Victims of crimes rely on the criminal justice system to ensure that those who committed a crime against them face charges. These penalties include jail or prison time, legal fees, probation, parole, and a loss of privileges. Although it may bring some form of content or satisfaction to see justice served, it may not adequately help those affected fully recover from a crime’s damages. Examples include pain and suffering, medical bills, time lost from work, out of pocket expenses, damaged or stolen property, and therapy or professional services. When these damages occur, people can take the perpetrator of the crimes to civil court to seek financial restitution.
The Differences in Civil Court and Criminal Court
Criminal laws are the regulations that apply when someone commits a crime. Examples include assault, robbery, arson, rape, and violent crimes. After a person is jailed and charged with a crime, that individual undergoes the justice court system.
Civil laws are the rules used in almost all various disputes between individuals and companies. These are the regulations used when one person takes legal action against another individual, a business, or a firm. These regulations include real estate situations such as an eviction or repossession, a family situation such as separation, or when a person demands money because of damage to their property or a personal injury situation.
Can I Sue for a Crime or Criminal Activity?
The short answer is yes. This answer is true even if the person who allegedly committed the crime was never officially charged, whether they were arrested or not, or even if their criminal case is ongoing or they have been found guilty. It is important to remember that there are different statutes of limitations, depending on the nature of the crime. Damages from violent crimes will have a relatively shorter stature than sexual assault-related crimes. It is in your best interest to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the crime has taken place. This conversation will help ensure that you are still able to seek financial restitution due to the actions taken against you or your family.
People are typically able to seek compensation for medical bills, pain & suffering, a therapy that is either physical, mental, emotional, or other various impacts that can affect your life in the short and long term. In certain situations, companies or businesses can also be held accountable. This is especially true if the crime took place while the employee was on the clock, on company premises, or performing other services as part of their job. The company could be held liable if they failed to perform a proper background check, for instance. If you have more questions about how you can recover from a crime through civil court, contact The Ault Firm at (801) 839-4411 to speak with a legal professional or schedule a case review.
