Sex Abuse Survivor Lawyers

Although we can take claims against individual sex offenders, most of the cases we handle are instead filed against the groups that enabled or harbored them. Investigations often uncover that these groups knowingly hid evidence of child sex abuse, such as what has recently unfolded in Catholic Dioceses in several states. If the organization, institution, or employer did not know about the sexual abuse being carried out by one of its members, then an investigation often shows that it reasonably should have known and intervened. In either situation, we know how to hold it accountable for its inexcusable negligence.

Proving Liability in Institutional Sexual Abuse Cases

Proving liability in an institutional sexual abuse case involves demonstrating that the institution responsible for the perpetrator either directly contributed to or enabled the abuse. This can be a complex process, as it requires gathering evidence that shows the institution had a duty to protect its members, failed in that duty, and that this failure directly led to the abuse.

Here are the key factors needed to prove liability:

1. Duty of Care: Institutions such as churches, schools, youth organizations, or medical facilities have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of those under their care. Establishing that the organization had a responsibility to protect the victim is the first step in proving liability.
2. Breach of Duty: You must prove that the institution breached its duty of care. This could be due to negligence in hiring practices, inadequate supervision, failure to address previous complaints about the perpetrator, or a culture of covering up abuse within the institution.
3. Causation: After establishing that the institution failed to uphold its duty of care, it must be shown that this failure directly caused the abuse. This often involves demonstrating that if the institution had taken proper steps, the abuse could have been prevented.
4. Institutional Negligence or Cover-Up: Many cases against institutions are built on the notion that the organization either ignored warning signs or actively covered up the abuse to protect its reputation. For example, in some high-profile cases involving religious institutions or schools, it was discovered that officials knew of the abuse but failed to take appropriate action to stop it.

Evidence in these cases often includes internal documents from the institution, testimony from whistleblowers, records of past complaints against the abuser, and any actions the institution took to conceal the abuse. Gathering this evidence can be challenging, but it is crucial to hold institutions accountable for the harm they caused.

Damages a Sex Abuse Victim Can Pursue

Victims of sexual abuse have the right to seek various forms of compensation, reflecting the profound impact of their experiences. Potential damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering costs for therapy, counseling, and any medical treatment required due to the abuse.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to an inability to work, as well as for diminished future earning potential stemming from psychological or physical trauma.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced by the victim.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the institution's conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the entity and deter future misconduct.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the effects of the abuse on the victim's relationships and family life.
• Rehabilitation and Support Services: Funding for ongoing rehabilitation, including educational support and vocational training to help victims rebuild their lives.

Pursuing these damages not only aids in the healing process but also holds the responsible parties accountable for their negligence or complicity. At Sex Abuse Survivor Lawyers, we are committed to securing justice and full compensation for survivors, ensuring they have the resources needed for recovery and empowerment. If you or a loved one is seeking justice, contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.

Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Statutes of Limitations

The statute of limitations – how much time you have to file a sexual abuse claim in civil court – can vary greatly from case to case. Factors that can change the statute of limitations include state-level laws, how the state classifies the sex crime, the age of the survivor when the last instance of sexual abuse occurred, and other specifics. Some states have taken great strides to expand the statute of limitations, especially when considering cases of child sexual abuse. Others have some catching up to do.

To figure out if you have the option to file a claim in civil court for sexual abuse, call (303) 835-9227 and talk to our attorneys from Sex Abuse Survivor Lawyers. We are nationwide attorneys, so we know the rules and legislation in each state. We are here to guide you through the case from start to finish, so you will never feel alone or overlooked.

Demand Justice Today – Call Now

Your state might allow you to take legal action as a sexual abuse or sexual assault survivor. Don’t miss your opportunity to speak up and demand justice. With a successful lawsuit, you might just find the closure and path forward that you have been looking for ever since the sexual abuse occurred. It would be our honor to help you find it.