Sexual abuse is one of the most difficult and traumatizing things that a person can experience. It can take a lifetime to heal, and many survivors never fully recover. Unfortunately, few of the people who suffer this atrocity ever receive compensation for their losses. Many never seek the treatment they need because it is unaffordable. At the Karam Law Office, we fight for men, women, and children who have suffered this unimaginable harm. We are survivor advocates from start to finish, working hard to hold all responsible parties accountable. If you have experienced sexual abuse, contact our office today at (281) 302-5272 to discuss how our Sugar Land sexual abuse lawyers can help. All consultations are free and confidential. We know it can be hard to come forward, but you are not alone.
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LIABILITY
When a person commits a sexual assault against a person, they can be held criminally and civilly liable for their acts. The criminal case is designed to punish the offender for their wrongdoing, but it rarely compensates the victim for the harm that they have suffered. In order to receive financial justice, a sexual abuse or rape survivor would need to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or any liable third parties. A Sugar Land sex abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines when filing a lawsuit.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE IN A SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE?
In a civil lawsuit based on sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape, the person who actually committed the act, as well as a responsible third party, can be held liable for damages. Tragically, in some cases, it can be shown that a person in authority either knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it or was the person committing the offense. Third parties that may be held liable in civil sex abuse cases:
- Schools or universities
- Employers
- Foster homes and youth shelters
- Summer camp facilitators
- Churches
- Nursing homes
- Hotels
- Hospitals
- Apartment complexes
- Retail store owners
- Rideshare companies
- Government entities
Sexual abuse or assault in any form is unacceptable and must be stopped. By coming forward, you can help hold the people who commit these acts accountable as well as those that enable them. Contact our office today to discuss your legal rights with a Sugar Land sex abuse lawyer.
WHEN WILL A THIRD PARTY BE HELD LIABLE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE?
In a sexual abuse civil lawsuit, a third party may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the wrongdoing. For instance, if evidence shows that administrators at a university were informed that a staff member was assaulting young women but did nothing to stop the perpetrator, then they can be held civilly liable. Things that may indicate third party liability in sex abuse cases: Did the third party know about the abuse and do nothing or try to cover it up?
- Did the campus, property, or business lack sufficient security?
- Was there enough lighting?
- Did the property or business owner know of criminal activity in the area?
These are only a few of the questions that may be addressed when determining liability in a civil lawsuit. A Sugar Land sex abuse lawyer can help conduct an independent investigation to determine whether the third party knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to protect potential victims.
WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION CAN A SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVOR RECEIVE?
The perpetrator or a liable third party may be ordered to pay for your physical and emotional damages. Damages in sexual abuse civil cases may include but are not limited to: Cost of current treatment
- Future medical bills
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
An experienced Sugar Land sex abuse lawyer can help ensure that you receive the largest recovery available in your case. While we know that no amount of money can ever fully compensate you for the loss that you experienced, we can help you to receive money for counseling, rehabilitation, and other treatments.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A SEX ABUSE CASE IN TEXAS?
You only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury case in Texas. Because of the devastating impact that sexual abuse and assault can have on a survivor, lawmakers in the state recently extended the statute of limitations for some cases. In Texas, you have 30 years from the date of the incident (or from the time the victim turns 18 if they were a minor) in cases of:
- Sexual assault of a child
- Aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual
- Sexual trafficking of a child
- Indecency with a child,
- Compelling prostitution of a child
In most other cases, an adult has 5 years to bring a personal injury (civil) lawsuit if the offender committed sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, human trafficking, or compelling prostitution as defined by the Texas Penal Code.
GET THE HELP YOU NEED NOW
If you were sexually assaulted, sexually abused, or raped, contact our office immediately for a free consultation. We provide compassionate, personalized legal representation for our clients. We understand that speaking up can be extremely difficult, but we are here to help. Call our office at (281) 302-5272 to get started.
