Survivors of sexual abuse may suffer for years after the assault or abuse ends, facing lasting physical and mental health issues or difficulty in relationships. If you or someone you love is a victim of sexual abuse, you could qualify to file a civil lawsuit for damages you suffered. A compassionate Oakland, CA, sexual abuse attorney from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP can explain your legal options and your next steps to assert your rights.
You may be owed damages from the person who assaulted you and any other party that created conditions for abuse to occur, like a religious institution, sports league, or scouting program. Our legal team can explain your eligibility under California’s California Child Victims Act, a law that extends the statute of limitations for victims to pursue civil action. We’ll help you learn more in a free consultation. Call us today.
An Oakland Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
Victims of sexual abuse have the right to demand compensation for losses suffered because of the assault and abuse. Your recoverable damages depend on your circumstances, but we can help you understand the extent of your options. Our legal team investigates your case to determine your losses and properly value them.
You could be eligible to recover damages for medical care, including counseling and therapy, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life. Although this money cannot make up for what was done for you, it can give you the means to seek help, move to a caution away from your abuser, and cover other losses.
Some of the damages you may be eligible for include:
- Economic damages, which are the financial expenses and losses like medical care and medications, psychological therapy and counseling, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic damages, which cover the intangible losses you suffered. These can cover the pain and suffering from the abuse and your physical injuries, mental anguish and trauma, and a loss of quality of life.
Civil Sexual Abuse Cases Differ From Criminal Cases
When your sexual abuse lawyer files a civil suit against the abuser, it’s different than filing criminal charges, which are intended to punish the abuser. A civil suit, on the other hand, is intended to compensate you for your losses.
Even if the abuser did not face criminal punishment, you may still be able to file a civil suit against them. A lawsuit for damages, in this case, does not need the defendant to be convicted. The burden of proof for a civil suit is lower than that of a criminal case, which may work in your favor.
You may be able to stay anonymous in some cases, and as your legal advocates, we shield you as much as possible during the process, handling all communications with the other side and the courts and protecting you from further trauma.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
California’s “Look Back” window for sexual abuse suits is coming to an end soon, so it’s important to take action quickly. If you were recently abused, we are able to advise you, too. An Oakland sexual abuse attorney from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP is ready to help you learn more in a free consultation, so please call us today.
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