ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PENNSYLVANIA VIOLENT CRIME VICTIM LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: October 2, 2026
On This Page
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote as Your Pennsylvania Violent Crime Attorney
- Can You File a Civil Lawsuit Over a Violent Crime in Pennsylvania?
- Common Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle in Pennsylvania
- Who Can Be Held Liable After a Violent Crime?
- What Compensation Can a Crime Victim Recover in a Civil Case?
- Pennsylvania Crime Victims Compensation vs. a Civil Lawsuit
- How Long Do You Have to File a Violent Crime Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
- Speak With a Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer Today
After a violent crime, life can look very different, from your ability to work to the way you feel in places that once seemed safe. In Pennsylvania, victims may bring a civil claim, separate from a criminal case, against the attacker and any third parties whose negligence enabled or contributed to the crime.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our violent crime civil lawyers are here to help you pursue justice and compensation to address the lasting impacts of a violent crime. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote as Your Pennsylvania Violent Crime Attorney
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent crime victims nationwide and have more than 50 years of combined experience in handling complex, high-stakes cases. Our attorneys have the skill and dedication needed to take on challenging claims involving serious injuries and large institutions.
When you choose us, you can expect the following:
- Trauma-informed legal representation: We understand the impact of violent crimes and provide respectful guidance throughout the legal process.
- Comprehensive investigations: Our team examines security concerns, prior incidents, and available evidence to understand how a property owner’s failures may have contributed to your injuries.
- Trial-ready attorneys: We prepare every case to achieve the strongest possible outcome through settlement or trial.
- A commitment to accountability: We have a proven record of achieving meaningful results and holding institutions responsible when they fail to protect people from harm.
- No upfront fees: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Life-Changing Results For Victims And Their Families
Testimonials From Pennsylvania Survivors
“Genuinely the best law firm out here, I’ve never felt so heard and understood in my life till I came across ANDREOZZI + FOOTE. They keep you updated, they email, text, and call you to update you and keep you informed, their paralegal as well is amazing!! These people have genuinely changed my perspective in life in so many ways, I 100000% recommend them! YES THIS IS A REAL REVIEW !!❤️❤️❤️❤️”
- Keyla Marie V.
“Andreozzi + Foote do so much for the community and for survivors. They are caring and professional.”
- Jane A.
“Andreozzi + Foote have been there for countless survivors that I have referred to them. They are trauma-informed, caring, and compassionate. They work with survivors in a way that honors their stories, their wishes, and respects their decisions. The attorneys at the firm are uniquely qualified to handle sexual abuse cases as they have the experience and a proven track record. Even when I have referred survivors to them where there was little that could be done legally, they still provided incredible care and resources. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
- Jennifer S.
Can You File a Civil Lawsuit Over a Violent Crime in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit over a violent crime in Pennsylvania. Such a lawsuit allows a victim to seek compensation from any parties that committed the offense or contributed to the harm. In addition to the attacker, a victim may also have a claim against a business, property owner, landlord, or another third party whose actions or failures enabled the crime.
Civil lawsuits are separate legal actions from criminal cases. A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil claim. This means a victim may have legal options even when the attacker was not convicted, never charged, or never identified.
The O.J. Simpson criminal and civil cases illustrate this distinction. Simpson was acquitted in his 1995 criminal trial involving the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, but was later found liable in a civil case brought by the victims’ families. The families were awarded $33.5 million.
Common Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle in Pennsylvania
Our firm helps survivors and families hold negligent institutions accountable when their actions or failures contribute to violent crime. We represent clients in a wide range of civil cases, including those involving:
- Sexual abuse and assault
- Child abuse
- Physical assault
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Human trafficking
- School violence
- Workplace violence
- Wrongful death
The list above is not exhaustive. If you or a loved one has been the victim of another type of violent crime, our firm may still be able to help. Contact our team for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and determine whether a civil claim may be an option.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Violent Crime?
Responsibility for a violent crime does not always end with the person who committed the attack. In some cases, another person or organization may have had a legal duty to protect the victim or address a known risk. When that duty is ignored, and someone is harmed, that third party may also be held liable for the victim’s losses.
Depending on the circumstances, other responsible parties may include:
- Property and business owners: May be responsible for failing to address known security risks
- Hotels and motels: May face liability when inadequate security contributes to an assault
- Employers: May be responsible for certain actions by an employee
- Youth organizations: May be liable for failing to protect children under their care
We believe accountability should extend beyond the attacker when others contributed to the harm. Our firm investigates institutional failures and pursues claims against every party that may be legally responsible.
What Compensation Can a Crime Victim Recover in a Civil Case?
Compensation in a civil lawsuit can help survivors and families manage the financial burdens and long-term effects that often follow a violent crime.
Victims can generally seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical costs and ongoing treatment
- Counseling and mental health support
- Future treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for eligible family members
The compensation available in each case depends on the specific facts and the full impact of the harm. Factors such as the severity of injuries, the cost of recovery, the effect on a person’s ability to work, and the lasting changes caused by the crime may influence the damages a survivor or family may seek.
Pennsylvania Crime Victims Compensation vs. a Civil Lawsuit
Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program, or VCAP, is a state-run program that offers victims financial assistance with certain expenses stemming from a crime. The VCAP and civil lawsuits offer separate ways for victims of violent crimes in Pennsylvania to seek financial compensation. Here is how they compare:
| Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) | Civil Lawsuit |
|---|---|
| A state-funded program that provides financial assistance for eligible crime-related expenses | A legal action allowing victims to seek compensation from the person who caused the harm or another party that may be legally responsible |
| Covers medical costs, counseling, lost income, funeral expenses, crime-scene cleanup, and other qualifying expenses | Provides compensation for medical costs, counseling, therapy, lost income, funeral expenses, and other economic costs |
| Does not compensate for pain and suffering, stolen or damaged property | Provides compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages; may cover stolen or damaged property |
| Generally capped at $35,000 per victim, although certain benefits can exceed that limit | Generally, no damages cap, except in cases involving government agencies |
Victims may pursue both paths for compensation. In addition, an arrest is not required to file a VCAP claim or a civil lawsuit.
How Long Do You Have to File a Violent Crime Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The deadline for filing a violent crime lawsuit in Pennsylvania depends on the type of claim and the circumstances of the case. General timeframes include:
- Assaults and batteries: Victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a civil lawsuit for crimes such as shootings or stabbings. The deadline for child victims is typically tolled, or paused, until the victim turns 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file suit.
- Wrongful death claims: Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Sexual abuse claims: Deadlines vary based on the victim’s age when the abuse occurred and when the offense took place. In general, adult victims of sexual abuse may have as little as two years from the incident to file suit, whereas minor victims of sexual abuse generally have until their 55th birthday to bring a claim 55th birthday
However, exceptions may apply that can alter these deadlines. Because filing late can bar you from pursuing compensation, consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the deadline for your claim.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer Today
If you believe an organization’s actions or failures contributed to a violent crime, Andreozzi + Foote can help you understand your legal options. We represent survivors and families in civil claims against businesses, property owners, employers, and others whose negligence contributed to the harm they’ve experienced.
Let our Pennsylvania violent crimes lawyers help you seek accountability and the compensation you need to move forward. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there’s no cost to you unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
CONTACT US TODAY
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Confidential Consultation
Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.