Sexual abuse survivors may suffer for years after the assault and struggle with the lasting physical, mental, and emotional damage that the abuse left behind. If you or someone you love were a victim of sexual abuse, you may qualify to file a civil lawsuit.
You could be owed compensatory damages for the abuses you suffered from the assailant and any other party who may have contributed to the abuse. Our legal team can help you explore your options, including those available under California’s California Child Victims Act, which has a “look back” window that extends the state’s statute of limitations for pursuing legal action. You may be eligible for damages, including medical care, pain and emotional trauma, and other losses or expenses.
You can learn more in a free consultation with a San Jose, CA, sexual abuse attorney from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, so please call us today.
A San Jose Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
Victims of sexual abuse may be eligible for damages suffered because of the assault. The recoverable damages in your case depend on your unique circumstances, which we can help you explore. We conduct an independent look into the case to determine the extent of your losses.
Although no amount of money can undo what happened to you, the settlement you receive can provide funds to help you heal from the pain, pay for therapy, or the cost to relocate to another city, away from your abuser. You may recover:
- Economic damages include financial losses and expenses like medical care (including psychiatric care and therapy), counseling, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic damages are the intangible losses a sexual abuse victim suffers. This includes consideration for pain and suffering and mental anguish.
Civil Sexual Abuse Cases Differ From Criminal Cases
A civil case against the person who was assaulted is different from any criminal charges they may face. The purpose of criminal cases is to punish the abuser; in civil cases, the purpose is to restore the victim to the financial status they were before the abuse occurred.
In some cases, you may even be able to stay anonymous. As your attorney, we protect you as much as possible, shielding you from further trauma. We vigorously advocate for your interests and can handle all communication with the other party so that you can heal in peace.
You may even be able to pursue a civil claim even if the state never pressed charges against your abuser or even if they won at trial. The burden of proof for civil cases is lower than criminal, so your lawyer must only present a preponderance of evidence that you were harmed.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
California’s “Look Back” period for sexual abuse cases is coming to a close. Even if you passed the statute of limitations initially, you may be able to file a claim under this law. A compassionate San Jose sexual abuse attorney from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP can help you learn more in a free consultation, so please call us today.
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