Can I Sue An Ex For Domestic Violence Resulting In A Brain/nerve Injury That Is Likely Permanent?

Is it possible to sue my ex for domestic violence?

On November 10, 2024, my ex (41M) and I (F22) were on a date at the bar. We both drank two drinks and he drove me to a local park, where we had intimate relations inside of his vehicle. He proceeds to suddenly grab the choker necklace that I was wearing and twists it to strangle me for about 10 seconds. He didn’t just strangle me, he had a prior history of domestic violence by kicking my buttocks, spanking my buttocks so much that it left bruises that lasted for weeks, but sadly I felt like I deserved it at the time and I “consented” to the buttocks injuries. However I did not consent to that specific strangulation. Unfortunately, there is a history between us of me wanting “erotic asphyxiation” but I did not consent to the asphyxiation in that specific instance and it resulted in an injury.

Several hours afterwards, when I sobered up, I felt numbness on the left side of my body. I ended up going to the emergency room because I thought I was going to have a stroke. They could not find anything immediately wrong with me but I got approved for medical insurance instantly on that date, November 10 until December 31, 2024.

Ever since the injury that I believe is from the strangulation, I have numbness on and off in the left side of my body, I have reduced feeling when I urinate, defecate, and in my breasts, buttocks, and peripheral neuropathy. I have developed a stutter and speak slower. I am depressed from my injury and less able to move as freely as I could beforehand. My limbs feel more tensed up and I have headaches and memory problems. All of my muscles feel more tense.

I 100% believe that he gave me some sort of nerve injury from the strangulation. These symptoms started after the strangulation incident. I did not report it to the police until January 6, 2025. The case is still open and the local police told me that the district attorney will decide if they will press charges. I requested that they do so.

I know that suing for damages is different from criminal liability. But he gave me an injury, that is likely permanent. I have been to the doctor’s office about 5 times ever since the incident, to try to find out what exactly the diagnosis is. I have had an MRI scan on my back, a neurological exam, and right now I am looking to get coverage again through my employer.

Every day has been a struggle since the injury from the strangulation. I have nightmares, flashbacks, and I am depressed because my body feels more physically numb and dull than before. I am based in California, what are my legal options? I want to sue this individual for damages, pain and suffering and medical costs.