Can I Sue for Assault and Robbery?

by Krishan
(Newark, NJ)

I live in New Jersey. Last month I was robbed and assaulted by some teenagers at gun point. During the robbery they broke my jaw and I ended up in the mental health ward of local hospital. What are my legal options in this case? Can I sue the juveniles who assaulted and robbed me?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Can I Sue for Assault and Robbery?":

Krishan:
Newark, NJ

Unless there are some facts you have not shared with us there is no reason you should have been taken to the Mental Health Ward of your local hospital. If you were assaulted by a criminal element the police should have been called in immediately.

The only possible scenario we can surmise is the following:

You were being “mugged” and someone called the police. When they arrived you may have been very upset. You may have been intoxicated, or you may have failed to follow the orders of the police.

The police would only have taken you to the hospital if they had reason to believe you posed an imminent threat to yourself or others.

They also may have had a Mental Health Warrant which could have been issued prior to the assault.

Without more facts we can only rely on other scenarios where people have been taken to the mental health ward of a local hospital at or about the time of a confrontation with the police.

But other than that, depending on the specific circumstances, it is possible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator(s) of an assault, provided you have real damages. Whether you will be able to recover any compensation from a criminal without insurance is another problem entirely.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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