable steps to protect visitors. That’s why these parties can share liability for an attack if unsafe conditions or negligent security contributed to the incident.
Common Injuries Caused by Violent Assaults in Florida
Violent attacks frequently result in serious injuries and psychological harm.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from assaults include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Gunshot or stab wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Dental injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal organ injuries
Many assault survivors may develop conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or ongoing fear related to the incident.
If you were assaulted, a civil injury claim can help you recover compensation for both the physical and psychological consequences of the attack.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover After an Assault in Pensacola?
After an assault, you can seek damages that help address the full impact of the incident on your finances and health. Economic damages compensate for the financial costs associated with your injuries, including those you anticipate incurring in the future. Non-economic damages cover your personal and emotional losses after the attack.
Examples of damages you may recover include:
- Medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental health disorders
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced quality of life
In assault cases, Florida courts may also allow punitive damages. These damages punish the attacker or another party that contributed to the attack. However, they are not available in all cases.
An experienced assault injury attorney in Pensacola can help you identify your damages and understand the value of your claim.
Who May Be Liable for Assault Injuries in Florida?
The individual who committed the assault is directly responsible for their actions. However, other parties may also share liability if they contributed to the attack by failing to supervise the attacker or provide proper safety measures.
In many assault injury cases, pursuing compensation from businesses or organizations is necessary because the attacker may not have the financial resources to pay damages.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The individual who committed the assault
- Businesses that failed to maintain safe premises
- Apartment complex owners or landlords
- Hotels and resorts
- Event venues
- Shopping centers
- Security companies
- Employers whose employees committed the assault
- Schools, universities, or other institutions
For example, a property owner may be liable if they failed to provide reasonable security measures in an area where violent crime was foreseeable. This type of claim is often referred to as negligent security.
Premises liability may arise after an attack related to:
- Poor lighting in parking lots or walkways
- Lack of security personnel in high-risk areas
- Broken locks or unsecured entry points
- Failure to respond to prior reports of criminal activity
When businesses or property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, they may share responsibility for the injuries that occur.
How Long Do I Have to File an Assault Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law places limits on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving intentional acts like assault and battery. These time limits, known as statutes of limitations, determine how long survivors have to pursue a civil claim after an incident occurs.
If you do not file your claim within the applicable timeframe, you may lose your ability to seek compensation through the court system. In some situations, factors unique to your case can affect how much time you have to take legal action.
For this reason, it is important to speak with an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible after an assault. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure your claim is handled within the appropriate legal timeframe.
Contact a Pensacola Assault Injury Lawyer at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were assaulted in Pensacola, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the person responsible and any parties that allowed the attack to occur. You can take accountability into your own hands, rather than leaving it to the criminal justice system. Our Pensacola assault injury lawyers can help.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers has 75 years of combined legal experience, with over $200 million recovered. Our attorneys are here to help you stand up and set things right. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Pensacola assault injury attorney. Let our team help you pursue justice and begin the process of rebuilding your life.