Negligent bodily injury

Legal defence in negligent bodily injury cases

Negligent bodily injury (Article 196 of the Criminal Code) may arise from road accidents, workplace accidents or other activities. It does not concern only injuries requiring more than 90 days of care. Injuries requiring no more than 90 days fall under paragraph (1) if the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances or was carrying out an activity that itself constitutes an offence: 3 months–1 year of imprisonment or a fine. The consequences under Article 194(1), caused negligently, are punishable by 6 months–2 years or a fine; breach of the rules governing a profession or activity raises the limits to 6 months–3 years or a fine. For two or more victims, the limits increase by one third. The classification and circumstances of the accident must be checked alongside medical records.

Analysis of negligence, expert evidence and resolution of the case

The defence examines causation, the precautionary rules breached and the realistic opportunities to avoid the accident. Technical expert evidence is assessed alongside other evidence; the victim’s fault does not automatically exonerate the other participant. We can formulate expert questions and objections, request supplementary work and examine possible shared fault. Article 196 requires a prior complaint by the victim, but its withdrawal must not be confused with reconciliation. Withdrawal may occur until the final judgment and requires endorsement by the prosecutor; for an act against a family member, it does not produce the effects under Article 158(1). Negotiating compensation and dealing with the insurer are important, without in themselves being equivalent to closure of the criminal case.

Urgent legal assistance in Focșani and Vrancea county

Involvement in an accident with casualties leads to lengthy judicial proceedings and significant pressure, including from civil claims for compensation. The Law Office of Lawyer Basuc Cosmin in Focșani provides comprehensive representation before criminal investigation bodies and prosecutors’ offices in Vrancea County. We assist at interviews and technical expert examinations, manage settlement negotiations with the injured party and work with RCA insurers to cover financial and non-pecuniary damage, while providing a firm defence before Focșani District Court or higher courts to obtain the best lawful outcome.