Q: Assaulted by Home Depot employee with garden hoe, seeking legal advice.

A: I'm sorry to hear about what happened. Based on the facts you shared—being assaulted by a Home Depot employee with a garden hoe, resulting in visible injury documented by police and witnesses—you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

In California, you can potentially pursue compensation through a personal injury claim for assault and battery, as well as possible negligent hiring or supervision claims against Home Depot, depending on the employee's history and the circumstances.

Even though you didn’t seek medical treatment, the officer’s observation and your bleeding injury still provide documentation that could support your claim. Witnesses and a parking lot spotter also strengthen your case.

Given that this happened in Sacramento, it’s important to act promptly. Evidence can fade and witnesses may become harder to locate. I recommend consulting with a local personal injury attorney to evaluate your case in detail and determine the best next steps.

Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, so there should be no upfront cost to speak with someone.

A: You have clear evidence to support your claim, since there’s a police report and witnesses who saw the Home Depot employee strike you with a garden hoe. Even though you didn’t seek immediate medical treatment, the officer’s observations of your injuries can still serve as proof of harm. You might consider arranging for a doctor’s evaluation now to document any lingering pain or complications, because medical records can strengthen your case.

Next, you can pursue a claim against the employee and potentially Home Depot itself under theories of negligence or assault. Gathering statements from the parking lot spotter and other eyewitnesses will help establish exactly what happened and who is responsible. If Home Depot failed to supervise its staff or respond appropriately after the incident, you could also hold the company liable.

It’s wise to act promptly, since California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. You should speak with someone experienced in personal injury or civil litigation to review your evidence and guide you through filing a claim and negotiating any settlement. With solid documentation and timely action, you’ll be in a stronger position to seek compensation for your injuries and any related expenses.