There is nothing simple about navigating life after experiencing and surviving sexual abuse. From dealing with any injuries to cooperating with police, the aftermath of sexual abuse is extremely stressful for survivors.
In addition to pressing criminal charges against your abuse or anyone who enabled them, you also have a path to file a civil suit as well. This type of personal injury lawsuit can provide you with financial compensation based on the trauma you experienced. While these claims can be challenging to navigate alone, the support of a Fort Washington sexual abuse lawyer from Friedman Schuman Layser could help you get the outcome you deserve. We can take claims all throughout Pennsylvania.
Sexual abuse can take many different forms. In general, it represents any kind of non-consensual conduct or behavior that violates someone else’s bodily autonomy. Understanding the nature of these allegations is crucial for anyone who intends to seek compensation following sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse often includes rape or sexual assault. It is also possible to file a civil suit for acts that do not involve physical contact, including extortion, sexual harassment, or the distribution of revealing photos without consent.
Simply attempting these acts could be enough to lead to a viable case for compensation if you can prove you experienced compensable losses. This may be difficult to determine, but a Fort Washington sexual abuse attorney can review the facts and determine when pursuing legal action makes sense.
It is natural to assume that the perpetrator of a sexual assault is the only party who can be held liable in civil court. However, other individuals or entities who allowed the attack to happen, or helped cover it up, may also be liable.
These cases typically start with the abuser and work outward. In addition to filing legal action against them, any organization or entity that put them in a position to commit the abuse could also be included in the lawsuit. An example of this would be a school that negligently hires a teacher with a history of abuse allegations, or a religious institution that covered up the incident. For victims, dealing with these third-parties may be easier than confronting an abuser directly.
In addition to reporting sexual abuse to the police, survivors have the opportunity to seek justice on their own through a civil lawsuit. When these claims are successful, they will not result in punitive jail times or fines for the abuser. Instead, a Fort Washington sexual abuse attorney can pursue the following types of damages on behalf of a survivor:
Many survivors seek damages based on the cost of medical care. This goes beyond treatment for any physical injuries that resulted from the assault. Plaintiffs may also seek damages for their mental health and therapy needs as well, and a successful settlement could provide for both past and future medical expenses.
Many people find it impossible to return to work after their attack. This is especially true for anyone who has suffered physical injuries, or whose abuser might be a co-worker. Whether they missed days, weeks, or months at work, a civil suit may help recoup any lost wages.
The mental harm that comes with an assault can last long after any physical scars fade. Damages could be available based on the extent of this trauma, as well as how it impacts a person’s life and relationships moving forward.
Sexual assault can change your life in many ways, but you do not have to deal with it alone. If you are a survivor, now is the time to discuss your options outside of the criminal justice system. You have the right to seek justice for the injuries you experienced with a civil lawsuit. Reach out to a Fort Washington sexual abuse lawyer today to learn more. We offer private consultations where your privacy is the top priority.
