I was assaulted and can't afford my medical bills, can I hold the perpetrator responsible without filing charges?

I am licensed in Nevada, but this Answer should apply in Alabama as well. Yes, you can settle with your friend without filing charges. If he is still a friend, you call and ask him if he will pay the bills. If you are no longer friends, then I'd do the demand for payment in writing. You can file a lawsuit (I recommend an attorney if the case has to go this far) if he does not pay whether or not you have filed criminal charges. However, you have to file a civil lawsuit within the Statute of Limitations for assault/battery which, in Alabama is looks to be two years from the date of the assault/battery. Hope this helps. /s Donald Kudler http://www.capandkudler.com

You will need to determine the friends assets and/or insurance. You should also determine if there is a victim of crime claim agency available. Some times they require a criminal complaint. Who is paying your medical bills? You need to contact a local AL attorney immediately.

You have several options - you may have coverage under your Homeowner's Insurance under the Medical Payments provision. Normally this is about $5000. You may can sue your friend and it is possible he may have insurance coverage - there is normally no coverage for intentional acts but if he was drunk it may not have been intentional. These are hard cases but it might work for you. Best wishes and I hope you are making a good recovery. John Watts www.BirminghamInjury.com