Fractured Knee from Assault...

by Anonymous
(USA)

I got assaulted by 1 guy and then 2 more guys jumped in and beat me up. After that, in addition to the bruises and other minor injuries I received, my knee wasn't functioning correctly. I went to the doctor who told me I had a broken knee.

I'm just wondering if I can file a lawsuit against these guys for fracturing my knee? How do I do it? Thanks.

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 "Fractured Knee from Assault...":

Anonymous (USA):

Yes you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the men who assaulted you. We also recommend you file criminal charges against those men for assault with your local Police Department.

If at or near the time of your assault the Police were dispatched and a Police Report was made, you will be able to determine the names and addresses of all of the men, and any witnesses who may have given their statements to the police.

If the Police were not dispatched you still have the same rights to pursue these men. You'll just have to do some more research to get their names and addresses and those of any witnesses to the assault. Once you have the identifying information, you can proceed to your local Small Claims Court.

From the facts you present we're unable to determine which state you are in. Each state has its own limits on the amount you can sue for in Small Claims Court. We suggest you find out the limits. Once you know them you can file suit for the medical bills you sustained, and an additional amount for pain and suffering.

Again, each state is different. Some allow a person to add on an additional amount in their lawsuit for pain and suffering or mental anguish, and others will not.

To gain maximum effect we suggest you sue each person individually. That way you will be able to have access to the highest amount allowed, and can do it in every case you file.

If the defendants ignore the lawsuit, or fail to show up, the court may grant you a default judgment against them. That judgment, once filed, normally earns interest at the going rate of about 10%. Over time that adds up.

Eventually one of the men will want to purchase a home or will make some other credit request. When that happens your judgment will show up. Hopefully that will help you to finally get paid for the assault they perpetrated upon you.

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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