I often hear this question (Can an Assault Victim Sue for Medical Bills?) from people who are facing assault charges. These people are concerned how severe the impacts are to a one time bad decision.
To answer the question (Can an Assault Victim Sue for Medical Bills?), let’s start to examine what is considered an assault charge in Maine.
What is an assault?
An Assault charge in Maine is defined as any “offensive physical contact” upon another person. “Assaults” include punching, hitting, and kicking. If someone gets hurt bad enough as a result of the assault, that person can be brought to the emergency room or seen by a doctor to be treated medically for those injuries.
When an assault victim is hurt bad enough to need medical treatment, medical bills add up. This might cause someone to ask the question (can an assault victim sue for medical bills)?
Can an Assault Victim Sue for Medical Bills?
Action in Civil Court The short answer to the question (can an assault victim sue for medical bills?) is yes, it is possible for an assault victim to sue the criminal defendant in civil court for reimbursement of medical bills. However, there are factors that can make this effort easier or harder.
Factors in Favor of Suing for Medical Bills
The following factors can contribute to a situation in which it would be easier for the assault victim to sue the criminal defendant for the cost of medical bills:
- A high amount of medical bills
- An ongoing need for medical treatment
- If the defendant pled Guilty to the Assault charge
- If the defendant was found Guilty by a Jury or by a Judge
Factors working Against Suing for Medical Bills
The following factors increase the difficulty an assault victim would face in an attempt to sue the criminal defendant for the cost of medical bills:
- Low or non-existent medical bills
- If the defendant pled Nolo Contendere
- If the defendant paid restitution as a part of resolving the criminal case.
- If the case against the defendant was dismissed
- If the defendant was found Not Guilty by a Jury or Judge
Our committed legal team is determined to take immediate action to seek a positive case outcome. If you or someone you know is charged with assault in Maine, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will take the time to answer your questions and to put your mind at ease as we work with you to determine a defense strategy.
It is well worth your time to check out:
If you would like to call us now at (207) 571-8555, we can begin to develop your case strategy.
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