How Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers Helps With an Assault Injury Claim in Fort Worth
Our Fort Worth assault injury lawyers pursue compensation from the person who attacked you and from anyone whose negligence made the attack possible. The criminal case is about punishing the attacker. Your civil case is about paying for what the attack cost you.
When you hire us, we:
- Investigate the attack and review police reports, video, and witness statements
- Identify every responsible party, including property owners and businesses
- Find available insurance coverage
- Document your physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Handle communication with insurers and opposing lawyers
- Negotiate a settlement or take your case to trial
We work on a contingency fee, so you don’t owe attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. We serve all of Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
Can I Sue for Assault in Texas?
Yes. Assault is a crime under Texas Penal Code chapter 22, and it is also grounds for a civil personal injury claim. Under the criminal law, assault includes:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly threatening someone with imminent bodily injury
- Intentionally or knowingly making physical contact the person would find offensive or provocative
You don’t need a criminal conviction to win a civil case. Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, you must show it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. You can bring a claim even if police never made an arrest.
Assault Cases We Handle in Fort Worth
We represent people hurt in many kinds of attacks, including:
- Bar and nightclub fights
- Assault with a deadly weapon and gun violence
- Muggings and robberies
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Bullying and child abuse
- Attacks at apartment complexes, hotels, and parking garages
- Excessive force by security guards
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 90,759 aggravated assaults were reported statewide in 2022.
Who Pays Damages After an Assault in Fort Worth?
Your attacker is responsible for your damages, but many attackers have no money or insurance to pay them. In those cases, a third party may share responsibility.
Under Texas premises liability law, property owners must take reasonable steps to protect people from foreseeable crime. A negligent security claim may apply against:
- Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Apartment landlords and management companies
- Hotels and shopping malls
- Parking garages and office buildings
- Schools, colleges, and daycare centers
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Sports venues
Examples of negligent security include broken gates or locks, poor lighting, no security staff despite past crimes, and failure to warn about known dangers. A bar that overserves an obviously intoxicated patron who then attacks someone may also face a dram shop claim.
How Do I Prove an Assault Injury Claim?
You must show that the defendant caused the attack or failed to prevent it, and that the attack caused your injuries and losses. Strong evidence includes:
- Police reports and any criminal case records
- Surveillance and cellphone video
- Witness statements
- Photos of your injuries
- Medical records and bills
- Records of past crimes or complaints at the property
- Counseling and therapy records
Report the attack to the Fort Worth Police Department, get medical care right away, and keep copies of everything. Don’t post about the attack on social media.
Common Assault Injuries
Assaults can cause lasting physical injuries and emotional trauma. Our clients’ cases often involve:
- Broken bones and facial fractures
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Stab wounds and gunshot wounds
- Scarring and disfigurement
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
When an attack is fatal, the family may have a wrongful death claim.
What Is My Fort Worth Assault Injury Case Worth?
Your case value depends on your injuries, how they affect your life, and how much insurance or other assets are available. You can seek economic damages:
- Medical bills, past and future
- Counseling and therapy costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Damaged personal property
And non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Because assault is intentional, punitive damages may also be available against the attacker.
How Long Do I Have to File an Assault Lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some claims, such as certain sexual assault and child abuse claims, can have different deadlines. Video footage and witness memories fade quickly, so contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
About Brad Parker
Fort Worth Assault Injury FAQs
Can I sue the person who assaulted me in Texas?
Yes. Assault is a crime, but it is also a civil wrong. You can file a personal injury claim against your attacker for medical bills, lost income, pain, and emotional harm. The civil case is separate from any criminal prosecution, and you can pursue it even if the attacker was never charged or was found not guilty.
Can a business or landlord be responsible for an assault?
Possibly. Property owners must take reasonable steps to protect visitors and tenants from foreseeable crime. If an apartment complex, bar, hotel, parking garage, or store ignored broken locks, poor lighting, missing security, or past incidents, a negligent security claim may let you recover compensation from the owner, often through its insurance.
What if my attacker has no money?
Many attackers can't pay a judgment. That is why we look for other sources of recovery, such as a property owner's or business's liability insurance, or an employer responsible for the attacker. Identifying every responsible party early can make the difference between a claim that pays and one that doesn't.
Do I need a criminal conviction to win a civil assault case?
No. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil case only requires showing it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. A conviction can help your civil case, but you can recover compensation without one.
How long do I have to file an assault injury lawsuit in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Some claims, including certain sexual assault and child abuse claims, may have different deadlines. Talk to a lawyer early so evidence is preserved and you don't miss a deadline.
How much does an assault injury lawyer cost?
We handle assault injury cases on a contingency fee. You pay nothing upfront and don't owe attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee will never exceed your recovery, and we explain the exact terms in writing before we begin.
Visit Our Fort Worth Office
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
209 N Hampton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday Closed