Getting assaulted in Georgia is terrifying, painful, and life-changing. No one expects to be the victim of an assault—whether it’s on the street, at a gas station, in a parking lot, or even in a place that should feel safe. After the physical injuries begin to heal, the mental and emotional wounds often remain. For many victims in Georgia, the trauma is made worse by lost wages, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming question of what to do now.
Georgia Assault Victim Lawyer
McArthur Law Firm knows how violent and senseless these situations are—and how important it is to hold the right people accountable. These are not just “accidents.” These are deliberate acts of violence, and victims deserve more than sympathy—they deserve strong legal action.
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 Assault Victim Claims in Georgia
- Types of Assault in Georgia
- Assault Statistics
- Common Injuries to Georgia Assault Victims
- Assault Hotspots
- Who is Liable for Assault in Georgia
- Consulting With a Georgia Assault Victim Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Additional Resources
Types of Assault in Georgia
Simple Assault — In Georgia, this is covered under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20. A person commits simple assault when they try to physically hurt someone or do something that makes another person reasonably afraid they’re about to be hurt. It doesn’t matter if there’s no contact—threats, raised fists, or a person charging aggressively can all count as simple assault. This is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but it can become a high and aggravated misdemeanor depending on who the victim is, such as a family member, elderly person, or public school employee.
Aggravated Assault — Defined under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21, this more serious type of assault involves a deadly weapon or an intent to commit a violent felony like murder, rape, or robbery. A person can also be charged with aggravated assault for trying to strangle someone, shoot them, stab them, or cause serious injury in other violent ways. The law considers the level of harm, the method used, and the attacker’s intent when determining whether an assault is aggravated.
Assault With A Deadly Weapon — Though this falls under the broader category of aggravated assault in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21, it deserves separate mention due to its frequency and danger. A deadly weapon doesn’t just mean a gun or a knife—it can be any object that can seriously injure or kill, such as a baseball bat, a car, or a heavy tool. Even if the weapon isn’t used but is brandished in a threatening way, that may be enough to qualify as assault with a deadly weapon.
Assault During Group Violence — When an assault occurs during riots, gang fights, or other group-related incidents, it can lead to aggravated assault charges. The involvement of multiple attackers often makes the case more serious and can increase the victim’s damages in a civil lawsuit.
Domestic Assault — Georgia does not recognize a distinct offense called “domestic assault,” but violent acts against a spouse, partner, or family member are still prosecuted under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20 or § 16-5-21, depending on severity. In family violence cases, the law often allows for immediate arrest and emergency protection for the victim.
Assault By Security Or Law Enforcement — Incidents where a security guard or police officer uses excessive force and causes harm or fear of harm may qualify as assault. These situations often involve allegations of excessive force or a failure to follow protocol.
Assault In Public Places — Commonly occurring in areas like parking lots, stores, gas stations, or outside bars, these incidents may raise additional concerns. Issues like inadequate security or poor surveillance can sometimes make a business or property owner partially liable, depending on the circumstances.
Assault Statistics
In Georgia, assault remains a notable concern, particularly in the form of aggravated assault—the state’s most common violent crime. In 2022, aggravated assault occurred at a rate of 277.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. While violent crimes like robbery, rape, and murder happen less frequently, aggravated assault significantly contributes to the state’s overall violent crime rate of 364.3 per 100,000—slightly below the national average.
Common Injuries to Georgia Assault Victims
Traumatic Brain Injury — A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can happen when a person is punched, kicked, shoved, or struck in the head with an object. This type of injury often results from aggravated assaults involving blunt objects like bats, bottles, or fists. TBIs can lead to memory problems, confusion, headaches, dizziness, and permanent brain damage. Recovery may take months or years, and some victims never fully recover.
Facial Injuries And Broken Jaws — Assault victims often suffer from broken noses, fractured eye sockets, or jaw injuries. These are common in fights, bar altercations, or attacks involving punches or kicks to the face. In some cases, permanent disfigurement or dental damage results. Facial fractures may require surgery, and recovery can take a long time.
Stab Wounds And Deep Cuts — Stabbings and deep lacerations typically happen in aggravated assaults with knives, box cutters, broken glass, or other sharp objects. Victims may suffer serious blood loss, nerve damage, or long-term scarring. Even if the wounds are not fatal, they usually require emergency medical care, surgery, and follow-up treatment.
Gunshot Wounds — Gun-related assaults are among the most dangerous and are always considered aggravated assault under Georgia law. When a person is shot—or even shot at—they can suffer from internal organ damage, shattered bones, or long-term physical disability. Gunshot victims often need multiple surgeries and face a high risk of complications like infection or paralysis.
Broken Bones — Assaults can lead to broken arms, ribs, hands, legs, or collarbones. This may happen from being shoved into a wall, hit with a heavy object, or pushed to the ground. Bone fractures are common in both simple and aggravated assault cases. Victims may need casts, surgeries, and physical therapy. These injuries can affect a person’s ability to work or move normally for months or longer.
