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Why Is It Important to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Being subjected to sexual abuse by a trusted authority figure can be devastating, and you may not know whether to pursue justice or keep quiet about the crime. It can be more frightening if they threaten to harm you or a loved one if you report to law enforcers. However, lawyers from a law firm in Oregon say the following are some reasons to consider taking legal action:
- Closure and accountability: Reporting sexual abuse doesn’t mean you can undo the damage caused, but it can help you find a sense of closure knowing your abuser has been held accountable for the crime. The lawsuit can deter the offender from hurting anyone else, depending on the outcome.
- Financial compensation: Being sexually abused can have detrimental effects on your life and mental health, and sometimes the damage can be far-reaching, affecting your ability to work or attend school. The consequences can include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. You can recover some financial losses suffered due to the abuse.
Navigating sexual abuse lawsuits can be lengthy, complex, and emotionally draining. It requires the input of experienced sex crime victims’ attorneys in Beaverton to help you fight for your rights and a favorable outcome.
What Are the Different Types of Sexual Abuse Cases Can Lead to a Lawsuit?
Sexual abuse can happen in many forms, and when the perpetrator is a person of authority, the crime may take any of the following forms:
- Abuse by clergy members in religious institutions such as churches or other religious institutions
- Abuse by teachers or coaches in schools, daycare centers, or after-school programs
- Abuse by staff members in nursing homes
- Abuse by authority figures, such as supervisors or managers in places of employment
- Abuse by medical professionals in healthcare facilities and institutions
- Incest by trusted family members with authority over the victim
- Celebrity abusers and other high-profile individuals in various other settings, such as film companies and record labels
If you or your child have been a victim of sexual abuse by an authority figure, Beaverton sex crime victims’ lawyers can help you file a lawsuit against the abuse. Depending on the case specifics, the lawsuit can also be against the institution associated with the offender if it protected or enabled their behavior, such as a church or school.
What Type of Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Can a Victim File?
Sex crime victims’ lawyers in Beaverton note there are civil and criminal sexual abuse lawsuits. In a criminal lawsuit, the state is responsible for pressing charges against the offender and bringing the case to court. The defendant will face legal consequences such as incarceration or probation if convicted. The length of the sentence depends on the case specifics and the gravity of the crime.
As a sexual abuse victim, you can pursue a civil sexual abuse lawsuit with the help of legal experts. A civil lawsuit is different from and independent of a criminal lawsuit. While a criminal lawsuit aims at punishing the offender for the crime, the outcome of a civil lawsuit can be financial compensation to the victim and their family to help with healing and recovery.
What Is the Process of Filing a Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
It’s crucial to speak to experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Oregon as soon as possible after the abuse. They can guide and assist in pursuing legal action against the abuser. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the process can have a fair share of challenges.
For example, you can find it challenging to file a lawsuit against an abuser who is your employer or superior at work or someone well-respected in society, and you fear being stigmatized. Nonetheless, consulting experienced Beaverton sex crime victims’ lawyers can make the process easier, as they can help you through the following crucial steps:
- Hold perpetrators accountable: You could be hesitant to come forward with abuse allegations against someone with power or high standing in the community or who has political or financial influence. Legal experts can provide legal support to help you take legal action against the individual or institution involved.
- Manage your sexual abuse claim: Your lawyers can investigate your claim, gather the necessary evidence, and help you navigate the complex legal system as you focus on your mental and physical healing. Their involvement is crucial, as they can ensure you understand the rules and procedures of complying with the law for a successful outcome.
- Fight for compensation: Nothing can take away the pain of the aftermath of sexual abuse, but financial compensation can help alleviate some of the associated injuries and burdens. Dedicated legal experts can fight on your behalf until you get justice by receiving the compensation your case is worth.
An Experienced Sex Abuse Attorney Helping You Take Legal Action After Abuse
If you’ve been a victim of sexual abuse by a trusted authority figure, you may not know what to do or how to seek justice. Nonetheless, consulting skilled sex crime victims’ attorneys in Beaverton can guide you through the process and provide legal support to positively impact your case as you seek justice and compensation for the suffering endured due to the abuse.
Galm Law firm has reputable legal experts dedicated to helping clients seek justice and find peace of mind after sexual abuse. If you or your loved one are in a heartbreaking situation due to abuse by a person in authority, we can listen carefully and help you pursue legal action. We can be your staunch defenders as you seek justice. Call us at 971-405-6660 for a FREE consultation.
