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Personal Injury Law Firm in New York | Defense Representation for a Client Accused of Causing Physical Injury Through Alleged Viral Transmission



Accusations involving the intentional transmission of a virus or skin infection can, under New York Penal Law, fall within the scope of “physical injury” when the complaining witness alleges impairment of physical condition or substantial pain. 

 

Because NY Penal Law §120.00 does not require visible wounds or forceful impact, police departments often initiate an investigation whenever a complainant claims that physical contact caused a medical condition.


In this matter, a personal injury law firm in New York represented a client who was wrongfully accused of causing a skin related viral infection after the end of a brief dating relationship.

 

The complainant asserted that the client’s physical contact transmitted a virus, thereby constituting “Assault in the Third Degree.”


Through structured investigation, medical documentation, and evidence centered advocacy, the personal injury law firm successfully demonstrated the absence of intent, absence of causation, and absence of any medically supported physical injury under NY Penal Law—ultimately securing a “No Criminal Liability / Case Closed with No Charges” determination.

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1. Personal Injury Law Firm New York | Initial Police Complaint and Early Legal Exposure


Personal Injury Law Firm New York

 

The client sought immediate legal help after receiving notice of an assault allegation filed with NYPD. 

 

New York law allows a complainant to initiate an assault investigation even without medical confirmation, which often results in rapid escalation to detective-level review.


Because the allegation involved bodily harm, police relied on NY Penal Law §120.00 and began evaluating whether the client “intentionally caused physical injury.”



Background of the Relationship and the Allegation


The client had dated the complainant for approximately two weeks before ending the relationship due to incompatibility. 

 

After the breakup, the complainant alleged that the client transmitted a skin-related virus through physical or intimate contact.


The accusation was based entirely on the complainant’s personal assumption rather than a physician’s diagnosis. 

 

No medical record confirmed viral presence, transmissibility, or causal connection.


Despite the absence of medical evidence, NYPD initiated an investigation because the allegation—if true—could theoretically fall within the statutory definitions of “physical injury” and “intent.”



Early Assessment of Exposure Under NY Penal Law


The personal injury law firm determined that the accusation lacked:

 

• Proof of physical injury as required by NY Penal Law §10.00(9).

• Proof of intent to harm, which is essential for NY Penal Law §120.00.

• Medical evidence linking the client to any transmission.

 

Because New York prosecutors require all three elements, the attorneys identified early that the case rested on speculation rather than admissible evidence.



2. Personal Injury Law Firm New York | Legal Standards Governing the Accusation


Under New York law, “physical injury” requires either:

 

1. substantial pain, or

2. impairment of physical condition.
 

A speculative skin reaction, without medical diagnosis or proof of transmission, cannot meet the statutory threshold.



Applicability of NY Penal Law §120.00 (Assault in the Third Degree)


Prosecutors must prove:

 

• Intent to cause injury

• Actual physical injury

• Causation
 

Without medical confirmation of a virus, the complainant’s allegation could not satisfy these legal elements. 

 

Moreover, the client had no knowledge of any contagious condition and reported no symptoms.

 



How Personal Injury Law Firms Evaluate Alleged Viral Transmission Assault Cases


A New York personal injury law firm typically reviews:

 

• Scientific plausibility of transmission

• Medical reports documenting the complainant’s condition

• Timing and incubation periods

• The client’s medical records

• Evidence of intent or threats

 

In this case, none of the legally required factors existed.


 



3. Personal Injury Law Firm New York | Defense Strategy and Evidence Development


The attorneys built a structured defense centered on factual reconstruction, medical review, and disproving causation.



Establishing the Actual Nature of Physical Contact


The firm documented that:

 

• Contact between the parties was minimal (light hugging and brief kissing).

• No sexual contact occurred.

• No exchange that could medically constitute viral transmission occurred.
• This directly contradicted the complainant’s claim of infection through “intimate” contact.



Medical Evidence Disproving Transmission


The personal injury law firm obtained medical records showing:

 

• The client did not carry the alleged virus.

• No symptoms consistent with contagious infection existed.

• The complainant’s skin irritation was medically consistent with stress or fatigue rather than viral infection.

 

 

This evidence eliminated the element of causation required for any assault charge.



4. Personal Injury Law Firm New York | Resolution and No Charge Determination


After submitting medical documentation, relationship history reconstruction, and evidence disproving intent and causation, the firm presented a full mitigation and factual report to investigators.


NYPD determined that the accusation lacked:

 

• medical support,

• evidence of intent,

• evidence of physical injury,

• and evidence of transmission.


 

The matter was formally closed with no charges.

 

The client avoided arrest, prosecution, or court proceedings, and no criminal record was created.



Importance of Early Representation in Alleged Injury Cases


In New York, accusations involving bodily harm—even medically unsound ones—can quickly escalate.


This case illustrates why individuals should seek immediate legal help:

 

• early intervention prevents misinterpretation of medical facts,

• stops unsupported allegations from becoming formal charges,

• and ensures investigators receive verified medical evidence rather than speculation.


09 Dec, 2025


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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