Long Island Assault Injury Lawyers

Medical Bills and Lost Wages: What You Can Recover

The financial impact of an assault can spiral quickly. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work, creating a perfect storm of financial stress.

Mental health treatment is just as important as physical care. Many assault victims need counseling or therapy to process the trauma. These sessions can continue for months or even years, and you shouldn’t have to pay for them out of pocket.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Civil Claim

Building a strong assault case requires thorough documentation and compelling evidence. We start gathering this information as soon as you hire us.

• Medical records. They document your injuries, the treatment you received, and the prognosis for your recovery. We obtain all relevant records from hospitals, doctors, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
• Police reports. Even if criminal charges weren’t filed, a police report can corroborate your version of events. We review these reports carefully and use them to support your claim.
• Witness statements. Anyone who saw the assault or its immediate aftermath can provide testimony that strengthens your case. We interview witnesses and take formal statements when appropriate.
• Photographs and video footage. Security camera footage from the location where the assault occurred can show exactly what happened. We work quickly to secure this evidence before it’s deleted or overwritten.

Your own account matters too. We encourage you to write down everything you remember about the assault while the details are still fresh. This personal narrative becomes part of the evidence we present.

Time Limits to File Your Assault Injury Lawsuit

New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing assault claims. Missing these deadlines can destroy your case before it even begins.

For assault and battery claims filed directly against your attacker, you have just one year from the date of the assault to file your lawsuit. This is an extremely short window, and it doesn’t leave room for delay.

If you’re filing a negligent security claim against a property owner or business, you typically have three years to file. This longer timeframe applies because these claims are based on negligence rather than intentional conduct.

These deadlines are firm. Courts rarely grant extensions, and once time runs out, you lose your right to pursue compensation. That’s why we urge assault victims to contact us as soon as possible after an attack.

Starting early also helps us preserve evidence. Security footage gets deleted, witnesses’ memories fade, and documents get lost. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the stronger we can make it.

What Happens During Your Free Consultation

We offer free consultations because we want you to understand your options without any financial pressure. This initial meeting is your opportunity to learn about the legal process and decide if you want to move forward.

During the consultation, we listen to your story. We want to understand what happened, how you were injured, and how the assault has affected your life. This isn’t an interrogation. We create a comfortable environment where you can share as much or as little as you’re ready to discuss.

We explain your legal rights and options in plain language. You’ll learn about the different types of claims you might be able to file and the potential defendants we could pursue. We discuss the strength of your case based on the information you provide.

We answer all your questions honestly. If we don’t think you have a viable case, we’ll tell you. If we believe you have a strong claim, we’ll explain why and outline the next steps.

There’s no obligation to hire us after the consultation. You can take time to think about your decision. If you do choose to work with us, we handle assault cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Settlement vs. Trial: Your Legal Options

Most assault cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if settlement talks fail.

Settlement offers the advantage of certainty and speed. You receive compensation without the stress and uncertainty of a trial. We negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum settlement possible, and we never recommend accepting an offer unless it fairly compensates you for all your damages.

If the insurance company or defendant won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our reputation as skilled trial attorneys often motivates defendants to make reasonable settlement offers rather than risk a jury verdict.

At trial, we present your case to a jury of your peers. We call witnesses, introduce evidence, and make compelling arguments about why you deserve compensation. Juries in assault cases often award substantial damages, particularly when the defendant’s conduct was egregious.

The decision about whether to settle or go to trial is ultimately yours. We provide our professional recommendation based on the settlement offer and the strength of your case, but you make the final call.

Why Choose Sullivan and Sullivan for Your Assault Case

We’ve dedicated our careers to helping injured people in Long Island get justice. When you work with us, you get experienced attorneys who genuinely care about your recovery.

We understand the unique challenges assault victims face. These cases require sensitivity, discretion, and aggressive advocacy. We protect your privacy while fighting relentlessly for the compensation you deserve.

If you were assaulted in Long Island, don’t wait to get help. Contact Sullivan & Sullivan by calling (516) 271-1617 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation about your case.