7 Types of Civil Lawsuits for Maryland Crime Victims

Even in the absence of a conviction in criminal court, crime victims in Maryland might be able to receive compensation from a civil lawsuit. Referred to as torts instead of crimes, the civil courts allow victims to sue the perpetrator for various types of wrongdoing. The following sections will provide an overview of common torts for which a crime victim might sue the criminal perpetrator in Maryland.

1. Assault

Assault is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator threatens to harm or injure the victim. The victim must reasonably believe that the perpetrator is capable of inflicting harm or injury for the conduct to qualify as assault.

2. Battery

Battery is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator intentionally makes physical contact with the victim. Unless the victim provides consent for such physical contact, it qualifies as battery. A victim of sexual assault or attempted murder may be able to sue for battery in civil court.

3. Wrongful Death

Wrongful death is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator causes the death of a victim. The perpetrator must act in a dangerously reckless or intentional manner for wrongful death to apply. Homicide and manslaughter cases can end up in civil court for wrongful death, if there is not a criminal conviction.

4. False Imprisonment

False imprisonment is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator detains a victim against their will. Unless the perpetrator has a legal justification to detain the victim, it likely qualifies as false imprisonment. A victim of rape or kidnapping may be able to sue for false imprisonment in civil court.

5. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Intentional infliction of emotional distress is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator causes the victim emotional distress or anxiety. This tort requires the perpetrator to act in an intentional and reckless manner for their actions to qualify as intentional infliction of emotional distress. A victim of stalking may be able to sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress in civil court.

6. Fraud

Fraud is a tort that occurs when the perpetrator misrepresents key information to deceive the victim. The perpetrator must knowingly and intentionally deceive the victim for their actions to qualify as fraud. A victim of white collar crimes or racketeering may be able to sue for fraud in civil court.

7. Conversion

Conversion if a tort that occurs when the perpetrator steals or destroys the victim’s property. The perpetrator must act in an intentional or reckless manner for their actions to qualify as conversion. A victim of larceny, concealment or embezzlement may be able to sue for conversion in civil court.

Let Us Help You with Your Case

If you suffered harm or injury as a result of criminal conduct, there are countless benefits to retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer. The lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP in Baltimore, Maryland, know how to navigate the criminal and civil courts in Maryland, ensuring that you can mount an effective case. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.