There are several factors that can increase your likelihood of being the victim of a violent crime, according to Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr., Former Senior Specialist for Crime Prevention for the Department of Justice's clearinghouse. Drug and alcohol use increases your risk of being victimized as well as being by yourself. While there may be some steps you can take to avoid being the victim of a violent crime, there are some circumstances where there is nothing you can do, and you will be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Types of Violent Crimes
All sorts of violent crimes can lead to serious injury. These can include:
Even if the courts do not press charges against the aggressor, you may still be able to sue for personal injury. Criminal cases have a higher standard of proof, and your case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Common Defenses Against Accusations of Violence
The defendant may argue that they were acting in self-defense. For self-defense to apply, the other party must not have started the violence and they must have applied the same level of force as you did. Therefore, if you throw a punch at the other party and they respond by stabbing you, the disproportionate response may still lead to them being liable for your injuries.
Even if the violent party did not act in self-defense, they will do everything they can to minimize their liability so that they won't have to pay for your injuries. For this reason, you will want to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can help you gather evidence to prove that your injuries were directly the result of the violent actions of the other party.
Compensation for Your Injuries
Unfortunately, many victims of violent assault may win their legal cases but will never receive compensation because the defendant may not have any assets. Therefore, you must discuss with your personal injury lawyer about whether you should pursue your case.
However, depending on the state you live in, you may be eligible for benefits from the state to pay for your medical bills. For example, Tennessee has the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. You may not be eligible for some forms of compensation, such as punitive damages, but you may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. You may also be entitled to compensation from other parties, such as the owner of the building where the crime took place.
For more information on violent assaults, reach out to a company like Weathers Law Firm, LLC.