Sexual Assault Injury Attorney Overview

Lawyer Representation in Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Sexual assault is an incredibly serious crime that can have long-lasting consequences for a victim. While a perpetrator may face sex crime charges, a conviction may not fully address the harm that they have inflicted. In some cases, a victim may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit and receive compensation for the physical and emotional damages they have suffered.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault or rape, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your options for recovering damages through a civil lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can ensure that your attacker and anyone else who is liable for your injuries are held responsible for the harm that was done to you.

Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Most personal injury lawsuits are based on negligence, and parties may be found liable for a person's injuries if they did not take proper care to protect them from being harmed. However, lawsuits in cases involving sexual assault fall under the category of "intentional torts." These types of lawsuits seek to recover damages which were purposely inflicted on a victim. Depending on the circumstances, an injured party may be able to sue their attacker for assault and battery, infliction of emotional distress, or false imprisonment.

In addition to the person who committed the sexual assault, other parties may also be found to be partially responsible for a victim's injuries. Liable third parties may include:

• An employer who did not perform background checks on employees or did not respond to reports of sexual harassment.
• A school or hospital that failed to protect those in their care from assault by staff members or other attackers.
• A business which did not provide proper security or protect the safety of its customers.
• The owner of a hotel or apartment building which did not have proper measures to prevent unlawful entry.

In addition to physical harm, victims of sexual assault also experience emotional effects, and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A victim may be able to recover damages for the costs of past and future medical or psychological treatment, impairment to their ability to work and earn an income, and pain and suffering, include both physical pain and emotional distress to themselves and their family. A perpetrator may also be required to pay punitive damages meant to serve as punishment for their actions and deter them and others from committing future offenses.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you not only deserve to receive justice in criminal court, but you should be financially compensated for the harm that has been done to you. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options for pursuing a civil lawsuit and recovering damages from your attacker and anyone else who was responsible for your injuries.