Being the victim of an assault is a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. The effects go beyond the pain and injuries; you may suffer distress and fear that can impact every part of your life. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an assault, you might be entitled to seek compensation from the assailant. A Lafayette assault injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
At Kenny Habetz Injury Law, we have the experience and resources to guide you through the legal process so you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. We understand the challenges victims face and will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact our office in Lafayette, LA at (337) 399-9000 to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
How Kenny Habetz Injury Law Can Help You After An Assault In Lafayette, LA
After an assault, you need a dedicated legal advocate to fight for your best interests. The legal team at Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to support you. Since our founding in 2010, we have recovered millions for our clients. Our attorneys have received numerous accolades, such as being recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and admitted to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. As your Lafayette assault injury attorney, we’ll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
Here’s how Kenny Habetz Injury Law can help you after a serious assault in Lafayette, Louisiana:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the assault to identify liable parties
- Gather evidence to build a strong case for compensation
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing parties
- Work with medical and economic experts to assess the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Provide legal advice and guidance at every step of your case
Contact our law office for a free consultation with a Lafayette personal injury attorney. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Do I Have A Valid Civil Assault Claim?
Assault cases often result in criminal charges aimed at punishing the assailant. However, even if no criminal charges are filed, you may still have the right to pursue a civil case. A civil assault claim allows victims to seek financial compensation for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered.
In personal injury law, assault is considered an intentional tort. Unlike negligence claims, intentional torts involve purposeful actions to harm another person. Common types of assault injury cases include:
- Domestic violence
- Assault with a deadly weapon, such as shootings
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated assault
- Simple assault
- Workplace assaults
- Bar or nightclub brawls
- Vehicular assault
- Kidnapping and false imprisonment
- Robbery or carjacking
Even if your assailant was not charged with a crime, you can pursue a civil claim to hold them accountable for their actions.
Can Someone Other Than My Attacker Be Liable For My Injuries?
If your assault occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner or business operator may be liable under Louisiana premises liability law. These claims against third parties are usually based on negligent security.
Third parties who may share liability for your assault injuries include:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Parking garage operators
- Landlords
- Educational facilities, including colleges, universities, and schools
- Hotels
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Clergy and religious institutions
- Shopping malls and other retailers
- Sports complexes
A third party can be held responsible under Louisiana law if their negligence contributed to your assault. Even if they were not directly at fault for your attack, a third party could be liable for failing to take reasonable steps to make the property safe or prevent foreseeable crimes. This may happen when a landlord fails to correct known security issues, a property in a high-crime area has inadequate lighting, or when a bar or nightclub does not have sufficient security for the crowd size.
Cases involving premises liability and negligent security are notoriously complex. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your assault and identify any factors that may have contributed to your attack.
What Is My Lafayette Assault Injury Case Worth?
The value of your assault injury case depends on many factors. A Lafayette assault injury attorney will evaluate your situation to assess what your claim may be worth. Important factors that must be considered include:
- Severity of injuries: More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation.
- Impact on daily life: The extent to which your injuries affect your daily routine, work, and quality of life.
- Insurance coverage: Available insurance policies that may cover the damages.
- Circumstances of the assault: The context and severity of the assailant’s actions.
- Your ability to return to work: Whether your injuries have impaired your earning capacity.
- Strength of evidence: The stronger your evidence proving the defendant caused your injuries, the more likely you are to recover the full compensation you deserve.
There is no easy way to estimate the value of an assault injury claim. A consultation with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer is a good place to start to understand the compensation you may recover.
We Fight For Maximum Compensation For All Types Of Assault Injuries In Lafayette, LA
Assaults can cause many physical and emotional injuries. At Kenny Habetz Injury Law, we fight for victims who have suffered:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Facial injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
We also represent families in wrongful death claims after the loss of a loved one to assault or another act of violence.
An assault can change your life forever. You may be facing long-term medical care, extensive rehabilitation, or chronic pain. No matter the extent of your injuries, we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
What Types Of Damages Are Available To Assault Victims In Lafayette, Louisiana?
Assault victims in Louisiana may be entitled to compensatory damages, which include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are measurable financial losses resulting from your injuries. Examples include:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished or lost future earnings
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and psychological counseling
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement
Louisiana also allows punitive damages in intentional tort cases like assault. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the assailant for their egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.
At Kenny Habetz Injury Law, we collaborate with experts in many fields to accurately value the damages you have suffered. Medical experts can testify about the severity of your injuries, the effects on your daily life, and your anticipated long-term medical needs. Economic and vocational experts can give insight into any impairments, the impact on your ability to work, and the value of your diminished earning capacity.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Am Partially At Fault For My Assault in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this system, injury victims can recover damages from the other party even if they were 99% at fault, but damages are reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned.
However, there is an exception for claims involving intentional torts, such as assault. According to Louisiana law, the comparative negligence system does not apply to intentional torts. This means that even if you share some fault for the incident, your damages will not be reduced when the other party intentionally caused your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit For Assault in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations (or “prescriptive period”) for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury in most cases. This deadline applies to most injuries from intentional misconduct, such as assault or battery. The two-year deadline also applies if you were the victim of a crime of violence like aggravated assault.
It’s crucial to take legal action as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation. Call Kenny Habetz Injury Law today to schedule a free consultation with a Lafayette assault injury attorney. We will begin working on your case while you focus on your recovery. We work on a contingency fee arrangement. This means you pay no attorneys’ fees out of pocket for the legal representation you deserve.
Contact Our Lafayette Assault Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an assault, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to help you fight for the justice and fair compensation you deserve.
Our law office has recovered millions on behalf of injury victims and their families, and we are prepared to give you the same tireless legal representation.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation with a Lafayette assault injury lawyer. We will listen to your story and help you explore your legal options.
