Assault Lawyer
ASSAULT LAWYER BROOKLN, NY
Your injuries from a violent assault did not have to happen. When someone physically attacks you, the harm they cause goes far beyond the immediate wounds. Medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological damage can follow you for years. What many victims do not know is that beyond pressing criminal charges, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit to recover financial compensation for everything you have suffered.
Our Brooklyn attorneys have been fighting for assault victims since 2008. We pursue civil claims against the individual attacker and, where applicable, against the property owners, employers, and institutions whose negligence allowed the assault to occur. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After an Assault in Brooklyn
Taking the right steps after an assault protects both your health and your ability to pursue full compensation through the civil courts.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Seek emergency care the same day even if you believe your injuries are manageable. Internal injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage may not be immediately apparent. Every medical record from the moment of the assault is critical evidence in your case.
Call the Police and File a Report
Report the assault to law enforcement immediately. A police report creates an official record of the incident and the identity of the attacker, both of which are valuable in a civil case. Request a copy of the report as soon as it becomes available.
Document Your Injuries
Photograph all visible injuries immediately and continue documenting them throughout your recovery. Keep records of every medical appointment, prescription, and treatment related to the assault.
Preserve Any Evidence
Save any clothing worn during the attack, security footage you may have access to, text messages or communications from the attacker, and any other physical or digital evidence connected to the incident.
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Any Insurer
Whether the claim involves the attacker’s insurance, a property owner’s liability policy, or your own coverage, do not provide a recorded statement or accept any offer before consulting with our team.
Common Causes
Who Else Can Be Held Responsible for Your Assault?
Negligent Property Owners
Property owners have a duty to provide adequate security in areas where criminal activity is foreseeable. Bars, nightclubs, parking lots, apartment buildings, and retail stores that fail to maintain proper lighting, security personnel, or functioning locks can be held liable when an assault occurs on their premises.
Employers and Businesses
Employers who fail to protect workers from known threats, inadequately screen employees, or allow a hostile environment to escalate into violence may face civil liability for assaults that occur in the workplace.
Bars and Liquor Establishments
Under New York’s Dram Shop Act, establishments that serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then commits a violent assault may share liability for the resulting injuries.
Schools and Universities
Educational institutions that fail to protect students from known threats, ignore prior incidents, or inadequately supervise environments where violence is foreseeable can be held liable for assaults on campus.
Nightclubs and Event Venues
Venues that fail to employ adequate security staff, allow weapons onto the premises, or fail to address escalating altercations before they turn violent may bear responsibility for injuries sustained by patrons.
Transportation Companies
Rideshare platforms, taxi companies, and public transit operators who fail to screen employees or provide safe environments for passengers can be held accountable when assaults occur during the course of transport.
Injuries We Handle
Assault Injuries We Represent
Violent assaults cause a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. Our attorneys represent victims across the full spectrum of assault-related harm.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Facial Fractures and Dental Injuries
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Stab Wounds and Lacerations
- Gunshot Wounds
- Eye Injuries and Vision Loss
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Trauma
- Wrongful Death of a Family Member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
Civil assault claims in New York allow victims to pursue compensation from the individual attacker and from any liable third parties. Unlike criminal cases where the focus is on punishing the offender, civil cases focus on making you whole by recovering the full financial value of your losses.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs
- Future costs related to permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the assault
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Assault Injury Law Firm Since 2008
We Pursue Every Liable Party
The individual attacker is rarely the only source of accountability. Our attorneys investigate property owners, employers, venues, and institutions to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your assault and maximize the compensation available to you.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are a Brooklyn law firm at 2681 East 14th Street, not a national referral service. We know the local courts, the security standards applicable to Brooklyn properties, and the legal landscape governing civil assault claims in New York.
Multilingual Legal Team
Our staff serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and more. Every client deserves to fully understand their rights and their options, and we make sure they do.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all civil assault cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney from your first call to your final settlement. No paralegals, no case managers, no runaround.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a civil lawsuit for assault even if criminal charges were not filed?
Yes. The civil and criminal legal systems operate entirely independently. You do not need a criminal conviction, an arrest, or even a police report to pursue a civil assault claim. The standard of proof in a civil case is significantly lower than in a criminal case, and you are in control of whether and when to file. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and advise you on the strongest path forward regardless of what happened in the criminal system.
How long do I have to file a civil assault lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for intentional tort claims including assault and battery in New York is generally one year from the date of the incident. Claims against negligent third parties such as property owners may follow the standard three-year personal injury deadline. If a government entity is involved, a Notice of Claim may need to be filed within 90 days. Acting quickly is critical. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I sue a bar or nightclub if I was assaulted on their premises?
Even if the individual attacker has limited resources, our attorneys will investigate every potential third-party claim against property owners, employers, insurers, and institutions who may share responsibility. In many cases the most significant compensation comes not from the attacker directly but from the negligent parties who allowed the assault to happen. We will identify every available source of recovery on your behalf.
What if the person who attacked me has no money or assets?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your legal right to file a personal injury claim under New York law. Every worker injured on a construction site, regardless of documentation, has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our firm handles these cases with complete confidentiality and sensitivity to your situation.
What if I was partially at fault for the altercation?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the events that led to the assault. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from pursuing the claim. The defense will often attempt to shift blame onto the victim. Our attorneys will counter those efforts with a thorough and well-documented case.
How much is a civil assault case worth in New York?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost income, the degree of permanent harm, and the number of parties who may share liability. Cases involving serious physical injuries, permanent scarring, or significant psychological trauma can result in substantial recoveries. We offer free consultations to give you a thorough and honest evaluation of your specific situation.
Assaulted in Brooklyn? You Have the Right to Fight Back.
Do not let the person who hurt you face no financial consequences for what they did to you. A civil lawsuit puts the power of accountability in your hands, separate from and in addition to any criminal proceedings. The sooner our team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer every question you have, and walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront cost.
