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The Michigan “Justice for Survivors” law is one step closer to becoming, passing the Senate, the new bill is off to the House where if passed will usher in reforms to the state’s statute of limitations. This legislation includes a one-year revival window that allows survivors to file civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. Contact us today for a free confidential consultation.
Sexual Abuse Lawyers Holding Organizations Accountable For Their Actions
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can often leave victims feeling helpless. Whether it involves grooming, invasion of privacy, harassment, or unwanted physical touching, sexual abuse can have lasting physical, psychological and emotional repercussions on its victims. Fortunately, you can seek justice from those responsible for sexual abuse, and they can be held accountable for physical and emotional injuries.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have a great deal of experience handling sexual abuse cases with compassion and professionalism. We understand how difficult it is for survivors to come forward, so we strive to make our clients feel comfortable throughout each step of their case while providing knowledgeable legal advice tailored specifically to their situation. Our team is dedicated to helping survivors gain closure and obtain justice.
Our firm is passionate about upholding your rights and tirelessly advocating on your behalf. We pledge ourselves entirely towards achieving this goal using all resources at our disposal so that you won’t have to face this fight alone.
What Are Common Signs Of Sexual Abuse?
No two experiences of sexual abuse are the same, but some common signs may indicate a person has been a victim of sexual abuse. It is essential to be aware of these signs as they can provide an opportunity for victims to come forward and seek help.
- Physical Signs: Physical signs of sexual abuse include bruising or bleeding from the genitals, pain when urinating or defecating, unexplained soreness in genital areas, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other physical indicators could include changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight gain or loss, and self-harm behaviors such as cutting.
- Psychological Signs: Psychological signs of trauma may differ depending on age and development level; however, some common symptoms include depression, anxiety, fearfulness, flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people or places associated with the abuse, and regressed behaviors.
Parents should be aware that signs of sexual abuse may not always be immediately apparent and could manifest in unexpected ways. It is vital to have an open dialogue with your children about their bodies and feelings to discuss any concerns. If you are concerned that your child has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to seek help from a qualified professional who can provide support and guidance.
Sexual abuse cases are often difficult to prove because no one ever wants to admit they were responsible for allowing a child to be abused. However, our law firm knows how to find documents, witnesses, and other evidence necessary to build a successful case so those responsible for the abuse are accountable.
The Impact of Sexual Abuse
The effects of sexual abuse range from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and even suicidal ideation or attempts in extreme cases. Victims may also suffer from physical injuries such as bruising or broken bones due to forced physical contact or from contracting sexually transmitted illnesses due to non-consensual sexual activities.
After coming forward, victims may chose to seek justice against the perpetrator in a criminal case. The goal of the criminal case is to put the perpetrator in jail. The attorney handling this case is an appointed prosecutor.
Victims may experience guilt or shame due to the abuse perpetrated against them, which can manifest in many ways, like difficulty trusting others or forming intimate relationships. Survivors of sexual abuse deserve healing and the chance of justice and closure
How Sexual Abuse Victims Can Seek Justice
The criminal justice system is designed to hold the perpetrator of sexual abuse accountable. That system determines whether a crime was committed and if so, how the perpetrator should be punished. However, there is often a business, organization, or institution such as a church, school, residential care facility, youth organization, or health care provider that could have prevented the abuse from happening. When these organizations fail to protect victims from sexual abuse, they can be held accountable and forced to pay compensation for the injuries the victim has suffered.
We understand that it can be difficult to pursue legal action after experiencing sexual abuse. That is why we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients, helping them to navigate the legal processes without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. We make sure that each client receives individualized attention and care throughout the duration of their case.
Our team of experienced attorneys focuses on sexual abuse cases so we are able to examine every angle and identify often overlooked evidence to help build a strong case. Call us today at 866-311-8640 to get the compassionate representation you deserve.
We frequently bring lawsuits or claims against the organization that employed the perpetrator at the time of the abuse. However, an organization is not automatically responsible when its employee commits a sexual offense.Therefore, victims generally cannot sue the perpetrator’s employer simply because of their relationship with the perpetrator. Rather, a perpetrator’s employer can be responsible for sexual abuse when they were negligent in failing to protect the victim. This often happens when organizations fail to properly screen their employees or don’t adopt necessary safety policies and procedures. For example, where the perpetrator was previously accused of some sort of inappropriate misconduct and the employer either failed to discover the misconduct or ignored it.
