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Can Victims File Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?

Unfortunately, sexual abuse has been an ongoing problem since the beginning of time; no society is immune. With the level of awareness about sexual abuse being so high nowadays, many victims and their families are asking, “Can victims of sexual abuse file a lawsuit?” Often, the answer is yes.

In the United States, lawsuits are being filed by sexual abuse and sexual assault victims in courtrooms across the country. Sometimes these victims have suffered in silence, but they are taking their cases to the civil courts to ensure that their personal stories of tragedy are heard, fought, and overcome.

In many instances, a sexual abuse case will be prosecuted in criminal court, however, that does not have to be the end of it for the victim. Sexual abuse victims can file a separate civil lawsuit to obtain monetary compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What types of damages are available?

The type and amount of damages available in a sexual abuse or sexual assault case depends on the unique circumstances, for example, was the victim 8 or 18? Did the victim suffer permanent disfigurement, such as the inability to have children?

Was the victim a young child who experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Did the sexual abuse occur one time, or a dozen times, if not more? Was the victim a child who was under the supervision of someone the child’s parents should have trusted, such as a member of a church, a sports coach, or a teacher?

Regardless of the individual circumstances, damages in a sexual abuse case stem from the emotional and physical harm suffered by the sexual abuse victim. They also have to with any harm the victim will continue suffering as a result of the sexual assault or abuse.

Due to the fact that sexual abuse is considered deplorable, especially if the victim was a minor, juries often award very high damages in these cases. In effect, the abuser will be ordered to pay the plaintiff a lot of money, but if the defendant is not wealthy, a civil lawsuit may be brought against a third party, such as a church, a school, the perpetrator’s employer, or a business where the assault took place.

We Handle Sexual Abuse Cases

If you, or someone you love is a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault, we urge you to contact a Schenectady personal injury attorney at DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata for help. We represent clients in sexual abuse cases and we help them obtain the compensation they deserve. Call now to see how we can assist you.