**What Happens If I’m Assaulted in California? **
Picture this. It’s a warm California evening, and you’re walking back to your car after grabbing tacos with friends. Out of nowhere, a stranger shoves you, shouts insults, and punches you in the face. You hit the ground, dazed, scared, bleeding.
Most people think that’s a criminal matter. Call the cops, file a report, and let the state handle it.
But here’s what almost nobody tells you: you may also have the right to file an assault personal injury claim. That’s how victims move from being just another case number in the system… to actually receiving compensation for their medical bills, therapy, lost work, and the pain they’ve been forced to endure.
What Can Be Considered Assault in California?
California law defines assault more broadly than most people realize. Here’s what can fall under the umbrella—and possibly justify a civil claim:
- Simple Assault – Any attempt to harm, even without contact (swinging at you and missing).
- Battery – Actual unwanted physical contact that causes harm (being hit, shoved, or struck).
- Aggravated Assault – Assault with a deadly weapon or intent to cause serious harm (knife, bat, even a car).
- Sexual Assault – Unwanted sexual advances or contact, even if the state doesn’t prosecute.
- Workplace & Domestic Assault – Attacks by coworkers, supervisors, or family members—common in employment and family law overlap cases.
👉 Bottom line: Assault isn’t always a bar fight. It can happen at work, at home, or in public—and each type may lead to an assault personal injury claim.
Can You Sue for Assault Even If There’s No Conviction?
Yes. Criminal courts and civil courts operate differently. The state prosecutes to punish. A victim sues to recover. And here’s the kicker: civil court has a much lower burden of proof.
That’s exactly how Kobe La in San Diego won over $700,000 after being attacked during a fire-pit altercation at Ocean Beach. The criminal case wasn’t what made him whole—the civil case was (10News Coverage).
And in another headline-making case, a California jury hit rapper Soulja Boy with a $4 million civil assault verdict for abusing his former assistant. No criminal conviction in that lawsuit—but the victim still got justice (Pitchfork Coverage).
So yes, even if the attacker isn’t convicted in criminal court, your assault personal injury claim can still succeed.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover in California?
If you’re the victim of an assault, your damages may include:
- Medical Bills (ER visits, surgeries, therapy)
- Lost Wages & Future Earnings (time off work, long-term impact)
- Pain & Suffering (emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety)
- Punitive Damages (when conduct was especially reckless or intentional)
In California, settlements range widely—from $3,000 to $75,000 in typical cases, and much higher in severe or aggravated assault cases, sometimes reaching into the six or even seven figures depending on the severity, lasting medical issues, and punitive damages awarded.
What To Do Right After an Assault
- Get Medical Care — both for your health and as legal evidence.
- Report the Incident — police report, workplace complaint, or incident record.
- Preserve Evidence — photos, texts, surveillance, witness names.
- Contact a Lawyer Immediately — because time limits (statute of limitations) are strict in California.
FAQ – California Assault Personal Injury Claim
Q: Can I file an assault personal injury claim in Pasadena?
Yes. Victims in Pasadena can pursue damages in civil court, regardless of criminal prosecution.
Q: What if the assault happened at work in Los Angeles?
Workplace assaults may also fall under employment law protections in addition to a personal injury claim.
Q: How much compensation can I expect?
Every case is different, but average personal injury settlements in California range from $3,000 to $75,000, with severe assault cases reaching six figures.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Insurance companies and defense attorneys fight hard to minimize payouts. A lawyer ensures you don’t get shortchanged.
Q: How soon should I act?
Immediately. Evidence fades and deadlines are short. Call a lawyer now. (877) 834-1311
I don’t have money to sue someone. What are my options?
If you’ve been assaulted, don’t settle for just being another police report. Take action. File your assault personal injury claim and demand the compensation you deserve!
📞 Call Westside Injury Lawyers today at (877) 834-1311 or schedule a free case evaluation with our team. We will let you know if we think your case has legs. Worst case, we’ll let you know what steps you can take to help yourself. It’s a win-win. If we take on your case, you do not pay unless we win your case. Win-Win-WIN.
Visit our Personal Injury Services Page for more details on the types of cases we take.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and results will vary. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. To understand your rights, consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
External Sources (linked in blog):
- Kobe La’s case: 10News Coverage
- Soulja Boy verdict: Pitchfork Coverage