Whether someone was shot, stabbed, assaulted, or attacked during a robbery or break-in, the pain of a violent crime goes far beyond the moment of violence. It stays in the body, the mind, and the daily life that follows. In Georgia, violent crime victims often feel like they’ve been left to pick up the pieces alone. That’s where having a skilled, aggressive attorney on your side can make all the difference.
Georgia Violent Crime Victim Attorney
McArthur Law Firm lawyers have one mission: to stand up for those who have been hurt by someone else’s violent actions. These cases are about more than just paperwork—they are about fighting for justice when someone has been wronged in the worst way.
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
Types of Violent Crimes in Georgia
Murder — Intentional killings—such as shootings or stabbings—are classified as murder, felony murder, or voluntary manslaughter under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1. These crimes often stem from robberies, gang conflicts, or domestic violence. While some victims die immediately, others succumb to injuries later. Families face immense grief, and perpetrators face life sentences or the death penalty. Investigations and autopsies are standard procedure. Survivors of attempted murder often suffer lifelong consequences.
Assault and Aggravated Assault — Defined broadly under Georgia law, assault includes actions that attempt or threaten harm. When a deadly weapon is involved or the intent includes committing another felony like rape or robbery, it becomes aggravated assault under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21. These incidents frequently involve weapons or fists and often happen in public areas. Victims may endure serious physical and emotional harm.
Aggravated Battery — When an offender causes serious bodily harm—such as disfigurement or the loss of function of a body part—Georgia law defines it as aggravated battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24). These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can result from domestic violence or bar fights, leaving lasting physical damage.
Armed Robbery — This crime involves using or pretending to use a weapon while committing theft, as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41. Common settings include convenience stores, vehicles, or ATMs. Victims may experience severe physical injuries and long-term psychological effects.
Rape and Sexual Violence — Georgia defines rape in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-1 as forced or non-consensual intercourse. Related offenses include aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery. These crimes often happen in private spaces, leaving victims with both physical injuries and enduring trauma.
Gun Violence — Firearms are frequently involved in Georgia’s violent crime cases, prosecuted under various statutes such as aggravated assault or homicide. These incidents can take place anywhere, and both intended targets and bystanders are often affected.
Stabbings and Knife Attacks — Often part of aggravated assault charges, these violent acts are linked to domestic altercations, gang conflicts, or substance abuse situations. Injuries from such attacks can be severe, involving internal damage or permanent impairment.
Violent Home Invasions — When intruders enter a residence with harmful intent, the law treats it as a serious offense. Weapons are typically involved, and the crimes may escalate to armed robbery or assault. The psychological and physical toll on victims can be significant.
Violent Kidnapping — Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-40, this offense is classified as violent when accompanied by force, threats, or sexual assault. Victims may be abducted from familiar or public settings and subjected to extreme fear and restraint.
Group and Gang Violence — Crimes involving multiple offenders, often affiliated with gangs, are particularly dangerous. These incidents frequently include gunfire or stabbing and take place in areas with known gang activity, leaving victims with severe or fatal injuries.
Injuries Sustained by Violent Crime Victims
Gunshot Wounds — These injuries can cause massive damage to organs, nerves, and bones, often resulting in permanent disabilities like paralysis or chronic pain. Recovery may involve multiple surgeries and long hospital stays.
Stab and Cutting Injuries — Knife wounds frequently result in internal bleeding, organ damage, and severe infections. Victims may need emergency surgery and often deal with lasting scars, especially on the face, hands, or neck.
Blunt Force Trauma — Assaults involving fists, bats, or other heavy objects tend to cause broken bones, deep bruising, and head injuries. Some victims need reconstructive surgery or long-term care for damaged joints or brain trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — Impacts to the head can trigger concussions, memory issues, seizures, or long-term cognitive problems. Many victims experience symptoms for months or years and struggle with daily tasks.
Disfigurement and Scarring — Violent incidents involving burns, slashes, or other injuries may result in visible, permanent scars. Even with treatment, the emotional impact can be profound, especially when injuries affect identity-defining areas like the face.
Internal Organ Damage — Penetrating trauma such as stabbings or blunt assaults may puncture vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, or liver. These injuries may require emergency surgery and lead to chronic health problems.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis — Trauma to the spine can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Victims may need lifelong use of mobility aids and face complications like infections and chronic pain.
