Victims of sexual abuse may face lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological injuries from the harm they endured. If you or a member of your family has been the victim of sexual abuse or assault, you may be entitled to seek damages from the wrongdoer or a negligent party through a civil claim.
While criminal claims focus on holding the abuser accountable through law enforcement and the criminal justice system, civil claims are a distinct legal avenue that aims to secure compensation for damages suffered by the victim. Whether or not the perpetrator was held responsible through criminal proceedings, you can still be entitled to pursue liability through a civil claim.
Our Orlando sexual abuse claims lawyers manage all aspects of civil litigation in these cases to recover maximum compensation for sexual violence and abuse survivors. Our personal injury attorneys can provide aggressive representation to fight for the money and justice you deserve through the civil courts.
In Florida, sexual abuse is primarily addressed under the criminal law, specifically through the offense of sexual battery. Sexual battery is defined as sexual activity performed without the victim’s consent.
For many victims of sexual abuse, filing a civil lawsuit can provide a path to justice regardless of what may transpire in the criminal court system. Liable parties in these cases are often those in positions of trust such as clergy, teachers, physicians, but can also include entities or organizations that enabled the perpetrator or failed to take action.
Criminal cases aim to punish the offender and protect society, while civil cases focus on compensating the victim for damages and holding the abuser accountable. Criminal cases are initiated by the state (prosecutor). Civil cases are initiated by the victim (or their representative). In criminal cases, the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a high standard that requires substantial evidence.
In civil cases, the victim only needs to prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, a lower standard that means it is more likely than not that the abuser is liable. While criminal cases focus on punishing the offender through fines and/or imprisonment, civil cases focus on compensating the victim for damages they have suffered. An Orlando attorney can help you see that your sexual abuser is held responsible, and get the justice you deserve in a civil injury claim.
Sexual abuse is deeply traumatic on every level. Victims are often afraid to speak up or to pursue legal action for fear of retribution. It is crucial to have a compassionate, staunch legal advocate during your side to champion your rights through the legal system. An Orlando lawyer who handles sexual abuse injury cases can assess your legal options, explain your rights, and guide you through the process.
In a civil claim against for sexual abuse, victims can pursue compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, mental health therapy costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. These damages can be both economic (e.g., medical bills) and non-economic (e.g., pain and suffering). Survivors may also seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other related losses.
There are very specific time limits filing civil lawsuits for sexual abuse, which makes it important to speak with an Orlando attorney as soon as possible if you wish to take legal action The statute of limitations has been eliminated for civil claims involving sexual assault of minors, allowing survivors to file at any time.
For adult victims, the deadline varies, generally seven years from the date of the assault or four years from when they discover the injury. If the victim was financially or otherwise dependent on the abuser, they have four years from the time they leave that dependency to file a lawsuit.
Through the civil court system, sexual abuse victims have recourse to seek financial compensation for damages resulting from criminal acts, even if the perpetrator was not convicted in criminal court. This can include monetary compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
An Orlando sexual abuse injury claims lawyer can provide tireless legal representation, help you understand your rights, and seek compensation for your losses. Our attorneys also advocate for victims’ privacy and ensure they are treated fairly throughout the process. Contact The Umansky Law Firm today to request your free and confidential case consultation.
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