Civil Justice
Civil Claims After an Assault in California
An assault can create a criminal case and may also support separate civil claims.
Updated September 23, 2026
Reviewed for publication by Mark A. Amador | Former California prosecutor | Partner, Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP
Separate civil track
Potential claims may exist against the person responsible for the attack and, in appropriate circumstances, another legally responsible party.
Third-party liability
Businesses, landlords, employers, schools, or institutions are not liable merely because a crime occurred. Duty, foreseeability, causation, notice, and control matter.
Evidence and timing
Video, witnesses, incident reports, security records, medical documentation, and limitation periods should be evaluated early.
Legal reference: California Constitution article I, section 28; California DOJ victim-rights materials. Parole-specific pages also rely on current CDCR victim-services guidance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
General information only. Rights, procedures, deadlines, and available remedies can depend on the facts and the stage of the case.