Every day violent
crime turns innocent people into victims. Assault, murder, rape,
robbery -- each has a devastating impact on men, women, and
children of all ages, all races, all lifestyles.
Once you have become a victim of a violent crime, your next step
is to get your life back on track. After getting medical
attention, contact an attorney who specializes in law for victims
of criminal assault.
The majority of victims of violent crime are emotionally affected.
Although everyone reacts differently, the following are reactions
to violent crime:
-
Shock and confusion
- Anger
- Feelings of panic and anxiety
- Increased concern for their
personal safety and that of their family
- Nightmares and a change in sleep
patterns
- Difficulty in handling everyday
problems
- Feelings of self-doubt, shame,
and guilt
- Reliving what happened
Everyone copes with
tragedy differently. The above are only examples of some
reactions. These are normal reactions to a very abnormal event.
Once you can recognize the above as reactions to your violent
crime you can begin to work on coping strategies. Below are some
strategies to help yourself cope with your feelings.
- Take care of your physical needs
-- eat properly, get enough sleep and rest, and exercise
- Engage in activities you enjoy
that relieve stress
- Talk with others about the
trauma
- Seek emotional support from
loved ones and support systems
- Seek professional help if the
effects seem overwhelming
Lastly, you should
begin to think about compensation for your losses. There are two
ways to collect civil damages for a victim of a violent crime.
Cases may be brought directly against the assailant or the case
may be brought against third parties that contribute to the
occurrence of the crime.
A third party case may include:
- Landlords, who are required by
law to provide adequate door and window locks
- Companies whose employees commit
a violent attack and injure another person
- Transit authorities are under
obligation to protect the safety of their riding patrons from
criminal violence, where the violence can reasonably be
anticipated
- Colleges and universities or
other schools for rape and other assaults of students on campus
- Hotels, Motels, Hospitals, and
Convenience stores for injuries to patrons resulting from crime
- Malls, and large shopping
centers like a Walmart that may fail to adequately provide
security in parking lots.
- Daycare centers for failing to
protect children from physical abuse and sexual assaults
Each case should be
evaluated based on facts by an experienced attorney to know if
there is a potential claim. If you have been the victim of a
violent crime and would like to see if you can make a third party
claim contact a local attorney who specializes in victims of
violent crime law. We will be happy to advise you.
Please send your questions or concerns via e-mail to
info@violentcrimesvictim.com or call (404) 531-9700.
