Sexual abuse is something that no one should ever have to experience, but tragically, it happens all too often in California. While the criminal justice system can ensure that abusers are punished for their actions, victims can also seek damages through a civil action. Financial compensation can never help victims recover what they lost, but it can help recover losses such as lost income, medical expenses, and more. Sexual abuse claims are some of the most emotional, and the most complicated, types of personal injury claims. A Richmond sexual abuse lawyer can help victims claim the full amount they deserve.
Do You Need an Attorney?Victims often think that they can file a civil claim on their own by simply filing it with the court. There is so much more to sexual abuse claims though, and the many steps involved can be difficult to navigate after being through such trauma. The right attorney can arrange for support services and other resources while handling the legal aspects of a claim.
A sexual abuse attorney in Richmond can also help victims claim the full compensation they need, including:
Medical expenses: Physical injuries sometimes result from sexual abuse, but victims can also include the cost of future psychological counseling and other types of treatment.
Lost income: Sexual abuse may take place in the workplace, resulting in the victim being unable to return and face their abuser. Or, the trauma from the crime may remain with the victim for a long time, leaving them unable to live life as they once did.
Pain and suffering: These damages can include mental anguish, emotional distress, and physical pain.
A lawyer may also argue in favor of punitive damages when arguing the case. California courts often award these in cases that involve malicious and intentional acts, to punish the defendant and deter them from such behavior in the future.
What to Do After Sexual AbuseIt is not uncommon for victims of sexual abuse to want to forget about those painful incidents. Others are sometimes scared to come forward because they fear retaliation, or they feel ashamed or embarrassed. Victims should try to first report the abuse as soon as possible. Reporting the abuse may not only stop it from occurring to others, but it can help hold the perpetrator accountable for the abuse.
Once the abuse has been reported, it is crucial to start collecting evidence. Much of the evidence in sexual abuse cases is biological, and remains on the victim’s clothing, body, and personal belongings. Evidence can also be collected from the scene, particularly if the abuse was reported to law enforcement and officers conducted an investigation.
Medical evidence can be collected when victims see a doctor after the abuse. This step should be taken as soon as possible to not only preserve evidence, but so victims get the medical treatment they need. After receiving treatment, victims should then speak to a sexual abuse attorney in Richmond for help collecting the necessary evidence.
Call a California Sexual Abuse Lawyer TodayNo one should ever have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse. When it occurs, victims can seek compensation for all of their losses and hold their abuser accountable. At the Brod Law Firm, a Richmond sexual abuse lawyer handles these cases with the sensitivity they require, and can help you claim the full amount of compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.