      
   4.9146 reviews

Can You Sue Someone for Assault in New Jersey?

Request a Case Review

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

10b9db026d89119e951a851045ac17eee7784f79

Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

New Jersey recognizes assault as one of a small number of intentional torts that can form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit. Even if a prosecutor decides not to pursue an assault conviction, a victim who suffers injuries can still sue someone for assault. They can recover damages in a civil case where the standard for recovery is less strict than in criminal prosecution.

The personal injury lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C., help injured assault victims in Bergen County and elsewhere in New Jersey recover compensation for damages they have suffered in a civil assault.

There are many circumstances under which you can sue someone for assault in New Jersey

You will have a cause of action to sue another party for assault under New Jersey law if that party commits an intentional act to harm you or make you afraid that you will be harmed. As a result, you have an immediate reasonable fear that you will be hurt. Another party may be liable for civil assault even if there has been no physical contact between you and that party. A civil assault cause of action might be viable, for example, where:

Someone lunges at you with a knife or points a firearm at you
Law enforcement personnel exceed a reasonable level of force and take threatening actions against you without having good cause to do so
Medical personnel perform unauthorized procedures or conduct physical examinations that exceed the boundaries of what is necessary
Your safety is threatened at a rental property where the landlord has failed to take reasonable safety precautions despite awareness of threats
Motorists intentionally drive their vehicles in ways that intentionally threaten to run into a pedestrian or a bicyclist
Someone threatens or ridicules you due to your race, religious beliefs, or sexual or gender orientation.

Consult with our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers to assess your right and opportunity to sue someone who has threatened you for assault in New Jersey.

You may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages for civil assault

If the preponderance of the evidence shows that you have a valid assault claim, you may have an opportunity to recover economic damages, as well as non-economic injuries such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Both classes of damages are intended to make you whole after you have been an assault victim.

In a few situations that reflect extreme or egregious conduct by a third party, you might also have a valid claim for punitive damages. This class of damages is not a function of the injuries you suffered but is a penalty imposed on that third party to deter similar future conduct.

Consult with a personal injury lawyer if you believe you have been a victim of civil assault

Even if you have a strong case to sue someone for civil assault in New Jersey, your opportunity to recover damages directly from that person might be limited. They may not have the resources to pay those damages. Regardless, a personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you can recover damages for assault from their employer. For example, in cases where extreme actions by law enforcement have been endorsed or encouraged by the municipality that employs them.

To give you the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve, consult with a New Jersey personal injury attorney as soon as is possible after you feel you have been a victim of civil assault.

Call us for more Information about suing someone for assault

If you believe you have been the victim of an assault in Bergen County or anywhere else in New Jersey, you should not suffer in silence. Call us at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. for information about your opportunity to file a lawsuit for assault. We will provide a private and confidential evaluation of your case, explain all of your options, and aggressively represent you in your New Jersey civil assault lawsuit.

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

50+ Years of Service

Full-Service Law Firm

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   LWelsh 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

see all reviews

Can You Sue Someone for Assault in New Jersey?

Why Trust Us?

Rockland County, New York

Bergen County, New Jersey