Sexual Abuse Survivors: How an Attorney Can Help

This content contains sensitive subject matter related to sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse survivors often feel all alone. Even if their loved ones offer support, they may not know much about survivors’ rights or their legal options. A sex abuse attorney understands what victims of sexual abuse are going through and how the courts can make things difficult.

A personal injury attorney who handles sexual abuse lawsuits can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you recover compensation from the abuser. For more information, talk to an experienced sexual abuse attorney in your area for legal advice.

How Can a Lawyer Help Sexual Abuse Survivors?

Survivors of sexual assault can file a civil lawsuit that is separate from any criminal charges. Even if the abuser was not found guilty in criminal court, they may still be liable for damages in civil court. An attorney can help you:

• Understand your rights to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser
• Understand the benefits and risks of a sexual abuse lawsuit
• Advocate for your best interests
• Negotiate a settlement
• Join a class action lawsuit
• Protect your privacy
• Recover financial compensation

Evaluate Your Legal Options

An attorney can provide a lot of help to victims of sexual assault. They can offer a case evaluation, inform you of your legal rights, and prepare you for what to expect from the justice system. Going forward with a lawsuit has benefits and downsides, and you will face many important choices along the way. Your lawyer can help you understand all your legal options and the possible outcomes of any choices so you can make the best decisions for yourself.

Take Your Case to Court

If you want to go forward with a sexual abuse case, the attorney can file the lawsuit in court to put you in the best position to get the justice you deserve. Civil litigation can be complicated. Your attorney can guide you through the process, represent you in court, and make the best case to hold your abuser accountable for their actions.

Protect Your Privacy

A civil lawsuit is generally a public proceeding. You may be exposing your name and personal details in the court records. Your attorney can tell you what you can expect during a lawsuit and offer options to keep your information private. Lawyers also have a duty of confidentiality to their clients, so anything you say will stay private because of the attorney-client relationship.

Advocate for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

An attorney can also provide advocacy by representing the best interests of their client. This includes advocacy in court proceedings and settlement negotiations. An advocate will stand up for your rights and help you through the legal process. They will keep you informed of any changes and updates in your civil case.

Evaluate a Settlement Offer

Taking a settlement can be a difficult decision for sexual abuse survivors. Settling the sexual assault case means you will get some compensation, but the abuser may not have to take responsibility for what they did.

Most personal injury cases are settled before they go through trial. A settlement is a way for the plaintiff to receive a financial award in exchange for releasing their legal claims against the defendant. In many situations, a settlement can be the best option for victims of sexual violence. With a settlement, the award is guaranteed. A settlement is also a way to avoid the stress, trauma, time, and expense of going through the trial.

A sexual abuse lawyer can help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of settling your case. They can also give you an idea of what your case might be worth and negotiate to get the outcome you need. Your attorney will give you their legal advice, but the ultimate decision of whether to accept a settlement is still up to you.

How Can I Find the Right Lawyer for My Case?

The right lawyer for your case will depend on you. You don’t have to hire the first lawyer you meet. Make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose to handle your case. When you go in for your initial consultation, be prepared with some questions you want to ask, including:

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
• How are the attorney fees handled?
• Who will handle my case?
• How will you keep me up-to-date about my case?

There may be a limited amount of time to file a civil lawsuit under your state’s statute of limitations. Contact a local sexual abuse lawyer for more information about your rights to get the representation you need for navigating the legal system.