Legal Question in Personal Injury in Washington
assult
I was assulted by a neibor in aug. 2001 he knocked oet some teeth of mine he was arested his wife promised to have my teeth fixed if i would drop the charges I droped the charges but they have never made any attempt to have my teeth fixed they did not even pay the emergancy room bill what action can i take to make them live up to there end of the deal
thank you
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: assult
They have already showed their colors--there is no deal. I would go to the police or the prosecutor again (whomever you dealt with when you "dropped the charges") and ask that the charges be reinstated if that is possible. You need to do this immediately because the prosecutor might feel there is only a one-year statute of limitations on the particular crime.
In addition, you have a civil lawsuit against the man for your physical injuries and pain and suffering. You must sue within 2 years for assault. You may also have an oral contract with the wife for payment of your medical costs.
Finally, some other considerations in making your decision as to what to do: Is pursuing your neighbor criminally and/or civilly going to subject you to risk of further harm from him? Is going after him necessary to help protect others in the future?