In La Crosse, Wisconsin, police responded to a medical-assist call at a home on Wednesday night, according to a criminal complaint reported by WEAU. The report states that a woman was injured during a domestic incident. The complaint alleges that Zachary Thompson admitted to attacking his girlfriend with a baseball bat. It further reports that he was charged Thursday with attempted 1st degree intentional homicide while using a dangerous weapon. Those are allegations in a criminal case; the reported charges do not establish civil responsibility. After X-rays and CT scans, a trauma doctor said the woman had numerous facial fractures, a wrist fracture, and lacerations, according to the report. Her jaw was also severely damaged, with teeth displaced and broken, and she was expected to need surgery. Authorities and the criminal court process will determine the facts and legal consequences. What Makes This Incident Different This report involves alleged intentional violence in a home rather than an unintentional accident. The reported injuries include fractures, lacerations, and serious jaw damage, all of which can require extensive medical care and may affect a person's ability to eat, speak, work, and manage daily life. A criminal case and a civil injury claim, if one is pursued, serve different purposes. Criminal proceedings address alleged violations of criminal law. A civil claim may focus on the physical, financial, and personal consequences experienced by the injured person. The existence of criminal charges does not itself decide whether a civil claim is available or what damages may be recoverable. Questions Investigators May Examine Investigators may examine what occurred at the La Crosse home, including the statements attributed to the people involved and the sequence of events before police were called. They may also consider whether the reported physical injuries and medical findings help clarify the nature and extent of the harm. Questions may include: - What information was provided during the medical-assist response? - What statements, if any, were made to police or later documented in the criminal complaint? - What can medical imaging, treatment records, and trauma-care findings show about the injuries? - Whether photographs, communications, or other materials may help establish a timeline? The available evidence, not assumptions, will determine what can be established. Evidence That May Need to Be Preserved Prompt preservation can matter in a serious assault-related injury matter, particularly while medical treatment and a criminal investigation are ongoing. Depending on the circumstances, potentially relevant materials may include: - Police incident reports, dispatch records, and any available body-camera or other response footage - The criminal complaint, charging documents, and court filings - Medical records from emergency care, X-rays, CT scans, surgery, follow-up treatment, and rehabilitation - Photographs documenting injuries at different stages of healing - Receipts and records showing medical expenses, travel for care, missed work, or other out-of-pocket losses - Relevant communications, call logs, or messages that may help clarify timing or context - Names and contact information for people who may have firsthand information An attorney can discuss lawful ways to request, preserve, and evaluate evidence without interfering with an active criminal matter. What Families Should Know Serious injuries can create immediate medical demands as well as difficult financial and practical decisions. Families may need to keep medical bills and appointment records, document work absences, and maintain a clear record of expenses connected to treatment. It can also be important to avoid signing insurance documents or accepting a payment before understanding what rights may be affected. In Wisconsin, the deadlines and options for a civil claim can depend on the type of claim, the parties involved, the injury, and other case-specific facts. A criminal prosecution may proceed separately from a civil case, and developments in one process can affect the timing and handling of the other. Speaking with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney early can help an injured person understand available options, preservation needs, and applicable deadlines. How Dunk Law Can Help Dunk Law can evaluate a serious-injury matter arising from reported violence in La Crosse and explain the civil issues that may be involved. Our team can help review medical and financial losses, identify evidence that may need protection, and coordinate a careful approach around an ongoing criminal proceeding. If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries, contact Dunk Law to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation. Related Dunk Law Resources - All practice areas This post is based on publicly available news reports and is provided for general information only. It is not legal advice.