5 Things You Can Sue Your Domestic Violence Abuser For

Domestic violence victims have the same rights as other crime victims. You have the right to seek justice against your abuser through the criminal court system. But you can also file a civil suit against your abuser and seek compensation for expenses you have incurred or will incur during your recovery. Here are a few areas of compensation you may consider.

1. Medical Expenses

Physical abuse can cause a wide range of injuries. Some injuries are much more severe than others. Unfortunately, only 34% of people injured in an abusive yet intimate relationship seek medical care. Failure to seek treatment may be due to the fear of reporting how they received their injuries or due to the abuser's prevention.

If you have incurred medical bills related to your abuse from the time period you were in the abusive relationship, you may be able to recover the cost of your treatment. Be prepared to provide copies of your medical bills.

2. Lost Wages

Approximately 8 million days of paid work per year are lost due to domestic violence. Some of these lost wages may stem from the following:

• Your abuser not allowing you to go to work
• Injuries you sustained making you unable to work
• Fear of your abuser coming to your place of employment 

Between 21-60% of domestic violence victims lose their employment due to abuse-related reasons. Whatever the reason, if you missed work or lost your job due to your abuse, you may be able to sue your abuser for the lost wages you incurred. 

3. Mental Health Counseling

91% of domestic violence survivors experienced psychological or emotional abuse. Psychological abuse is defined as words and non-physical actions intended to manipulate, hurt, frighten, or weaken a person mentally. It can distort, confuse, or influence others' thoughts and actions. Examples of this include:

Insults

• Gaslighting
• Isolation
• Intimidation
• Belittling
• Restrictions 

Many times psychological abuse is interspersed with warmth and kindness. 

To recover from the abuse you have suffered, you may need mental health counseling. You can sue your abuser for the cost of your counseling, including your future counseling needs. 

4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Were there certain things you did for enjoyment prior to your abuse that you can no longer do because of your abuse? Your inability to participate may be due to physical or psychological injuries your abuse caused. 

Examples may include:

• A torn rotator cuff you received due to your abuse may prevent you from playing sports you loved before
• Unreasonable fears instilled into you by your abuser may keep you from leaving home
• Fractured relationships caused by your isolation could keep you from attending family events

Loss of enjoyment of life can be much harder to prove and attach a monetary amount to, but the court will consider certain things, such as:

• Your age
• The extent of your injuries
• The long-term ramifications of your injuries
• The types of activities you can no longer enjoy

The court may require your testimony, along with the testimony of your friends and family. The court may need this testimony to show how your injuries have impeded your life. 

5. Attorney and Court Fees

The cost of your attorney and any associated court fees are also compensable. These are expenses you would not incur if it were not for your abuse. You can ask the judge to add these costs to any other compensation you receive. 

Wegner & Associates can help you sue your abuser in civil court. With more than 40 years of experience, we fight for your right to compensation. Give us a call for a free consultation about your case.