Did You Know Sexual Assault Victims Can Pursue Personal Injury Lawsuits?

When we think of personal injury attorneys, we often think of slip-and-fall accidents, car accidents, and medical malpractice. But we don’t always consider that personal injury attorneys can represent those affected by sexual assault and abuse.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault or abuse, learn how a trusted personal injury lawyer can assist you. You deserve to have financial stability as you heal.

The Reality of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault statistics are alarmingly high-and that doesn’t mean we should accept them. Most statistics say that one in three women, and one in ten men, have been sexually assaulted. Two-thirds of assaults happen with someone the victim knows, and half of all attacks involve alcohol.

Sadly, less than half of these assaults get reported to police, and many perpetrators will never face jail time. Because these attacks so often go unreported, the perpetrators are free to abuse other victims.

We know that facing your attacker is a difficult thing to do. But we also know that you deserve justice for the crime committed against you. Personal injury attorneys work with clients to bring claims against perpetrators and, when appropriate, third-party institutions.

Responsible Parties

Personal injury cases against perpetrators are separate from criminal cases, which the state handles. They only punish the guilty party for breaking the law and do not always award damages. Often, victims must file separate lawsuits to receive these damages. Even then, if the person who assaulted them does not have the funds, victims may never receive their due.

Offenders may not be the only ones held responsible for sexual assault. Third parties who facilitated, failed to supervise, or could have prevented the attack are also responsible and should be liable for their actions. The negligence of authority figures can result in the harm of others. Some of these institutions may include:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Schools
  • Hotels
  • Landlords
  • Bars
  • Parents
  • Employers

Each of these organizations have a responsibility to protect those in their trust. At times, they may have been able to prevent the abuse from occurring. It could be parents failing to oversee a gathering at their home, hospitals failing to supervise their staff, or bar security overlooking drunken customers.

Effects of Sexual Assault or Abuse

If you or a loved one are seeking due process, seek out a personal injury lawyer. When you meet with your lawyer, they will go over your case with you and decide the best approach together. In most cases, this first consultation is free. The emotional and physical scars victims carry with them are long lasting and may not resolve if their perpetrator only faces jail time.

If you or a loved one have experienced one or more of the following effects of sexual abuse, we may be able to help:

  • Unwanted pregnancy resulting from rape
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Suicidal or self-harm thoughts
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • STDs
  • Disabilities
  • Substance abuse

Don’t live with the effects of a traumatic experience. Seek the help you need to overcome these disabilities or mental conditions.

Personal injury attorneys are there to be an advocate for your cause. They will do everything they can to fight for justice. They can bring you the financial compensation you are entitled to.

With the right legal guidance, we know you’ll be on your way to healing.