Rather, civil courts attempt to ascertain whether an offender or a third-party is liable for the injuries sustained as a result of the crime. If defendants are found civilly liable, courts may order them to pay monetary damages to victims. In the civil justice system, offenders are held accountable, not to the state, but to the victims who suffered the direct impact of the crime. While money awarded in civil lawsuits can never fully compensate a victim for the trauma of victimization or the loss of a loved one, it can be a valuable resource to help crime victims rebuild their lives. Moreover, the exposure to civil liability is a powerful incentive for landlords, businessmen, and other proprietors to enact the security measures necessary to prevent future victimizations.
Victims can consider suing perpetrators or other responsible parties.
Some examples of other parties who might share some responsibility for the crime include hotel owners who fail to provide security measures, shopping malls that fail to provide adequate security, parents who allow children access to firearms, and tavern owners who serve alcohol to intoxicated persons. To assist you, the National Crime Victim Bar Association provides crime victims with referrals to local attorneys specializing in victim-related litigation. Monday through Friday. Victim Service Providers' Role Because they eventually may be subpoenaed as witnesses, service providers must be careful about discussing possible civil lawsuits with victims. Service providers can and should advise crime victims in general terms about their right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or other responsible parties.