Benefits of a Lawyer for Civil Justice Cases

Police Cars with Sirens

“Regardless of the outcome of the criminal prosecution, or even if there was no prosecution, crime victims can file civil lawsuits against offenders and other responsible parties. Unlike the criminal justice process, the civil justice system does not attempt to determine an offender’s guilt or innocence. Offenders are also not put in prison. Rather, civil courts attempt to ascertain whether an offender or a third party is liable for the injuries sustained as a result of the crime. If defendants are found civilly liable, courts may order them to pay monetary damages to victims. While money awarded in civil lawsuits can never fully compensate a victim for the trauma of victimization or the loss of a loved one, it can be a valuable resource to help crime victims rebuild their lives. Moreover, the exposure to civil liability is a powerful incentive for landlords, businessmen, and other proprietors to enact the security measures necessary to prevent future victimizations” (NCVC).

 

Attorney Selection Considerations

A productive attorney-client relationship is key to a successful court appearance and there are some important things the victim should consider before choosing the attorney they will go to court with for their case:

  • Prior to making anything official with the signing of papers, it is important to make sure they understand everything in the terms of the agreement and if anything is unclear they need to speak with the attorney and get clarification and reach an agreement before signing.
  • Victims need express their clear intention and idea about what they want the attorney to do, and attorneys should be clear on what they will and will not do for their client.
  • Victims should meet with several attorneys before choosing one to represent them and if any attorney they meet with tried to pressure them or persuade them not to meet with another attorney to ask questions that should be seen as a major red flag.
  • Victims must be willing to cooperate as fully as possible with their attorneys and to always be honest with information and details about the case. Likewise, the attorney should never alter facts or withhold any information from the case or their client.

 

Questions Your Attorney May Ask

When crime victims consult with an attorney, they have to be willing and able to talk about the events before, during, and after the incident and be able to give details of what happened. Attorneys might request information such as the following:

About the Criminal Event:

  • Date and time and location it took place
  • A description of premises where the event happened
  • Identification of witnesses that may exist
  • Identification of any evidence that they know of
  • Whether a police report was filed, and if so, details of the report
  • Whether any criminal case was part of this case as well

About the Perpetrator:

  • If the perpetrator is known to the victim and details of that relationship
  • If the perpetrator is not known to the victim then as much detail as possible about them
  • If the perpetrator is known by a third party what information they have and who they are

About Damages Sustained by the Victim:

  • Medical information and details about injuries and treatments associated with the event
  • Identification of locations where treatments were given
  • Identification of any damages done to personal property in the event
  • Amount of time loss from work, wages, medical expenses, and other financial costs
  • Source of funds used to pay for damages and treatments thus far

Dealing with the aftermath of a violent crime or attack can be devastating and very traumatic, and the thought of facing a court appearance and having to relive those moments can be overwhelming to many. Having a skilled and experienced violent crime attorney on your side can make it easier and can also help to ensure you get justice and receive the compensation you deserve.

Give us a call today for a free review of your case and let our friendly and knowledgeable team work for you and represent you in the courtroom. You do not have to fight through this alone, let us help – call today to get started! Our team is waiting to go to work for you and your rights.