Earlier this year, a Maryland man was punched in the face by singer and performer Chris Brown outside a W Hotel. According to a report by the Washington Post, the altercation began after Brown took a picture with the assault victim.
Evidently, during the criminal trial against both Brown and his bodyguard, it came out that the two men both hit the victim in the face during the confrontation. When the civil suit was first filed, the assault victim was seeking $3 million in damages for his injuries. However, according to statements by the man’s attorney, the settlement they most recently reached is around $100,000, although the exact amount is confidential.
When Brown was arrested for the assault, he was taken into jail because the assault constituted a violation of the probation order he was given back in 2009 for the assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. After serving four months in jail while the current case was resolved, the judge decided to let Brown out on time served.
Intentional Acts and Civil Liability
Whenever someone inflicts injury on another person in a manner that is reckless, careless, or intentional, he or she may be held liable for the damages caused to that individual. In many cases, when someone hears the word “assault,” he or she thinks of the criminal offense, and to be sure assault is a criminal offense. However, it is also an intentional tort.
The criminal offense of assault is technically committed against the State and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction is obtained. Once a conviction is obtained, the person who is found guilty will likely be fined and may serve a jail sentence. However, it is unlikely that the assault victim will receive any monetary compensation in a criminal case.
in a civil claim, however, assault is committed against the victim and must only be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. Unlike the criminal charge of assault, if a person is found to have committed a civil assault, he or she is responsible for the accident victim’s injuries and may be ordered to financially reimburse the victim for any harm that is caused, both physical and emotional.
If you have been injured by the reckless or intentional acts of someone else, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To learn more, contact a dedicated Maryland personal injury attorney today.
Have You Been Injured By Another’s Reckless Actions?
If you have been injured as a result of another person’s reckless or intentional actions, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for what you have been put through. Even in cases where the incident was an “accident,” it may still be due to the fault of the other party’s reckless or negligent conduct. In these cases, while an intentional tort is less likely, there may be the option to file a negligence action against the other party. To learn more, contact one of the dedicated attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, at 410-654-3600 to set up a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Peanut Plant Responsible for Multiple Deaths Due to Salmonella Contamination, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, October 9, 2014
New Report Finds over 60 Virginia Children Have Died in Daycare Facilities Since 2004, Lack of Oversight Blamed, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, September 4, 2014
Misplaced Construction Sign Results in $100,000 Settlement with St. Louis County, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, August 21, 2014