Specialist Lawyers in Injury Offenses
At Valmaseda Abogados, our passion is defending individuals facing charges for injury offenses. We have extensive experience and a successful track record of obtaining favorable results for our clients at both the national level and before the Audiencia Nacional (National Court).
We have achieved numerous acquittals or case dismissals during the investigation phase. We pride ourselves on our commitment to justice and protecting our clients’ rights. If you are in a complex legal situation involving an injury offense, do not hesitate to contact us.
At Valmaseda Lawyers, we offer personalized attention and comprehensive service to help you navigate the process with as much peace of mind as possible.
What Is the Crime of Injuries?
This offense is defined in Article 147 of the Spanish Criminal Code and the basic type occurs when the physical or psychological integrity or health of a person is impaired and medical or surgical treatment is required for that injury. It is punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years or a fine of 6 to 12 months.
Types of Injury Offenses
Minor Injuries
Under Articles 147.2 and 147.3 of the Criminal Code, this applies when an injury occurs that does not require medical or surgical treatment for recovery. This category also includes conduct such as hitting or physically mistreating another person without causing a reportable injury. It carries a fine of 1 to 3 months.
Serious Injuries
Serious injuries include those that result in genital mutilation, loss or uselessness of a main bodily organ or member, punishable by 6 to 12 years in prison. It also covers injuries that result in the loss or uselessness of a non-main organ or member and deformity, punishable by 3 to 6 years in prison.
Aggravated Injuries by Modality
These are injuries committed using weapons, instruments, objects, means, methods, or forms that are especially dangerous, or involving cruelty (ensañamiento) or premeditation (alevosía), or where the victim is under 12 years old, incapacitated, a woman who is or was the offender’s spouse or partner, or otherwise especially vulnerable. This type carries 2 to 5 years in prison.
Stages of an Injury Case
1. Negociación: La primera fase suele ser una negociación entre la víctima y el responsable de las lesiones para llegar a un acuerdo extrajudicial. En esta etapa, se busca una solución que satisfaga a ambas partes sin necesidad de ir a juicio.
2. Demanda: Si no se alcanza un acuerdo, la víctima puede presentar una demanda civil contra el responsable. La demanda debe contener información sobre el accidente, las lesiones sufridas y los daños económicos y morales reclamados.
3. Descubrimiento: En esta fase, ambas partes intercambian información y pruebas relacionadas con el caso. Esto incluye informes médicos, facturas, fotografías y declaraciones de testigos.
4. Juicio: Si no se llega a un acuerdo antes del juicio, el caso se presentará ante un juez o un jurado. En el juicio, ambas partes presentarán sus pruebas y argumentos, y el juez o el jurado tomarán una decisión sobre la culpabilidad del responsable y la cantidad de la indemnización.
5. Apelación: Si alguna de las partes no está de acuerdo con la decisión del juez o del jurado, puede apelar el caso a un tribunal superior.
6. Ejecución de la sentencia: Si la víctima gana el juicio, el responsable tendrá que pagar la indemnización fijada por el juez. En algunos casos, puede ser necesario recurrir a medidas de embargo para asegurar el cobro de la deuda.
Es importante tener en cuenta que la duración de un proceso por lesiones puede variar considerablemente dependiendo de la complejidad del caso y de la carga de trabajo del tribunal.
Además, el proceso puede ser muy complejo y costoso, por lo que es recomendable contar con la asistencia de un abogado especializado.
Why It Is Important to Choose a Specialized Injury Lawyer
A lawyer specializing in injury cases has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. They are familiar with applicable laws and procedures and know how to negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to achieve the best possible outcome. A specialized lawyer can also:
File a claim: Help gather all necessary evidence and submit the claim to the insurer or court.
Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies have their own lawyers defending their interests; a specialized injury lawyer can negotiate fair compensation.
Represent you at trial: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will defend your interests in court.
Choosing a specialized injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you have suffered injuries due to another person’s negligence, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Find Us at Our Madrid Office
For personalized legal assistance, contact our Madrid office.
