Is a Stabbing a Criminal Case or a Personal Injury Case?
Fort Lauderdale and other areas of Broward County see their fair share of personal injury cases. Usually, personal injury attorneys contend with cases based upon accidents and negligence; however, it’s not uncommon for people in Florida and elsewhere to face a personal injury lawsuit for deliberately inflicting harm upon others. The following example illustrates a case where criminal charges and a personal injury lawsuit are both appropriate courses of action.
On January 5, 2012, two people were arrested following an incident involving a group of teenagers in which a 15-year-old girl, Kiana Henry, was stabbed on her way home from school. Ms. Henry survived the stabbing, but her injuries were substantial.
Reports indicate that rumors were the root of the conflict that led to the stabbing of young Kiana. Allegedly, rumors involving Kiana had been circulating around Miramar High School and culminated in a physical fight among several girls. According to Kiana’s friends, the seniors who had been arguing with Kiana said that they intended to settle the disagreement after school. As Kiana was walking home, a pair of girls assaulted her in the parking lot. She attempted to defend herself, but one of the girls pulled out a knife and proceeded to stab her twice under the arm.
Regardless of the specifics of the disagreement, Kiana’s family would be well within their rights to seek help from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney. Though the injuries weren’t fatal, they were substantial enough to merit compensation. It’s also likely that the district attorney may choose to bring criminal charges against the perpetrators, as well, but criminal charges do not negate a victim’s right to pursue compensation independently with the assistance of a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney.
Lawlor, Winston, White & Murphey are seasoned personal injury attorneys in Fort Lauderdale with a winning record of guiding personal injury victims through every detail of an injury case and ensuring fair and reasonable treatment by all responsible parties. The Lawlor, Winston, White & Murphey team has tried more than 100 jury trials and obtained verdicts, judgments and settlements in excess of $100 million for their clients. Please visit our website at / or call our offices at 954-525-2345 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. If you’re concerned that you can’t afford the services of a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, rest assured that we work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay us until you receive the compensation from the insurance companies.