When someone becomes the victim of a crime in Georgia, their entire world can flip upside down in a matter of seconds. No one expects to be attacked, sexually assaulted, or harmed while shopping, working, walking to their car, or staying at a hotel. But when it happens, the pain, fear, and anger are immediate—and often lasting. These aren’t just accidents. These are deliberate, violent acts that leave real people with broken bones, lost loved ones, and emotional scars that don’t heal quickly. Crime victims deserve more than sympathy. They deserve someone who will stand up, dig in, and fight for what’s rightfully theirs.
Georgia Crime Victim Lawyer
A Georgia Crime Victim Lawyer steps in when it feels like the criminal justice system isn’t enough. While police focus on arresting the offender, a personal injury attorney focuses on holding everyone accountable—especially the ones who could have stopped it. At McArthur Law Firm, we know how to dig into the facts, uncover every possible path to compensation, and bring legal pressure on landlords, businesses, and corporations that failed to protect innocent people or fostered an unsafe environment.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Georgia Crime Victim Injury Claims
- Types of Crimes
- Crime Hotspots
- Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Crime in Georgia
- Crime Victim Bill of Rights in Georgia
- Questions Georgia Crime Victims Ask
- Additional Resources
Types of Crimes
Sexual Crimes — Victims of these offenses often endure both physical and emotional trauma. In Georgia, they include rape, aggravated sexual battery, sexual assault, and child molestation. These crimes are addressed under Georgia Code § 16-6-1 through § 16-6-25. In addition to criminal prosecution, civil claims may be pursued. For example, a hotel, school, or employer that ignored prior warning signs or complaints about the attacker may be held liable under negligent supervision or negligent security laws.
Assault — The term refers to intentional acts meant to threaten or attempt harm, even if there is no physical contact. Georgia law treats assault as distinct from battery, which involves actual touching. A threatening gesture, such as raising a fist or displaying a weapon, may qualify as assault. Under Title 16, Chapter 5 of the Georgia Code, such conduct may be categorized as simple or aggravated assault depending on factors like weapon use or the severity of the threat.
Violent Crimes — This broad category covers offenses where force or its threat is used against another person. In Georgia, examples include battery, robbery, and homicide. Battery involves unlawful physical acts like hitting or pushing. Robbery adds the element of theft combined with intimidation or force, often happening in public areas. At the highest level, homicide and manslaughter entail unlawful killings, frequently resulting in wrongful death lawsuits filed by surviving family members.
Property Crimes With Violence — Certain property-related offenses involve direct harm to individuals. Burglary and home invasion are two such examples, where victims may suffer injuries during the incident. Georgia Code § 16-7-1 and § 16-7-5 outline the legal definitions and penalties. A personal injury claim may follow if harm occurs during a break-in. Liability can also extend to property owners or landlords who fail to maintain safety measures such as locks, gates, or lighting.
Vehicular Crimes — Offenses involving motor vehicles can cause significant injury or death. Examples include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and hit-and-run incidents. DUI is covered by Georgia Code § 40-6-391, and hit-and-run by § 40-6-270. When injuries result from a drunk or fleeing driver, victims may file civil claims alongside criminal charges. These cases often require legal guidance, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
Crimes Involving Negligent Security — These occur when a business or property owner fails to maintain a safe environment. Such negligence may lead to violent acts in places like apartment buildings, parking decks, nightclubs, or hotels. While the perpetrator faces criminal charges, the property owner may be civilly liable under Georgia Code § 51-3-1. These claims often hinge on whether the danger was known—or should have been known—and unaddressed, such as a lack of security guards, cameras, or proper lighting.
Crimes Involving Children or the Elderly — Georgia law treats crimes against vulnerable populations with great seriousness. Physical abuse, sexual assault, and financial exploitation fall within this realm. These incidents often take place in environments like schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. Although specific statutes differ, civil cases typically focus on negligence and breach of duty. For example, a nursing home may face legal action for failing to prevent staff abuse, or a school for ignoring signs of sexual misconduct.
