Attorneys for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Haverford, PA

Victims often have a difficult time coming forward to report sexual abuse. They may be afraid of retaliation from abusers or public humiliation. As a result, many abusers evade criminal charges because abuse goes unreported. However, you may still have time to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and get justice.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of civil cases for sexual abuse is gathering evidence. Abusers often cover up evidence to hide their actions, and evidence may be lost over time if victims wait to come forward. Even so, an attorney can help you gather what you need to file a claim and have the defendant held liable for what they did. Even if many years have passed since the abuse occurred, there may still be time to file your case. Contact a lawyer for help right away.

Ask our lawyers for victims of sexual abuse for a private case review for no charge by calling The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

How Do I Prove My Sexual Abuse Claims in a Civil Lawsuit?

Proving your claims can be difficult, even if we have strong evidence. Not only must we have evidence, but we must also have a legal strategy that uses it to its fullest potential.

Medical Records

There is often no formal documentation of abuse, especially if victims never report it to the authorities. However, many victims experience physical injuries because of the abuse, and they may seek medical treatment. If you were treated for injuries from the abuse, we may use your medical records to support your claims. A doctor may review your records to help determine if the injuries are consistent with sexual abuse.

Witnesses

You might not be the only one who knows about the abuse. Other victims, people who worked alongside the abuser, or other people you might not even initially consider, might know something. Our lawyers for victims of sexual abuse can work to track down possible witnesses and interview them to see if they have helpful information.

Written Communications

In today’s world, people can communicate quickly and easily via text or email. Many victims have electronic communications with their abusers. In cases of child victims who were groomed by adult abusers, these messages might reveal a secret relationship that the victim did not realize was abusive until they became an adult. If you still have copies of these messages, tell your lawyer right away.

FAQs About Civil Cases for Sexual Abuse in Haverford, PA

How Do I Begin a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

Your lawsuit begins with a formal complaint filed in court against the defendant. The complaint must contain specific information about you, the defendant, and how the abuse happened. We must also include some evidence of the abuse to show the court that you have a valid cause of legal action, although we do not have to include all our evidence.

Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse if the Defendant Was Never Criminally Charged?

Yes. Many plaintiffs do not report sexual abuse to the police for a long time. Some never report it to the police. As a result, many abusers are never criminally charged. However, what does or does not happen in a criminal court has no bearing on your right to file a civil lawsuit, and you can still sue the abuser.

Can I Still Sue if the Person Who Sexually Abused Me Has Died?

Yes. The fact that the person who abused you has passed away does not mean that your legal claims die with them. Your attorney may be able to help you sue the deceased defendant’s estate. Another option is to sue a larger institution or organization responsible for the abuse. For example, if you were abused by a now-deceased teacher at school, you can still sue the school.

What Damages Are Available in Civil Cases for Sexual Abuse?

Damages may include economic and non-economic damages, although non-economic damages tend to be more substantial, as many plaintiffs endure intense psychological trauma from the abuse. Depending on how the abuse occurred, your case might also be eligible for punitive damages.

What Happens if the Defendant in a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse is Criminally Charged?

In some cases, civil claims for sexual abuse get the attention of law enforcement, and the defendant may be arrested and criminally charged. If that happens, your civil lawsuit might be placed on hold while criminal matters are pending. Evidence uncovered by the police may be used in your civil case to support your claims.

Do I Have to Testify if I Sue for Sexual Abuse?

While you are not legally required to testify at the trial, your testimony will likely be crucial and necessary to the case. Many sexual abuse cases are built on only a few pieces of evidence. Your testimony about how the abuse occurred and how it has affected your life might be some of the strongest evidence we have.

Will Other People Know if I File a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse in Haverford, PA?

Adult plaintiffs typically cannot file lawsuits anonymously, and court cases are generally part of the public record. As such, the public, including members of your community, may find out about the case and the abuse you experienced. While this can be uncomfortable, it should not deter you from seeking justice.

How Long Do Civil Cases for Sexual Abuse Take?

The time it takes to complete a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse varies from case to case. Many trials take a few weeks to complete, but it might take months or even years for the trial to begin after you file the initial complaint.

Where Do I Find Evidence to Support Civil Claims of Sexual Abuse?

Evidence of sexual abuse is notoriously hard to come by. Often, abusers try to cover up evidence of the abuse to evade responsibility. If plaintiffs wait a long time to report the abuse, evidence may disappear. A good place to find evidence is the place where the abuse happened. If a church leader abused you, we may obtain church records about the abuse. We should also track down and interview people who might have known about the abuse.

What if Other Victims of Sexual Abuse Sue the Same Abuser?

Sometimes, after a plaintiff files a lawsuit for sexual abuse, other victims of the same abuser are emboldened to come forward. They may file their own claims against the same defendants. If this happens, courts might consolidate the case to make trying them more efficient, but claims tend to remain legally separate.

Talk to Our Lawyers for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Haverford, PA About Your Claims

Ask our lawyers for victims of sexual abuse for a private case review for no charge by calling The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.