Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The long-lasting trauma of sexual abuse can affect every aspect of your life. In addition to the trauma, there may also be physical and financial costs you’re now facing. You may have difficulty going to work or attending school, need to see medical doctors or attend therapy, or struggle with aspects of your day-to-day life.

A sexual abuse lawyer can empower you to regain control over your life, and to seek the justice that you deserve. Contact Lake Legal to discuss your case.

Who Is Eligible to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in a Sexual Abuse Case?

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, including sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover financial compensation. While criminal sexual abuse cases have a high burden of proof, civil lawsuits have a lower threshold of proof meaning that they can be one way to get justice for what you have gone through. A civil lawsuit is also typically the only time you will receive compensation for your losses from sexual abuse.

Abuse survivors who experienced the following may be eligible to pursue a personal injury case:

• or  , such as clergy sexual misconduct and abuse
• Abuse that occurred in a hospital or nursing home setting

What Losses Are Eligible for Compensation in Sexual Abuse Civil Claims?

Survivors of sexual abuse can have a long road to recovery ahead of them. There may be physical injuries, as well as the lasting psychological effects from the traumatic experience. A sexual abuse attorney will go over your losses and fight for the maximum compensation that you are entitled to recover for both economic and non-economic damages.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred because of the abuse
• Loss of wages if you have been unable to work following the abuse
• Pain and suffering, both physical pain as well as emotional distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of consortium
• Diminished quality of life

If a loved one passed away as a result of sexual abuse, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death suit against the perpetrator. A wrongful death attorney can help you seek justice.

How Can an Attorney Help in Your Sexual Abuse Case?

Facing the trauma of sexual abuse can be overwhelming. Having a personal injury lawyer by your side means having an advocate who will fight for you to receive compensation and justice.

A sexual abuse lawyer can:

• Communicate with all involved parties
• Negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Offer guidance on settlement offers
• Represent you in court if necessary

It’s important to note that many of these types of cases are settled out of court. If enduring a trial is a worry for you, discuss this with your lawyer.

Additionally, if your financial situation is deterring you from contacting a lawyer, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you will owe them no upfront costs, and their fees are only paid if they recover compensation in your case.

Who Is Liable in Sexual Abuse Cases?

While holding perpetrators accountable is essential in sexual abuse cases, there may be others who should also be held accountable. In cases where abuse occurred in an organizational or institutional setting, those who are authorities there may be liable for ignoring or, in some cases, covering up the abuse.

A sexual abuse attorney can build support for your case and uphold your legal rights by:

• Gathering evidence, such as disciplinary or other records which may show a pattern of abuse
• Interviewing witnesses
• Consulting with experts, such as medical professionals
• Obtaining police reports

What Should You Do If You Have Been Sexually Abused?

If you have been sexually abused, it is vital to understand you are not responsible for this. You did not consent to this, and the only person responsible is the abuser (and possibly the organization they work for).

Some steps you can take after being abused include:

• Seek medical care. Medical evaluations can ensure that you receive the treatment you need for any injuries as well as any injuries and testing for sexually transmitted infections.
• Report the abuse when you are ready. Calling police or reporting the abuse to authorities, such as the head of the organization that you were abused in, will create documentation of the abuse. An attorney can help you do so if you would like support.
• Seek counseling. After abuse, your mental health should be a top priority. Support is out there. One such resource for support is RAINN, whose hotline is available 24/7 for abuse survivors.
• Document the abuse if possible. If you have text messages, emails, or other evidence that supports your claim, ensure that it is kept in a safe place. If you have visible injuries, you should take photographs of those as well.

How State Laws May Affect Your Sexual Abuse Case

State laws will dictate how long you have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your abuser. The statute of limitations, which differs by state, determines how long you have to act. Some states have eliminated their sexual abuse statutes of limitations while others have extended them or created lookback windows. These changes give people opportunities to seek justice, even if decades have passed since the abuse occurred.

There may be exceptions to these limitations, but you want to act as quickly as you can to avoid overstepping the time limit. Consult with your personal injury attorney about applicable legal deadlines. If you contact them early enough, they can ensure that all claims are filed promptly and correctly.

Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse survivors deserve financial compensation so that they don’t have to worry about the costs of their abuse and treatment while trying to focus on recovering. They also deserve to see the perpetrator of their abuse punished. It can be difficult to take on perpetrators and the institutions behind them, but our associated sexual abuse lawyers can help you fight this battle.

Contact Lake Legal to get started on your case right away with a confidential consultation, because you shouldn’t have to wait for justice.