[CO] Can I sue my coworker for assault?

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about the situation. Can you tell me more about what happened?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already reported the assault to the police or sought medical attention?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your assault case.

Andres Sanchez

Hello, my name is Andres Sanchez and I am an attorney with 20 years of experience.

What state are you in?

Andres Sanchez

I’m sorry you had to go through this. Based on what you've described—being grabbed inappropriately and wrestled without your consent—you likely have sufficient grounds to explore both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for assault in Colorado.

Criminal Charges (Assault)
Colorado’s definition of assault includes knowingly or recklessly causing physical contact or attempting to do so, without consent. If you file a police report, the district attorney’s office may pursue charges for assault, harassment, or disorderly conduct depending on the specifics. There is no need for you to personally press formal charges — that decision is up to prosecutors.

You should preserve any evidence you have:

• Photos of injuries
• Witness statements (e.g., co-workers who saw or heard the incident)
• Incident reports filed with your employer
• Messages or emails referencing or documenting the assault

Civil Lawsuit (Personal Injury)
You can sue the individual (and possibly your employer, depending on circumstances) for damages resulting from the assault.

1. Elements you’ll want to establish:

• Intentional, unconsented physical contact
• Harm or offensive injury
• A causal link between the contact and your harm (physical or emotional)

2. What you can potentially claim:

• Compensatory damages for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages
• Punitive damages (if you show the assault was especially reckless or malicious)

3. Collecting evidence:

• Medical records documenting any injury
• Witness statements
• Employer incident reports and disciplinary actions
• Texts or emails before/after that could show intent or impact

4. Timing (Statute of Limitations):

• In Colorado, assault claims typically must be filed within two years, so it’s best to act promptly.

Next Steps

• Report the incident to law enforcement and your employer as soon as possible.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine—documenting injuries is key.
• Talk to an experienced attorney who focuses on personal injury and employment law in Colorado—they can guide you through the criminal process and help you decide if a civil suit makes sense for your case.
• Document everything: dates, times, statements, actions taken—this builds the foundation of any case.

Andres Sanchez

Yes, you should report it to the police and provide all the evidence you have of the assault. If there were injuries suffered, you should have a doctor examine you so they can document them. It would be for the police or the prosecutor's office to determine if there is sufficient evidence, but from what you have said, there appears to be.

Andres Sanchez

You would only need a lawyer if you are going to sue them civilly.

Andres Sanchez

Your best resource to find an attorney is to search the bar association website for your state.

Andres Sanchez

You're welcome. I hope everything works out for you.