Sexual Abuse Attorney

Find a Sexual Abuse Lawyer who will fight for maximum compensation in your case

Experiencing sexual abuse and sexual assault can have long-lasting, serious effects on a person, both in physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological injuries. Being sexually abused can leave the survivor feeling helpless and unable to deal with the traumatizing experience. In many instances, the abuser or attacker does not receive adequate punishment through the criminal justice system. When this happens, the sexual assault survivor can feel a new sense of violation and abuse all over again.

The personal injury lawyers at My Rights Law focus our practice on representing children and adults who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual attacks. The criminal justice system is not the only option for recourse. With our help, we can file civil lawsuits against the abusers and hold them accountable for their heinous actions.

What Should I Do If I Suffered Sexual Abuse?

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, then to safeguard your possible sexual abuse lawsuit, it makes sense for you to promptly schedule a free consultation with knowledgeable sexual abuse lawyers. A free case evaluation with a knowledgeable injury lawyer allows you to figure out your legal rights and your options. My Rights Law is a personal injury law firm focused on assisting sexual abuse victims with obtaining financial compensation and justice from their abusers. Our sexual abuse lawyers is prepared and ready to help you. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, then call (888) 702-8882 or contact us through our secure web form for a free consultation.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse or sexual assault are terms that cover many situations. Some states’ criminal penal codes define sexual abuse as including rape, molestation, and unwanted touching. The various criminal penalties will depend upon the specific facts of the sexual assault, but the crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies. However, the criminal courts are not the only recourse a survivor of sexual assault can avail himself or herself of. With an experienced sexual assault attorney, a civil lawsuit seeking money damages can be filed against the abuser. Generally speaking, any type of unwanted sexual contact or activity can be considered sexual abuse. Here are some instances that may qualify as sexual abuse and assault under some states’ laws:

• Unwanted sexual activity or requests for sexual activity
• Exposing sexual organs to someone or making someone else expose themselves
• Creating secret photos, videos, or recordings of a sexual nature without their knowledge
• Distributing photos, videos, or recordings without the person’s permission
• Making someone watch pornography against their will
• Forcibly touching someone’s genitals without their permission
• Forcibly requiring someone to touch the abuser’s genitals.
• Raping someone with forced penetration

Every one of these acts, if proven, can be the basis of a civil lawsuit against the abuser. Anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against their sexual abuser or attacker, whether the survivor is a child or an adult.

Common Places Where Sexual Abuse Can Occur

Even though sexual abuse can occur at any place or time, and anyone can be a victim, there are common areas where sexual abuse occurs more often. An experienced sexual abuse attorney will see cases in the following scenarios regularly:

• Nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and hospitals where the abuser is a medical professional such as a doctor, nurse, or medical staff
• During employment at the workplace by either a co-worker or supervisor
• Places of worship such as churches, mosques, or synagogues where the abuser holds a position of trust and power over the congregation
• Sorority and fraternity houses on college campuses
• In education settings such as schools, colleges, sports leagues where the abuser holds a position of power and trust, such as a coach or trainer
• At home with a family member or family friend

Obviously, anyone can be a sexual predator and engage in actions that constitute sexual abuse. However, in many cases, the abuser will hold a position of trust and authority or control over the person being abused. The abusers can get away with their horrible actions because they use their positions of trust to engage in sexual abuse of people who trust them. In many cases, the victim feels a sense of loyalty toward the abuser even though they know that what is happening is wrong. These sexual predators are often teachers, counselors, members of the clergy, coaches, supervisors, doctors, and other people who hold some type of power over an individual.

Myths And Misconceptions About Sexual Assault

Many survivors of sexual assault often hear myths and misconceptions that can cause extra harm to the victim. When these mistruths are voiced by family and friends, it can prolong the mental recovery from the attack and abuse. Here are four common myths and misconceptions about sexual assault:

1. Strangers commit most sexual assaults – This myth is completely wrong. Actually, most sexual assaults are committed by someone who is known to the victim. The chances are far greater that the sexual assault will occur at home or at a familiar place such as a work environment.
2. True sexual assault victims report the assault to police immediately – In actuality, this is not the case at all. There have been studies indicating that two out of every three sexual assaults go unreported to the authorities. Sometimes the victim is a child who does not even know that a report can be made or who is fearful of reporting the assault because they might believe that they are at fault somehow. In other instances, the sexual predator is a family member or friend, and the sexual assault survivor does not want to ruin the life of the person. Needless to say, there can be many reasons why the assault is not reported.
3. What a woman looks like or the types of clothes she wears indicates that she wants to be assaulted – This particular myth or misconception is very troubling. Basically, it is another way to blame the victim for the assault and attempts to excuse away the horrible actions of men.
4. A person can sometimes “play hard to get” – Again, this is another way to blame the victim and to excuse the actions of the sexual predator. Our society has become more aware of this issue with the Me Too movement and other organizations pointing a spotlight on this horrible behavior. However, there is still a major problem with people, especially women, having to experience sexual assault because someone will not take no for an answer.

How Much Time Does A Sexual Assault Survivor Have To File A Lawsuit?