Internal Injuries — In some attacks, the damage is not visible. Kicks, punches, or strikes to the abdomen or chest can cause internal bleeding, bruised organs, or collapsed lungs. These injuries are serious and may not show symptoms right away. A victim could look fine on the outside but require immediate medical attention.
Psychological Trauma — Even if a person isn’t physically injured, the mental and emotional effects of an assault can last for years. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. They may struggle to return to work or feel safe in public.
Assault Hotspots
Assaults tend to occur in busy public spaces with large crowds and limited security. Common hotspots include transportation hubs, nightlife districts, convenience stores, bars, gas stations, and parking lots—especially those attached to event venues or apartment complexes. Disputes in bars or nightclubs, domestic altercations in residential areas, and fights at public events are frequent triggers. Poorly lit areas and places with low law enforcement visibility are particularly vulnerable to violent incidents, especially after dark. High foot traffic combined with prior criminal activity often marks areas at greater risk for assaults.
Who is Liable for Assault in Georgia
The Person Who Committed the Assault — The attacker is typically the first person who can be sued after an assault. Under O.C.G.A. §§ 51-1-13 and 51-1-14, a person who suffers injury from another’s unlawful act may bring a civil lawsuit. This is true even if the attacker is also facing criminal charges. A civil lawsuit allows the victim to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, emotional harm, and other losses.
A Property or Business Owner — Businesses and property owners can also be held responsible for assaults that happen on their property if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Georgia’s premises liability law, found in O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, states that property owners must use ordinary care to keep visitors safe. If the assault was foreseeable and the owner didn’t fix known dangers—like broken locks, poor lighting, or a lack of security—that owner might be liable.
An Employer — Employers may be held responsible under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-2 if their employee assaults someone while on the job. This often applies in cases involving security guards, delivery workers, or service industry employees. If the employer failed to screen for violent history or ignored prior warnings, the victim may be able to sue the company for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.
Institutions Like Schools or Care Facilities — In some cases, schools, daycares, nursing homes, or mental health facilities may be held liable if they failed to prevent violence by students, staff, or residents.
Consulting With a Georgia Assault Victim Lawyer
A Georgia Assault Victim Lawyer does more than handle paperwork or make phone calls—they build a case around a violent and intentional act. These cases are different from typical accidents because they involve force, threats, or weapons. The attacker may face criminal charges, but that doesn’t help the victim recover medical bills, emotional damages, or lost income. The lawyer’s job is to hold the attacker—and possibly others, like a business or property owner—responsible in a civil court. That means gathering evidence fast, working with medical professionals, and interviewing witnesses.
These cases often involve claims for both physical and emotional harm. The lawyer fights for damages such as medical costs, hospital stays, surgery, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact of emotional trauma. In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages, especially when the assault was particularly violent or the attacker showed no regard for human life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone sue after being attacked in Georgia?
Yes, a victim can sue for damages caused by an unlawful assault.
Does the attacker need to be convicted before suing them?
No. A civil lawsuit can move forward without a criminal conviction.
How much money can an assault victim get in Georgia?
It depends on the injury, costs, and emotional harm.
Can someone sue a bar or apartment for an assault?
Yes, under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, if negligent security helped cause the attack.
What proof is needed to win an assault case in court?
The victim must show the attacker’s actions were unlawful and caused harm.
How long does someone have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?
Generally, two years from the date of the assault under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can a victim get medical bills paid before the case ends?
Sometimes. A lawyer may help secure coverage through insurance or liens.
What if the attacker doesn’t have money to pay?
Other parties—like property owners—may be liable, depending on the facts.
Do victims have to go to court or can it settle?
Many cases settle. Court is only required if a fair agreement can’t be reached.
Is emotional trauma from assault covered in a lawsuit?
Yes. Pain and suffering are part of damages allowed under Georgia civil law.
Additional Resources
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Crime Statistics — This source includes official crime statistics reported by law enforcement agencies in Georgia. It provides detailed data about violent crimes, arrest trends, juvenile offenses, and family violence incidents. Users can view breakdowns by county and type of offense, and access historical comparisons of statewide crime and arrest data.
Macon County Georgia – Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights — This source explains the rights of crime victims and witnesses in Macon County under Georgia law. It covers services provided by the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney, and the Solicitor’s Office. The page also includes contact details for getting help and describes who may be eligible for financial compensation or support services.
Georgia Office of Victim Services – State Board of Pardons and Paroles — This site provides information about services available through the Georgia Office of Victim Services, including how victims can participate in the parole process. It describes tools like the Victim Information Program (V.I.P.), Victim Impact Sessions, and options for victims to stay informed about an offender’s status or release.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Assault Injuries
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
