Delaware County Crime Victim Lawyers Helping You Seek Compensation

When someone commits a violent crime, the harm can reach far beyond the attack itself. You may need medical care, struggle to return to work or feel unsafe in places that once seemed familiar. If another person or business could have prevented what happened, you may have grounds to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we help victims of crime in Delaware County understand their rights and take legal action against those responsible. From our Media office, we serve clients in Chester, Garnet Valley, Drexel Hill, Springfield and nearby communities. Our team includes former prosecutors who bring years of courtroom experience to every case, along with a strong commitment to helping injured people seek justice.

When Can A Crime Victim File A Civil Lawsuit?

A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil claim. Even if prosecutors decide not to file charges or the accused person is found not guilty, you may still have the right to seek money for your injuries.

Our lawyers represent people harmed by many types of crimes, including:

• Physical assault and battery: Attacks that cause serious injuries, lasting pain or emotional harm.
• Sexual assault and abuse: Sexual violence involving adults or children, including abuse by people in positions of trust.
• Domestic violence: Physical or emotional harm caused by an abusive partner or family member.
• Workplace attacks: Violence involving coworkers, customers or others at work.
• Negligent security: Crimes at apartment buildings, hotels, stores or parking areas where poor safety measures played a role.
• Rideshare and transportation assaults: Attacks involving drivers, passengers or transportation workers.
• Wrongful death: Fatal attacks that leave families facing grief and financial hardship.

We also handle certain claims involving bars and restaurants that serve visibly intoxicated customers who later cause harm.

When A Business Fails To Protect You From Violence

Some violent crimes happen in places where warning signs were overlooked or basic safety steps were missing. Consider an apartment building where residents have repeatedly reported broken security doors. If someone enters the building and attacks a tenant, the property owner may face questions about why those problems were never fixed.

Similar concerns can arise at shopping centers, bars, schools, workplaces and parking facilities throughout Delaware County.

Depending on the facts, a civil claim may involve:

• Property owners who fail to address known safety hazards
• Landlords who ignore reports of threats or break-ins
• Employers who overlook warnings about violent workers
• Schools that fail to respond to reports of abuse
• Security companies that do not carry out their duties
• Transportation companies that fail to screen or supervise drivers properly

To hold these parties responsible, you generally need evidence showing that they had a duty to keep you safe and that their failure contributed to the attack.

What If The Person Who Attacked You Cannot Pay?

Many crime victims worry that a lawsuit will lead nowhere because the attacker has no money or cannot be identified. However, your options may extend beyond the person who committed the crime.

For example, if an attack happened at a business with a history of poor security, there may be grounds to pursue a claim against the property owner. Insurance coverage may also be available in certain cases involving unsafe premises, poor hiring practices or other forms of negligence.

Our attorneys investigate these possibilities to determine where responsibility may lie and what sources of compensation may be available.

Financial Help After A Violent Crime In Pennsylvania

A civil lawsuit is one possible way to recover your losses, but it may not be your only option. Pennsylvania offers several forms of financial relief for eligible crime victims.

• Criminal restitution: When an offender is convicted, the court may order payment for certain losses caused by the crime.
• Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP): This state program may help cover approved expenses, such as medical bills, counseling and lost income.
• Civil compensation: A personal injury lawsuit may allow you to seek money for losses that other programs do not fully cover.

These options have different rules, and payments for the same loss may affect one another. An attorney can help you understand how to pursue the financial support available in your situation.

What Losses Can You Include In A Civil Claim?

The effects of a violent crime are not always easy to measure. Some people recover from their physical injuries but continue to struggle with fear, anxiety or changes to their daily lives.

Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for:

• Emergency care, hospital bills and future treatment
• Therapy and mental health counseling
• Income lost while recovering from injuries
• Reduced ability to work or earn a living
• Physical pain, scarring and lasting disabilities
• Emotional distress and mental suffering
• Funeral expenses and other losses after a wrongful death

In cases involving especially serious misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Protecting Your Right To Compensation After A Crime

Taking action early can make it easier to build a strong civil case. Security footage may be deleted, witnesses may forget details and physical evidence can disappear.

After seeking medical care and reporting the crime, try to keep copies of photos, messages, medical records and other documents related to the attack. Records of past complaints about unsafe conditions may also help show that a business or property owner knew about the danger.

Pennsylvania generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some claims have different deadlines, particularly those involving minors or certain forms of sexual abuse. Claims against government agencies may also require notice within six months and can have limits on damages.

Many civil cases in Delaware County are filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in Media. Our attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain which deadlines may apply.

Get Legal Help From Our Delaware County Crime Victim Attorneys

You should not have to face the financial impact of someone else’s wrongdoing without understanding your legal options. At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, our former prosecutors know how to investigate serious crimes, assess evidence and prepare cases for court. We work closely with our clients to help them make informed decisions about their future.

Call 610-314-7066 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers are available day or night to discuss your case and explain how we can help you pursue compensation.