Okabe & Haushalter
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Call Today! 310-543-7708
Okabe & Haushalter

Victims of Physical Abuse

Victims Of Physical Abuse

Our Los Angeles Victim Representation Lawyers Can Help

Have you or a loved one been a victim of physical abuse? If so, you may have legal avenues to seek relief from the individuals or institutions that hurt you. Often, physical abuse is perpetrated by a single individual (or a few individuals) but only occurs due to larger, institutional failings that place innocent people in harm’s way.

If you’ve been hurt, our proven team of legal advocates at Okabe & Haushalter are ready to assist you. Our experienced Los Angeles victim representation attorneys have been industry-recognized for the quality of their work both in and outside the courtroom. We know what it takes to secure results and aggressively pursue justice for injured and wronged clients who need their voices heard.

Consult our physical abuse attorneys in Los Angeles today to discuss your case by clicking here or calling 310-430-7799.

We’re ready to hear your story today. Use our online form to request a free, confidential case evaluation with our team.

How is Physical Abuse Defined in Los Angeles?

At Okabe & Haushalter, we believe everyone has a right to autonomy. Everyone is entitled to live without the fear of being harmed. Unfortunately, many people suffer physical abuse some time in their life.

Under California Law, physical abuse is considered causing purposeful:

  • Bodily injury, including:
    • Slapping
    • Burning
    • Bruising
    • Cutting
  • Pain
  • Impairment
  • Confinement or being restrained
  • Neglect, including:
    • Withholding of food and shelter
    • Refusal of medical care

Physical abuse is never the fault of the victim. However, many abuse survivors feel guilt and shame and may hide their injuries from others. Anyone can become a victim of physical violence, including:

  • Intimate partners:
    • 20 people per minute suffer physical abuse by their partner
    • 1 in 4 women have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner
    • 1 in 7 men have reportedly suffered domestic violence by an intimate partner
  • Child abuse:
    • More than 656,000 children were found to be neglected
    • Child abuse is reported to Child Protective Services every ten seconds
    • 5 children are lost every day to abuse and neglect
  • Elderly abuse:
    • 1 in 6 people over 60 years suffer physical abuse
    • 2 out of 3 long-term care facilities and nursing home staff have admitted to committing abuse in the last year
    • 15.7% of adults report elder abuse
    • 64.2% of staff report abusive behavior

If you or a loved one are suffering from physical abuse, help is out there. Please call our compassionate physical abuse lawyers in Los Angeles today. We will handle your case with the discretion and dignity it deserves.

What Are the Signs of Physical Abuse?

Symptoms of physical abuse can vary greatly. In many cases, the signs of abuse are hidden. Children and elderly adults are the most vulnerable to physical abuse. However, consistent violence can happen to anyone.

Some of the most common signs of physical abuse include:

  • Broken, dislocated, or fractured bones
  • Bruises and welts
  • Black eyes
  • Lacerations
  • Rope marks and burns
  • Burns
  • Open wounds, punctures, and cuts
  • Untreated injuries at various stages of healing
  • Evidence of overmedication or under medication, usually by a laboratory
  • A responsible adult refusing to allow visitors to see a child or vulnerable adult
  • Sudden changes in behavior when a suspected perpetrator is near
  • Individual reportedly being kicked, slapped, struck, or otherwise mistreated

Instances Of Physical Abuse

Unfortunately, there are many instances in which victims who have trusted others with their well-being can be exposed to physical abuse. Sometimes these claims can coincide with criminal charges, other times it is up to victims to come forward and expose the wrongdoing of those who have hurt them.

The following parties can be held responsible for physical abuse:

  • Individuals/criminal defendants
  • Religious institutions
  • Schools/school districts
  • Childcare services
  • Nursing home facilities
  • Healthcare providers
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Business entities/employers

Civil Lawsuits Are Different From Criminal Charges

If there are pending criminal charges against your alleged abuser, or if the person who abused you has been convicted of a crime, we want you to know that you can still bring a civil lawsuit against that individual. Additionally, even if your alleged abuser has not faced any criminal charges or was found not guilty, you can still file a lawsuit.

Civil personal injury cases have nothing to do with the criminal case. Civil court is designed to help you, the survivor of abuse, obtain compensation and closure from the perpetrator of the violence. In many cases, civil actions against alleged abusers are filed at the same time that criminal charges are ongoing. It may be the case that the civil claim will be put on hold until the criminal case is concluded.

Time Limit To Bring Civil Claims For Physical Abuse In Los Angeles

If you have been physically abused by another individual in Los Angeles, you need to know that there is a limited amount of time for you to file a lawsuit in civil court against the alleged abuser. In general, we will look to the California personal injury statute of limitations as the guiding force for these claims. All physical abuse lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date the alleged abuse occurred. Failing to file a lawsuit within this time frame will result in the abuse survivor being unable to recover compensation from the alleged abuser.

However, we do want to point out that the statute of limitations is completely different for instances of sexual abuse. Those who have survived sexual abuse have longer timeframes to file civil lawsuits against the alleged abuser. The time frames differ depending on whether or not the survivor was an adult when the abuse occurred or was under the age of 18 when the abuse occurred. We strongly suggest that you contact our sexual abuse victim representation attorneys in Los Angeles to discuss your case in these particular circumstances.

What Damages Can Physical Abuse Lawyers Help Recover?

Every physical abuse case is different. When damages are discussed, your attorney will work tirelessly to maximize the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to see what damages your claim may qualify to recover.

Common damages in physical abuse cases include:

  • Compensation for medical care, including future care if injuries are severe
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Possible relocation expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of wages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Possible punitive damages

If you or a loved one are suffering from physical abuse, let our trusted attorneys help you take back control of your life.

Contact A Physical Abuse Victims Representation Attorney In Los Angeles

If you believe that you have a legitimate physical abuse claim, then we invite you to contact our firm today. Our team understands how sensitive these matters are and are not afraid to face large institutions in litigation. We have the experience and the resources to make sure that a thorough case for compensation is compellingly put forth on your behalf.

At Okabe & Haushalter, we provide our clients with compassionate advocacy and aggressive representation. Contact our Los Angeles physical abuse attorneys today and schedule a free case evaluation. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 310-430-7799.

Get distinguished, proven counsel on your side during this difficult time. Call us at 310-430-7799 today.