Loss of Limbs or Limb Function — Catastrophic injuries may lead to amputation or a permanent lack of mobility. Recovery often involves prosthetics and significant lifestyle adjustments, accompanied by deep emotional tolls.
Facial Injuries and Eye Damage — Trauma to the face may impair speech, vision, and the ability to chew. Damage to the eyes can result in blindness. These wounds often have a lasting impact on self-image and confidence.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma — Survivors of physical violence often grapple with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and persistent emotional distress. Long-term therapy and support are frequently needed.
Common Areas Where Violent Crimes Tend to Occur
Violent crimes often happen in high-traffic urban zones such as nightlife districts, public transit areas, and retail centers. Locations like parking lots, gas stations, fast food outlets, and poorly maintained apartment complexes are especially vulnerable—particularly when they lack security features like lighting, surveillance, or controlled access.
Certain conditions consistently raise risk: abandoned buildings, minimal law enforcement presence, and areas with repeated past incidents. Though no official zones are labeled as dangerous, patterns in crime reports show where violence is more likely to occur.
Identifying Who Can Be Held Liable Under Georgia Law
The Perpetrator — Violent offenders can face civil liability regardless of criminal charges. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-14, any violent injury or attempt to injure is a tort, allowing victims to sue. O.C.G.A. § 51-1-13 also holds perpetrators financially accountable for resulting harm. Depending on the facts, other torts might also apply, such as false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Property Owners & Landlords — Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, those who invite the public onto their premises must ensure reasonable safety. Owners may be liable if they fail to address known risks, such as prior violent incidents without adequate security.
Business Operators & Employers — Employers can be held liable under general negligence principles for negligent hiring or supervision—especially if they ignore a violent employee’s history or complaints, leading to foreseeable harm.
Alcohol Providers (Dram Shop Liability) — Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, businesses may be liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause harm. This applies commonly to bars and restaurants.
Negligent Security by Third Parties — Victims can sue property owners under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1 if there’s a history of violence and the owner fails to take reasonable precautions—such as fixing broken locks or hiring security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do right after a violent crime happens?
Call 911, get medical help, and report the crime to the police as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Can a victim of a violent crime sue in Georgia?
Yes. Victims can file a civil lawsuit against property owners, businesses, or others who helped allow the crime to happen.
Does the attacker need to be arrested first?
No. A civil claim can move forward even if the attacker hasn’t been caught or charged.
Is there a time limit to file a claim in Georgia?
Yes. In most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the crime under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
What if the person who committed the crime has no money?
Victims can still sue others who were negligent, like landlords, businesses, or employers who failed to provide safety.
Can someone sue a store or apartment complex after getting attacked there?
Yes, if the owner knew about past violence and didn’t fix the security problem.
What if the victim knew the attacker?
It doesn’t matter. Civil claims can still be filed against third parties if they were negligent in preventing the attack.
Are mental health bills covered in a lawsuit?
Yes. Costs for counseling, therapy, and other emotional harm can be included in the damages.
What if a violent crime happened at work?
Employers may be responsible under Georgia law if they failed to protect workers or hired someone dangerous.
How much money can a victim get in a lawsuit?
That depends on the injury, medical bills, lost wages, and how much the responsible parties can pay.
Additional Resources
- United States Attorney’s Office – Violent Crime — This page from the Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office outlines victim rights and resources in federal violent crime cases. It explains how victims are informed, how investigations work, and how to access support services, including compensation and restitution. It also provides contact details for local and national victim assistance programs.
- CDC – Injuries and Violence Are Leading Causes of Death — This CDC resource shows how injuries and violence are major causes of death for people aged 1 to 44 in the U.S. The data includes causes such as unintentional injuries, suicides, and homicides over time. The page features animated charts and summaries of top causes of death using national mortality statistics.
- National Library of Medicine – Victim Costs of Violent Crime and Resulting Injuries — This article estimates the financial impact of violent crime, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life. It provides cost estimates for crimes like rape, robbery, assault, arson, and murder. The study uses data from the late 1980s to show the broader economic effects of physical and psychological injuries.
- National Library of Medicine – Proportion of Violent Injuries Unreported to Law Enforcement — This study examines how many violent injuries treated in hospitals go unreported to police. Using data from an emergency department in Atlanta, it finds that a large portion of incidents are unknown to law enforcement. The report suggests combining hospital and police data to improve tracking and prevention of violent crime.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for Violent Crime Injuries in Fulton 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
