Sadly, sexual assault continues to be prevalent in the U.S.. According to nsrvc.org, one in four girls and one in six boys under the age of 18 are sexually assaulted. As startling as that is, what’s more alarming is only 12% of child sex abuse cases are reported to authorities. Sexual abuse can lead to devastating emotional damage on a child down the road if the proper steps aren’t taken. It is critical to call an experienced sexual abuse attorney to advise you on the next steps. An experienced injury attorney in DC can help prepare you for what to expect and advocate on your behalf throughout the entirety of the legal process.
Frequently, a victim is assaulted when a minor perpetrator is being supervised (often in a school setting). It’s important to remember that minors cannot consent to sex, so the act may always be looked at as an assault, and a viable claim for damages may be pursued. The victim in such a case, will often sustain physical injuries of varying degrees, on top of significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with potentially a lifetime of treatment, both of which can lead to sizable compensation.
It is important to remember that there may be both a civil claim (for monetary damages), and a criminal case against the perpetrator, and potentially others. However, keep in mind that even if the defendant is found not guilty at the criminal trial, such an outcome in no way precludes the civil claim, as these are two separate causes of action, with different standards of proof.
While it’s difficult and potentially disparaging to put a price on such a sensitive crime, there may be significant compensation that is worth exploring. Not just for the physical injuries that occur at the time of the assault, but potentially damages to your mental health. Years of therapy following a sexual assault isn’t uncommon and can become very expensive. These damages are just as real as physical damages and should not be ignored, as the compensation for your pain and suffering can be remunerative.
Attorney Roger Gelb has vast experience successfully handling sexual assault claims against both private entities and local jurisdictions. It’s imperative that you call to discuss your case with an experienced attorney to discuss your options. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia attorney Roger Gelb and his firm have represented over 10,000 clients and have recovered in excess of $100,000,000.00 (one hundred millions dollars) since it’s founding in 1954. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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