We’ve seen it all in books, TV shows, and movies: A rich or authoritarian figure hurting a commoner, then spitting threats so that the commoner won’t press charges. The threats may be firing the victim, or throwing back a lawsuit at them, such as defamation or emotional distress.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
People who think they are above the law tend to gaslight the people they’ve harmed. Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that makes you question your thoughts and feelings. Perpetrators do this to invalidate their victims’ distress. For example, your boss has been harassing you, so you filed a complaint to your HR. But when your boss heard about it, he tells you that you’re being overly sensitive and that his taunting had only been jokes.
If you crossed someone influential, like a politician, celebrity, or a rich business owner, they may also try to gaslight you, even if they’re the ones who hurt you, whether intentionally or not. Even if you’ve already called the police, they may still attempt to wiggle their way out of a lawsuit, and chances are they’d succeed, simply because of their status. But you shouldn’t let them have their way. If they can escape one potential lawsuit, they’ll escape more, with a trail of victims who never found justice in their wake.
That said, here’s what to do when the person you’re about to sue retaliates:
1. Gather Evidence and Witnesses
If the person who caused your injuries fled the scene, you already have a base for filing a personal injury case against them. But because they ran away, it’d be hard to come after them, especially if they’re strongly determined to dodge a lawsuit.
Personal injury cases usually revolve around pedestrian accidents, auto or motorcycle accidents, accidents in the workplace, and accidents in public places. If your injury applies to any of those scenarios, you are entitled to demand claims for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your pain and suffering.
To strengthen your case, gather evidence from the scene; photos of your injury, the car’s plate number (in a hit-and-run incident), and photos of any property that’s been damaged. Take notes about the turn of events as well, and the other crucial details about the incident.
Identify the witnesses. Ask them to stick around and tell the police what they saw. If the police aren’t involved, convince them to speak up in court when you already filed charges.
2. Work With a Lawyer
Of course, if claims, evidence, and witnesses are part of the picture, a personal injury law firm should be working behind you. Even if you’ve been threatened to stay silent or else face more harm, be firm in your decision to press charges. Often, people who issue threats don’t follow through. They’re just the same as the playground bullies you met in your childhood. They want to appear intimidating, but in reality, they don’t have the courage to hurt you.
If you’ve been bribed instead of threatened, don’t give your answer right away. Analyze the situation first. Sometimes, accepting a bribe can seem like the easier way, especially if it will benefit your career or family. But bribes can have serious consequences too. When you accept a bribe from someone influential, you are putting yourself under their control.
Document each part of the bribing process. That will serve as your evidence when you raise the issue to your boss or lawyer. And of course, politely reject the bribe. If that isn’t an option, do not commit to accepting it. Focus on gathering evidence. Your case will be stronger if the bribe was given to you by mail since the mail itself will act as solid evidence.
3. Recognize the Signs of Gaslighting
Before issuing threats, some perpetrators will use gaslighting first. It’s their way of dissuading you from pressing charges. But how do you recognize gaslighting, aside from hearing comments about your “sensitivity”?
If you told the person who injured you that you’re pressing charges, and they responded with “you’re overreacting”, that’s gaslighting. They may also manipulate you into thinking that your injuries aren’t even that serious. Acting like they’ve forgotten about the incident is also a form of gaslighting. If they had been drunk when they hurt you, they may have really forgotten their actions, but that shouldn’t give them a free pass.
When considering if a wrongdoer is gaslighting you, focus on your feelings, not just their actions. If their words cause you to question your judgment, start collecting evidence of their gaslighting, and use them to strengthen your case. Don’t cower and drop the charges if they resort to harsher means of retaliation. As long as you’re with a competent lawyer and determined witnesses, no one and nothing can harm you further.