In order for the victim of a sexual assault to preserve their rights against the sexual predator, a lawsuit has to be started before the statute of limitations runs out. In the majority of states, there is a set period of time that someone has to file a civil lawsuit. If that time passes before the lawsuit is filed, then the injured party will be forever barred in attempting to secure their rights and compensation for their injuries. Statutes of limitations also apply to sexual assault civil lawsuits. This can be very troubling, especially if the victim is a child.

Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Parents are allowed to file lawsuits on behalf of their abused children. If it is discovered that a child has been sexually abused, then the parents of that child can file a civil lawsuit on the child’s behalf against the sexual perpetrator. Discovering that your child has been sexually molested can cause you to feel helpless, angry, and want to punish the person responsible. Contacting an experienced sexual abuse attorney in your state can help you get the recourse you and your child deserve, something that the criminal courts might not be able to provide. The physical and psychological harm cannot be taken away, but hiring the right lawyer will help make sure the child can have the best future possible. In most instances, civil lawsuits can be filed against the following individuals and entities if your child has been sexually abused:

• Individual teachers and school staff members, including classroom aides, counselors, and administrators
• School districts
• Child Protective Services
• Foster families
• Youth and community organizations
• Clergy or employees of religious institutions
• Religious organizations and institutions
• Individual coaches and the sports leagues or organizations
• People who are considered mandated reporters who fail to report suspected sexual abuse

What Can An Experienced Sexual Assault Attorney Do For You?

Having been sexually abused by someone can affect you for the rest of your life. Holding the sexual abuser responsible for the physical and psychological injuries they have caused you might help you heal and move on with your life. Retaining an attorney can help answer all of your questions, especially about the statute of limitations and the timing to file a lawsuit. An experienced attorney can also help investigate the case and make sure all individuals and parties who contributed to the assault are held responsible. If the assault occurred a long time ago, finding evidence of the incident(s) can sometimes be difficult. Having experienced a sexual assault lawyer fighting for your rights and investigating all aspects of the case will be the best way to find the sexual predators and hold them responsible.

Sexual Abuse Injury Attorneys

The attorneys at My Rights Law are ready to help sexual abuse victims financially recover against their abusers. We can carefully review your situation, help you understand your options, and vigorously pursue all remedies against your abuser so that you can get the compensation and justice that you deserve. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, then call (888) 702-8882 or contact us by filling out our secure web form for a free consultation.

FAQs About Sexual Abuse

How Can A Sexual Abuse Lawyer Assist Me?

An experienced sexual assault lawyer can help survivors obtain substantial compensation from those who abused them or were otherwise legally responsible for causing the abuse to happen. Because sexual abuse lawyers normally pursue lawsuits on behalf of victims, they grasp the legal issues and how to get justice for victims. They can provide you with much-needed legal advice concerning your case.

Sexual abuse lawyers at My Rights Law provide injured clients with a free case review to help them determine their legal options. My Rights Law is not just your average law firm. We treat clients like family, take the attorney client relationship seriously, and will handle your case with care. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys work hard to meaningfully help each survivor.

What Causes Sexual Abuse?

According to RAINN, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. There are many types of sexual abuse, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment – and those who might commit these offenses could be a stranger, partner, employer, faculty at an educational institution, or even a family member. A person’s sexual action may come without the victim’s consent. Just about any unconsented action can constitute abuse or result in someone being sexually assaulted. State law and federal law both make abuse illegal, and victims can sue their abusers for the injuries or damages they suffer (e.g., physical trauma from acts of violence, psychological damage).

What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse is also a sex crime and can result in a personal injury lawsuit. There may be behavioral and emotional signs of this abuse (e.g., fear and worry; change in eating habits). Notably, certain sex crimes, including child sexual abuse, child pornography, rape, or any abuse against a child, not only serve the basis of a civil personal injury lawsuit but the offender could be placed behind bars for a long time in a criminal case. The effects of childhood sexual abuse can be absolutely traumatizing for the victim and their loved ones.

What Type Of Damages Can I Get For Filing A Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Sexual assault attorneys could help you get much-needed compensation to cover medical treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress (e.g., anxiety disorders; personality disorders; post-traumatic stress disorder), and more. Sexual abuse cases could be worth a lot of money. Although every person’s situation is different in some way or another, skilled sexual abuse attorneys put on the gloves and fight to ensure that victims of sexual assault get as much possible compensation and justice.

Calling My Rights Law Sexual Abuse Lawyers Makes Sense

If you or your loved one has been abused, then after getting medical attention, reach out to an experienced sexual abuse attorney for guidance. A free consultation can enable you to know what steps to take from a legal standpoint, including how you can recover compensation from those who are at fault.

As one of our legal practice areas, the attorneys at My Rights Law help victims of sexual abuse take legal action against their abusers. With your consultation, we will carefully evaluate your case and resources, including any police report you file, and advise you regarding your options and your next steps. Most sexual abuse cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. Because of this, attorney’s fees are not due unless your case results in a resolution against the responsible party. Personal injury lawyers at My Rights Law are ready to hold your wrongdoer accountable and make them pay you for the harm that they have caused. To learn more, or to request a consultation with the knowledgeable legal team at My Rights Law, call (888) 702-8882 or leave a message on our contact form.

Other accident injury cases we take on include: Accidental Gun Shot Injuries