Helping Victims Of Crime In Chester County Seek Justice And Compensation

Being the victim of a violent crime can affect your life long after the attack. You may face medical bills, time away from work and emotional pain that makes it hard to return to your usual routine. While the criminal justice system works to punish offenders, a civil lawsuit may help you recover money for the harm you have suffered.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we help victims of crime in Chester County, including West Chester, Phoenixville, Coatesville, Downingtown and Kennett Square. Our lawyers include former prosecutors who know how criminal and civil cases work. We use this experience to protect your rights, explore your legal options and help you seek fair compensation.

Civil Lawsuits For Victims Of Crime In Chester County

If you have been hurt by a violent crime, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit under Pennsylvania law. These claims can help you recover money for physical injuries, emotional harm and other losses caused by the crime.

Our attorneys handle cases involving:

• Assault and battery: Physical attacks that cause injuries, pain or lasting emotional harm.
• Sexual assault: Sexual violence involving individuals, employees or people in positions of trust.
• Child abuse: Physical or sexual abuse involving children at home, school, day care or other places.
• Domestic violence: Abuse by a spouse, partner or family member that causes physical or emotional harm.
• Negligent security: Attacks at businesses, apartment buildings, hotels or parking areas where safety measures were lacking.
• Workplace violence: Physical attacks involving coworkers, customers or other people at work.
• Transportation assaults: Attacks involving rideshare drivers, passengers or transportation workers.
• Wrongful death: Crimes that result in the death of a loved one and leave families facing serious losses.

We also handle cases involving bars or restaurants that unlawfully serve visibly drunk customers who later cause injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Criminal Attack?

The person who committed the crime may not be the only one responsible for your injuries. In some cases, a business, property owner or other party may share the blame because they failed to take reasonable steps to keep people safe.

Other parties that may be held responsible include:

• Landlords who ignore reports of broken locks, poor lighting or unsafe conditions
• Hotels, bars and nightclubs that fail to address known safety risks
• Schools or colleges that overlook reports of abuse or threats
• Employers who ignore warnings about violence at work
• Security companies that fail to provide the protection they agreed to offer
• Transportation companies that fail to screen or supervise workers properly

To bring a claim against one of these parties, you generally must show that they had a duty to protect you and that their failure to act played a role in your injuries.

Even if the attacker cannot be found or has no money to pay a claim, you may still have options. Our lawyers can look into other responsible parties and possible insurance coverage.

How Do Criminal Cases And Civil Lawsuits Work Together?

A criminal case and a civil lawsuit have different goals. In a criminal case, the state seeks to punish someone for breaking the law. A civil lawsuit allows you to seek money for the injuries and losses the crime caused.

You may still be able to file a civil claim even if the person who attacked you was never charged or was found not guilty.

There may also be other ways to receive financial help:

• Criminal restitution: A judge may order a convicted offender to repay certain costs caused by the crime.
• Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP): This program may help eligible victims pay for medical care, counseling, lost wages and other approved costs.
• Civil lawsuits: A successful claim may help you recover a wider range of losses, including pain and suffering.

These forms of payment may work together, but there are rules against receiving payment twice for the same loss. Our attorneys can help you understand how each option may affect your claim.

What Evidence Should You Keep After A Crime?

Strong evidence can make a major difference in a civil case. Some records, especially security videos, may be lost or deleted if too much time passes.

If it is safe for you to do so, consider taking these steps:

1. Get medical care and keep copies of your records.
2. Report the crime to the police and save the report number.
3. Take photos of your injuries and the place where the attack happened.
4. Save threatening texts, emails and social media messages.
5. Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses.
6. Ask that security videos, entry records and reports be saved.
7. Keep track of medical bills, missed work and other costs.

Our crime victim attorneys can help gather further evidence and take steps to protect records that may support your case.

What Compensation Can Crime Victims Recover?

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on how the crime affected your life and who can be held responsible.

A civil lawsuit may help you recover money for:

• Medical bills and future treatment
• Counseling and mental healthcare
• Lost wages and reduced ability to earn money
• Physical pain and lasting injuries
• Emotional distress and mental suffering
• Funeral costs and other losses after a wrongful death

In cases involving especially serious wrongdoing, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the person or party at fault.

How Long Do You Have To File A Civil Lawsuit?

In Pennsylvania, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. However, some cases have different deadlines, including certain claims involving child sexual abuse. Special rules may also give minors more time to file.

Claims against government agencies can have stricter rules. Some require notice within six months, and limits may apply to the amount you can recover.

Civil lawsuits involving crimes in Chester County are often filed in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help you avoid missing an important deadline.

Talk To Our Chester County Crime Victim Attorneys

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we know that taking legal action after a crime can be difficult. Our team includes former prosecutors with decades of combined courtroom experience, and we are committed to helping victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Call 610-314-7066 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available day or night to discuss your situation and explain how we may be able to help.