Sexual Assault Victim Lawyer

There are two avenues for justice after a sexual assault: in criminal court and in civil court. In a criminal trial, a defendant may face prison time and even additional fines.  The Civil justice system, on the other hand, allows the victim to pursue their own money damages against the defendant or others who may be responsible. There are three types of damages available to plaintiffs:

• Economic damages provide compensation for the quantifiable costs of the assault. This includes medical bills, any lost wages, plus the ongoing costs of any mental health counseling or therapy.
• Non-economic damages is simply compensation stemming from losses that ar emch more difficult to quantify Victims of sexual abuse will have emotional scars that last a lifetime. Non-economic damages provide monetary compensation for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and any subsequent loss in life quality following an assault.
• Punitive damages are damages that are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct where that conduct is wanton, willful and shows a reckless disregard for the rights of others.

Due to the horrifying nature of these crimes, juries often award high damages for pain and suffering. However, the perpetrator’s personal assets may not be sufficient to cover these damages. In some cases, victims may be able to file a civil action against a third party, in addition to the perpetrator of a crime. Some examples include:

• A college or university, if the incident occurred on campus and as the result of negligent security
• A business or municipal building where the security was not adequate
• An employer who knowingly allowed or failed to prevent an employee from using their position to victimize someone

A personal injury attorney can help you determine who shares responsibility for your injuries.