Human Trafficking — This increasingly prevalent offense in Georgia causes both physical and psychological harm to victims. Abuse, assault, and trauma are common consequences. Under Georgia Code § 16-5-46, trafficking is treated as a felony. In addition to criminal proceedings, civil suits may be filed against entities like businesses or hotels that facilitated or ignored trafficking activity. These complex cases often involve multiple defendants and may result in compensation for therapy, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Crime Hotspots
Crimes causing injury often occur in busy or poorly monitored areas with high foot traffic and low visibility. Common hotspots include nightlife districts, public transit stations, gas stations, and convenience stores open late. Poorly lit parking lots, parks, and apartment complexes with minimal security are also frequent sites of assaults, robberies, and shootings. Residential neighborhoods may see incidents tied to gang activity or domestic violence, often within homes or low-security motels. Crimes can also happen near schools or shopping areas, especially after dark. These areas typically combine accessibility with limited oversight, increasing their vulnerability to violent incidents. Awareness and targeted security measures can help reduce risks in these environments.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Crime in Georgia
The Person Who Committed the Crime — When the attacker is known, they can be sued directly under Georgia civil law for personal injury or wrongful death. Under Georgia Code §§ 51-1-13 and 51-1-14, any injury or illegal attempt to cause physical harm to another person is considered a tort. Victims may seek damages through civil court. Georgia Code § 17-14-1 also allows for restitution, which means the offender can be ordered to repay victims for losses tied to the crime.
Property Owners Who Failed to Keep People Safe — Property owners, such as landlords, hotel operators, or business owners, may be liable if the crime happened on their property and they failed to provide reasonable safety. Under Georgia Code § 51-3-1, property owners owe a duty of care to people legally on their premises. If they didn’t have proper lighting, locks, cameras, or security staff in a place known for crime, they can be held responsible for injuries that occur because of their neglect.
Employers Who Hired Dangerous Workers — Employers may also be liable if the person who committed the crime was an employee and the company ignored warning signs or failed to perform proper background checks. These cases are brought under negligent hiring, supervision, or retention claims.
Businesses That Served Too Much Alcohol — Bars, restaurants, and convenience stores can be sued under Georgia’s dram shop laws if they overserved alcohol to someone who later committed a violent act or caused a crash. Under Georgia Code § 51-1-40, a business may be responsible if they served alcohol to a noticeably intoxicated person knowing that person would soon be driving. This law is often used in DUI cases involving serious injuries or death.
Government Agencies That Ignored Safety Problems — In rare situations, a government agency may be held liable, such as when a public housing authority or transit agency failed to address repeated safety concerns. These cases fall under the Georgia Tort Claims Act and can be difficult to pursue. Victims must follow strict procedures and meet tight deadlines.
Wrongful Death — In Georgia, wrongful death actions under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 provide a civil remedy for families of individuals killed due to another’s intentional acts, such as murder or manslaughter. Even if criminal charges are not brought or fail to result in a conviction, surviving relatives may still file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for the full value of the deceased’s life.
Crime Victim Bill of Rights in Georgia
Victims of serious crimes in Georgia—like homicide, assault, sexual offenses, and fraud—have constitutional rights under Marsy’s Law. These include:
- Notifications: Timely updates on court dates, arrests, and releases.
- Participation: The right to attend and speak during key court proceedings.
- Protection: Option to refuse contact with the accused or their representatives.
- Restitution & Support: Right to request restitution and access victim services.
- Parole Process: Victims can object during parole decisions.
- Agency Responsibility: Law enforcement and state agencies must inform and support victims throughout the legal process, including after incarceration.
Questions Georgia Crime Victims Ask
Can someone sue if the attacker is already in jail?
Yes, the victim can still file a separate civil lawsuit.
Who pays for the hospital bills after a crime?
The attacker, a property owner, or their insurance may be liable.
Do victims need a lawyer after a violent crime?
Yes, to recover compensation and protect legal rights.
What if the criminal doesn’t have any money?
Other people or businesses may also be held financially responsible.
How long does someone have to sue?
In most cases, two years, but sometimes less depending on the facts.
Can victims sue the place where the crime happened?
Yes, if the property owner didn’t provide reasonable safety.
Are emotional injuries covered in lawsuits?
Yes, victims can recover for trauma and mental distress.
Will the victim have to face the attacker in court?
Sometimes, but lawyers often handle direct contact issues.
What if the crime happened at work?
Victims may have both a workers’ comp and personal injury claim.
Is what a victim tells their lawyer kept private?
Yes, attorney-client confidentiality protects all communications.
Additional Resources
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Crime Statistics — This site provides access to Georgia’s official crime statistics compiled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. It presents data reported by local law enforcement agencies on serious crimes and arrests across the state. Visitors can view annual crime summaries and access past reports for crime trend comparisons over time.
Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council – Crime Victims Compensation Program — This website provides information about Georgia’s Crime Victims Compensation Program. It includes details on how victims of certain crimes may qualify for financial help with expenses related to their victimization. It offers guidance for victims, service providers, and advocates, as well as instructions on how to apply for compensation and access resources for restitution, memorial signs, and more.
S. Department of Justice – Victims of Crime — This site from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shares national data on crime victimization, including unreported crimes. It includes findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey and links to related publications, tools, and data collections. The site offers a comprehensive overview of victim trends and demographics.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Crime Injuries in Cobb County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