We also pursue civil cases against organizations that owned or controlled the property where the sexual abuse occurred. These cases do not require that the perpetrator worked for the organization, and could involve a peer or just an unknown third party.. While the organization may not be responsible for the sexual abuse just because they owned property where it happened, they may be responsible if they had a relationship with the victim, knew of the risk of abuse, and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse form happening. For example, a youth camp knew that another camper had engaged in prior sexual misconduct but failed to properly supervise him and he acted out again.
When Perpetrators Can Be Sued For Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, perpetrators of sexual abuse generally do not have the assets to pay a judgment, so we are usually unable to pursue a civil case against the perpetrator. Even if they do have assets, they frequently own them jointly or they are not subject to a civil judgment. In these cases, victims are generally better served seeking restitution through the criminal case.
A sexual abuse lawyer can listen to these worries and create a roadmap to healing and recovery that avoids these concerns. With a sexual abuse lawyer by your side, the anxiety and unease can go away.
Not only can they help you recover monetary compensation, but they can assist you in making changes to responsible organization to ensure the safety of children in the future. Because there is no cost for a consultation, and payment is only made if the case is successful, you have nothing to lose.
Statute of Limitations and Sexual Abuse Cases
Overcoming the Statute of Limitations in PA for sexual abuse cases In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations in most civil assault cases is two years from the date of the
How Can An Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help?
A lawyer experienced in representing sexual abuse victims can help you determine what kind of case you have, how best to pursue your claims, and any other legal options available. We can also advise you on the statute of limitations for each type of claim and help ensure that the evidence needed to prove your case is preserved. Additionally, an experienced lawyer from our law firm can provide emotional support during a difficult time.
Finding the right attorney to represent you is essential. When selecting a lawyer, it’s crucial to find someone with experience with cases involving sexual abuse and understands the nuances and complexities involved with these types of lawsuits. Call us today to learn more about your legal options moving forward.
We have successfully represented many survivors seeking justice in civil cases and have the resources to handle various legal matters. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, reach out to us for more information about how we can help. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and fight aggressively on your behalf. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Contact Andreozzi and Foote today.
Q: Who can be held accountable for the abuse I suffered?
A: It depends on the particular circumstances of the case. Generally speaking, there may be multiple parties who can be held responsible for sexual abuse: individuals and institutions, as well as officials and any other people who had knowledge of or aided in the abuse. Our team can review your case and help you determine who should be held accountable for your pain and suffering.
Q: Are there time limits to file a sexual abuse lawsuit?
A: Every state has different laws regarding the statute of limitations on filing a civil lawsuit related to sexual abuse. It is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible, so you don’t miss out on your opportunity to seek justice and compensation. Generally, it is best to file a lawsuit as quickly as possible since many states have a 2-year maximum deadline.
Q: What kind of compensation can I receive from a sexual abuse lawsuit?
A: The compensation available to victims of sexual abuse depends on the circumstances and extent of their suffering. Generally, you can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will work hard to ensure you receive total compensation for your losses. The more leverage you have with hard evidence, the more potential compensation you can receive.
Q: What does a sexual abuse lawyer do?
A: The primary responsibilities of a sexual abuse lawyer are to provide legal counsel and representation for the victim throughout their case. They will review evidence, build a strong case, negotiate with insurers or defendants on behalf of their client, and take the necessary legal steps to ensure that justice is served. Our team is committed to providing you with excellent legal representation so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Q: What evidence is necessary for a sexual abuse case?
A: Evidence of sexual abuse can vary depending on the particular case. Generally speaking, you may need to provide medical records, witness statements, police reports, and other documentation that provides evidence of the abuse. Our team can help you uncover any evidence necessary to build a strong case for you. At our firm, we understand the emotional and financial toll that sexual abuse takes on victims and their families. We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf and will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
Q: What should I do if I was the victim of sexual abuse?
A: It's essential to take action as soon as possible. First and foremost, you may want to seek medical attention and get any necessary treatment right away. You will also want to document all details related to your abuse, including the date, location, and any identifying information about the abuser. Then, it is a good idea to contact our law firm, which has a long history of experience in dealing with sexual abuse cases. Our team can provide legal counsel and representation so that you can receive justice for your suffering.
Q: What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
A: A civil case is a case in which one party sues another for monetary damages, while a criminal case is a case brought by a government prosecutor against the alleged perpetrator(s) of a crime. In a civil case, the standard of evidence is that one party may be found liable if “a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more than half, shows that the party is liable. In a criminal case, however, the evidence must show guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Penalties also differ. While both cases may result in monetary punishments like damages or fines, only criminal cases can result in probation, incarceration, or other non-monetary consequences.
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