Violent Crimes
Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer


Every day violent crime turns innocent people into victims. Assault, murder, rape, robbery -- each has a devastating impact on men, women, and children of all ages, all races, all lifestyles.

Once you have become a victim of a violent crime, your next step is to get your life back on track. After getting medical attention, contact an attorney who specializes in law for victims of criminal assault.

The majority of victims of violent crime are emotionally affected. Although everyone reacts differently, the following are reactions to violent crime:

• Shock and confusion
• Anger
• Feelings of panic and anxiety
• Increased concern for their personal safety and that of their family
• Nightmares and a change in sleep patterns
• Difficulty in handling everyday problems
• Feelings of self-doubt, shame, and guilt
• Reliving what happened

Everyone copes with tragedy differently. The above are only examples of some reactions. These are normal reactions to a very abnormal event.

Once you can recognize the above as reactions to your violent crime you can begin to work on coping strategies. Below are some strategies to help yourself cope with your feelings.

• Take care of your physical needs -- eat properly, get enough sleep and rest, and exercise
• Engage in activities you enjoy that relieve stress
• Talk with others about the trauma
• Seek emotional support from loved ones and support systems
• Seek professional help if the effects seem overwhelming

Lastly, you should begin to think about compensation for your losses. There are two ways to collect civil damages for a victim of a violent crime. Cases may be brought directly against the assailant or the case may be brought against third parties that contribute to the occurrence of the crime.

A third party case may include:

• Landlords, who are required by law to provide adequate door and window locks
• Companies whose employees commit a violent attack and injure another person
• Transit authorities are under obligation to protect the safety of their riding patrons from criminal violence, where the violence can reasonably be anticipated
• Colleges and universities or other schools for rape and other assaults of students on campus
• Hotels, Motels, Hospitals, and Convenience stores for injuries to patrons resulting from crime
• Malls, and large shopping centers like a Wal-Mart that may fail to adequately provide security in parking lots.
• Daycare centers for failing to protect children from physical abuse and sexual assaults

Each case should be evaluated based on facts by an experienced attorney to know if there is a potential claim. If you have been the victim of a violent crime and would like to see if you can make a third party claim contact a local attorney who specializes in victims of violent crime law. We will be happy to advise you.

Please send your questions or concerns via e-mail to mneff@mlnlaw.com or call (404) 531-9700.