Over 800,000 aggravated assaults happen in the United States each year, many of which occur on property owned or managed by someone else. Aggravated assault is a broad charge for several different offenses in which a high level of violence was used or even what the suspect’s frame of mind was at the time of the assault.
If an aggravated assault occurs on property owned, managed, or secured by a third party, you should read on – you may be eligible for compensation.
What Should I Do First if I Am a Victim?
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There are a few vital steps to take immediately after you’re the victim of aggravated assault. Whenever possible, you should:
- Get to a safe place
- Call 911 and/or an ambulance
- Call a family member or trusted friend
- Call a physical assault lawyer
What Is Aggravated Assault?
A crime is an aggravated assault when a weapon is present in the commission of the assault or when a serious injury happens to the victim(s). For example, if someone menaces or threatens someone enough to make them genuinely fear for their safety
or if they suffer minor injuries, it’s considered assault.
It becomes aggravated assault when the suspect follows through with a weapon (which can include their hands) and/or causes serious injury to the victim.
Is Aggravated Assault a Felony?
In short, yes. If someone is indicted on aggravated assault charges, they are facing a felony.
Depending on the state, they could be facing different classes of felonies. The typical felony class for a first-time offender in most states is a Class C felony.
What Is Aggravated Indecent Assault?
Aggravated Indecent Assault has slightly varying definitions from state to state, but it is generally defined as an assault in which one person touches or gropes another person in an inappropriate area of the body with the specific intent of gratification or harm.
What Is Aggravated Sexual Assault?
As with the charge of Aggravated Indecent Assault, the definition of Aggravated Sexual Assault varies a bit from state to state. However, it is generally defined as an assault in which one person forcefully attacks or harms someone against their will.
What to Do After an Assault at a Business Establishment
It depends on the situation, but if the business owner failed in their responsibility to reasonably protect you from an assault, then they are liable. The manager or staff member on duty at the time of the assault may also be liable.
This is why it’s important to contact a physical assault lawyer about your options.
Care For Yourself First
Being a victim of aggravated assault of any kind can be a traumatizing event and a whirlwind of emotions and anxiety comes with it. After you’ve received medical attention and spoken with law enforcement, it’s still important that you feel comfortable talking about the event before contacting a lawyer.
Just don’t wait too long. As soon as you’re ready, please give a physical assault lawyer a call.
Read More: Sexual assault of 10-year-old sparks latest criticism of L.A. district attorney’s policies
