Posted on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
The effects of false imprisonment are far-reaching and have devastating consequences for both the victims and their loved ones. False imprisonment is the illegal confinement of a person against their will, without legal authority. People wrongfully imprisoned or unjustly detained may suffer psychological and physiological symptoms, from depression and anxiety to trauma and physical ailments. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various effects of false imprisonment on mental and physical health and how victims can pursue justice.
What is false imprisonment
False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint of a person’s freedom of movement without legal authority or justification. It occurs with or without physical force and takes many forms, including physical restraint, confinement to a small space, or threats of physical harm or emotional distress. Victims of false imprisonment often experience psychological distress, physical pain, and emotional suffering due to the loss of their basic freedoms, such as liberty, freedom of movement, and other constitutional rights.
Some may confuse false imprisonment with kidnapping, which involves transporting an individual against their will across town, state, or international borders. However, false imprisonment does not necessarily involve transportation but rather a restriction of freedom within a certain area.
In addition to being a criminal offense, false imprisonment is also a civil tort. This means that, in addition to facing criminal charges, the perpetrator may also have to respond to a civil lawsuit and demand for monetary compensation.
The impact of false imprisonment
False imprisonment can devastate an individual’s mental and physical health. The effects vary significantly depending on the severity of the situation and the length of time spent in confinement.
Psychologically, false imprisonment can cause anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, and substance abuse. Other psychological and emotional consequences include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, shame, mistrust, anger, and confusion.
Physically, false imprisonment often leads to injuries from struggling against restraints or mistreatment by those confining them. Individuals may experience weight loss due to a lack of nutrition while confined.
False imprisonment also poses financial implications for the victim, including medical expenses resulting from their injuries or loss of wages due to time away from work. In addition, victims often suffer psychological damage requiring costly therapy and medication.
Lastly, false imprisonment impacts the victim’s social life. Many victims may struggle with forming relationships or staying connected with family and friends due to feelings of mistrust or fear. They may also avoid discussing the experience due to shame or embarrassment.
Seeking compensation for false imprisonment
For victims of false imprisonment, the trauma lasts long after the confinement ends. While no amount of money can undo the damage, victims may be entitled to seek compensation for their ordeal. A false imprisonment lawyer helps victims hold their abuser accountable and aggressively pursues compensation on their behalf so they can access the resources they need to heal. Types of compensation available in a false imprisonment lawsuit include:
- Medical bills: If a victim of false imprisonment suffers injuries during their confinement, they can seek compensation for the costs associated with any necessary medical care.
- Lost wages: False imprisonment prevents victims from being able to work, resulting in lost wages. A lawsuit allows victims to claim compensation for the wages they missed.
- Pain and suffering: Victims of false imprisonment may be able to recover damages for physical pain and suffering associated with their experience.
- Mental anguish: Victims may receive compensation for mental anguish they suffer due to false imprisonment, including compensation for nightmares, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues that the incident caused.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, victims may also seek punitive damages, which punish wrongdoers and deter future incidents.
Hiring a false imprisonment lawyer
If you experienced false imprisonment and are considering filing a lawsuit, contact a false imprisonment lawyer to protect your interests and advocate for your rights. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can provide legal advice to help you navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit for false imprisonment.
At Wallace Miller, our experienced false imprisonment lawyers will investigate your case, advise you on the strength of your claim, and fight for justice and compensation on your behalf. In addition, our experienced team of injury attorneys provides personalized legal advice and representation and strives to provide compassionate and dedicated legal support throughout every step of the process. Contact us today by calling (312) 261-6193 for a free legal case review with an experienced false imprisonment lawyer and learn more about how we can help.
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