I Was Assaulted and Now Have Hospital Bills

[thedude4242]

My question involves injury or loss that occurred in the state of: Pennsylvania

I was put on the ground and punch by a man. he split open a cut above my and had to get 9 stitches and I have swelling, bruising and cuts. I went to the hospital. they took a cat scan and I got 9 stitches. the police filed simple assault against the man. he changed is story to benefit him and they got my story. I am in court here soon. this same man beat up a 13 year old boy and injured him. he went to jail and had to post bond. anyway I got to go to quart but do not know if my gateway health inusrance is going to pay it because he did it. what can I do. this man is 19 years old and is a dish washer.

[KeyWestDan]

I would check to see if your state has a victim's compensation fund. Most states do and it will pay your medical expenses and perhaps some other things too.

[Oregon Legal Advice]

thedude4242-

First, you'll want to submit a claim to Gateway Health Insurance for your hospital bills. If you intend to file a civil claim against the 19 yr old (from here on out we'll refer to him as "the aggressor"), you'll need to notify your insurance of the legal action. Please see below for more details on a possible civil claim.

Second, does the aggressor have any insurance or assets? If he has neither, it would probably be unwise to sue him in a civil action for your hospital bills since he has no means to pay for your medical bills.

Third, where did the assault take place? If it occurred on the aggressor's place of employment, you may have a civil claim against the employer (under the doctrine of "vicarious liability," an employer may be liable for the actions of one of its employees). If the assault did occur at the aggressor's place of work, was it during one of his shifts?

Lastly, a judge may order the aggressor to pay restitution to you as part of the aggressor's conviction.

[thedude4242]

the assault took place at a public basketball court. he doesnt own nothing really. I hate how these people can do this but you get nothing from them. this is his criminal records prior- two second class misdemeanor assault charges. 2 harassment (S) charges and one criminal mischief. my charges against him have been filed as 2nd degree misdemeanor and a harassment (S) charge. overall this is his 7th charges of his adult life. do you think this person will get? I currently am on SSI and do not want my restitution to take away my benefit because I suffer from panic/anxiety coniditon and have been a complete agoraphobic so it was nice I could go the park to play basketball bo oh well I need to recollect myself. I got records for years of my treatment but I have never been hospitalized and I am a regular looking peoples person. I dont have any problems socializing with people and many people like me.