Can You Sue Someone for Slapping You?

When someone slaps you, you don't have to take it. No no, we don't mean that you go all "Dynasty" on your attacker; you have legal options.

Part of the problem with being a slap victim, though, is that you have to prove that you actually suffered damages. And the hot sting of your cheek may not be enough.

So can you sue someone for slapping you?

Slaps Constitute Battery

The law generally frowns on the idea of one person hitting the other when there is no imminent threat or legal cause to restrain that person. When one person intentionally touches another without his or her consent, causing some sort of harm (physical, emotional, or even financial), battery has been committed.

If someone intentionally slaps you, regardless of the amount of force, and causes you some sort of legally recognizable damage, you can sue him or her for battery. Since a slap is unlikely to cause you any real physical harm -- unless a famous rapper hits you -- you may have to seek damages for emotional distress.

Getting Slapped Isn't Nothing

Despite the lack of physical danger from the average face-slap, depending on the circumstances, being slapped can cause some serious mental anguish or emotional distress. In order to put these feelings into terms a court of law will understand, being slapped may be linked associated with some sort of physical condition: headaches, ulcers, fatigue, insomnia, etc.

Even if your body or mind are unaffected by being slapped, you can also sue if being slapped hurt you financially. For example, if a rogue employee slapped you during an important client meeting, causing you to lose that client's business; or if you were placed on unpaid leave because of involvement in a "fight," you may be able to sue to recover those losses.

It may be difficult in some cases to determine the exact dollar amount associated with something like loss to a business' reputation, but the key is that it can equate to dollars and cents. Hurt feelings alone, such as anger or embarrassment, are not something the courts can help you recover for.

If someone slapped you and caused you harm, you don't have to take it. Get a personal injury attorney to review your case for free today.

Related Resources:

• Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• Can You Sue Someone for Beating You Up? (FindLaw's Injured)
• If You're Injured in a Fight, Can You Sue? (FindLaw's Injured)
• Can You Sue if You're Hurt at a Sporting Event? (FindLaw's Injured)