Attorney for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Abington, PA

Item: The Law Office of Andrew Shubin
Rating: 5
Author: Tina L

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Fighting For Important Causes In State And Federal Courts

Sexual abuse happens more often than many people are ready to admit. Unfortunately, many abusers avoid criminal charges, but that does not mean that victims cannot obtain justice. An attorney can help you file a civil lawsuit against those responsible for the abuse.

You may file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse by hiring a qualified lawyer to help you gather evidence and information about the abuse. You must compile this information in a formal complaint and file it with the appropriate civil court before notifying the defendant of the lawsuit. Exactly who we name in the case may vary based on whether the abuser is still around or if others, like an organization or employer, may be held responsible. It is best to call a lawyer soon, as your time to file your case may be running short.

Begin your case with a free legal review from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse by calling The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

How Do I File a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse in Abington, PA?

Beginning a civil lawsuit is not easy. Beginning a lawsuit for sexual abuse claims may be especially challenging, and you should seek help from an experienced attorney.

Hire a Lawyer

First, hire an attorney to help you as soon as possible. Dealing with a lawsuit can be difficult at the best of times. Those trying to cope with sexual abuse may not be in the best state to handle a lawsuit on their own. Your attorney is your primary resource throughout your trial and can help you at every legal stage and proceeding.

Gather Evidence and Information

Our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse must have evidence to support your claims. In sexual abuse cases, evidence can be hard to come by, especially if many years have passed since the abuse first happened. If you were injured because of the abuse and treated by a doctor, your medical records may shed light on what happened. Your testimony will also likely be a crucial element of our evidence.

Determine Whom to Sue

While you may want to sue the person who perpetrated the abuse, they might not be the only defendant in your lawsuit. If the abuse happened at a school, church, or some other organization, the institution behind the abuser may also be held responsible. Many plaintiffs end up suing the abuser in addition to a larger organization or institution.

FAQs About Suing for Sexual Abuse in Abington, PA

Can I File a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?

Yes. While most people associate claims of sexual abuse with criminal trials, victims may sue the people responsible for the abuse in civil court. If the defendant was criminally charged, we may use the evidence uncovered by the police in their criminal investigation to support your civil claims.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Civil Lawsuit for Sex Abuse?

You may claim damages related to the financial costs of the abuse and the psychological and emotional toll it took on you. For many, this includes, but is not limited to, medical costs if you were injured during the abuse, significant pain and emotional distress, and even psychological conditions like PTSD, depression, and more.

What Evidence Should I Have When Suing for Sexual Abuse?

Evidence may be tricky in sexual abuse cases, as defendants often try to eliminate evidence shortly after perpetrating the abuse. Even so, your medical records related to treatment you may have received for abuse-related injuries, your testimony, and written communications you might have had with the defendant may be used as evidence.

Who Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse?

You may sue the person who perpetrated the abuse in addition to organizations, businesses, or entities connected with the abuse. For example, if a church leader abused you, you may sue the person who abused you and the church they worked for. This is especially important if these organizations negligently failed to stop the abuse or tried to cover it up.

How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for Sexual Abuse in Abington, PA?

Your time to file is governed by the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims, which is different for adult and child victims of abuse. If you were under 18 when the abuse occurred, you have 37 years from when you turn 18 to file a claim. If you were at least 18 but younger than 24, you have until age 30 to file a civil claim. For those age 24 or older when the abuse happened, they may have only 2 years to file a claim.

Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse That Happened a Long Time Ago?

Yes. The statute of limitations for younger victims is quite long. Victims younger than 18 have until age 55 to file a civil case for sexual abuse. While you may be able to file your case many years after the abuse occurred, it is best to report the abuse as soon as it happens and get legal help immediately.

Can I Sue for Sexual Abuse if the Abuser Has Passed Away?

Yes. In many cases, plaintiffs are able to bring claims against organizations or institutions that share responsibility for the abuse even though the abuser themself has passed away. It may also be possible to sue the deceased defendant’s estate for your damages. Your attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed if you discover the person directly responsible for the abuse is no longer alive.

Will There Be Criminal Charges if I Sue for Sexual Abuse?

Possibly. Criminal cases and civil claims are separate proceedings, and what happens in one case might not necessarily affect the other. However, if you file a lawsuit for sexual abuse and uncover compelling evidence to support your claims, you might get the attention of the authorities. Sometimes, the police intervene and conduct a criminal investigation, and the defendant could be criminally charged.

Do I Have to Contact the Police to Sue Someone for Sexual Abuse in Civil Court?

Not necessarily. Your civil lawsuit is not a criminal matter, and the police do not necessarily need to be notified. However, many plaintiffs end up reporting the abuse to the police when they begin a lawsuit in the hopes that the authorities will investigate and find evidence that can be used in both the civil and criminal proceedings.

Are Settlements Available in Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuits?

Possibly. Settlements are common, and many civil cases are resolved with settlements rather than full trials. If the defendant offers a settlement, review it with your lawyer before accepting or rejecting it. While many plaintiffs accept settlements, others would rather seek justice in a courtroom. Ultimately, the choice is yours.