Attorney for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Cheltenham, PA

Sexual abuse victims are often understandably hesitant to file lawsuits because of the risk of re-traumatization and the concerns about not getting justice. Our attorneys are here to give you the confidence to hold an abuser or institution responsible and get accountability.

To prove your sexual abuse case, our lawyers may use a combination of medical records, photos, witness testimony, reports, correspondence, journal entries, and your testimony as the victim. Victims of childhood sexual abuse have until age 55 to file lawsuits in Pennsylvania, but the statute of limitations for adults is typically much shorter. Do not miss the filing window for your case or assume you do not have enough evidence to prove sexual abuse occurred, and let our lawyers review your case before it is too late.

For a confidential, free case assessment from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin today at (814) 826-3586.

What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Cheltenham, PA?

Many victims struggle to recognize sexual abuse for what it is and may not know whether what they have experienced is considered sexual abuse and is reason to file a lawsuit.

In Pennsylvania, sexual abuse includes but is not limited to sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, and indecent contact, which has a broad definition. Tell our lawyers more about your experience, and we can evaluate whether you have a case.

What Evidence Can You Use to Prove a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Cheltenham, PA?

In a sexual abuse lawsuit, you need strong enough evidence to prove that the defendant’s fault for the sexual abuse you endured is more likely than not, which our attorneys can help you accomplish.

Medical Records

If you sought any medical treatment for injuries due to sexual abuse or otherwise documented abuse with medical professionals, tell our attorneys. With your permission, we can request and obtain all relevant medical records from providers and facilities. Medical records might show injuries that are indicative of long-term sexual abuse, such as chronic pelvic pain.

Photos

If you have any photos documenting injuries from abuse, give them to our lawyers. You might have photos of lacerations or contusions at different stages of healing, as well as other physical signs of abuse. Let our lawyers decide if photos are relevant to your case, and do not delete any that capture your injuries or other evidence of sexual abuse before sending us copies.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony is extremely valuable evidence in sexual abuse lawsuits. Tell our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse if anyone else was present during the abuse and witnessed it, or if you disclosed the abuse to a trusted friend or adult. Witnesses can corroborate victims’ stories of abuse and prove a defendant’s liability.

Investigatory Reports

If you reported being sexually abused to the police or anyone else, reporting documents can be important to your case. Some victims may report to the police and have actual police reports containing investigatory notes and information. Other victims might report abuse to the school or other institution where it is taking place, and there would typically be evidence of these reports and any subsequent investigations. A lack of investigatory reports following disclosure could speak to an institution’s failure to take disclosures seriously.

Correspondence

Show our lawyers any correspondence that contains evidence, admissions, disclosures, or descriptions of sexual abuse, including texts, emails, social media messages and interactions, letters, and more. We can help you comb through previous correspondence to find evidence that we can use to prove that the abuse took place and the defendant is more than likely responsible.

Journals

Victims who experience sexual abuse may keep journals detailing the abuse while it occurs and describing the ramifications of abuse afterward. Our lawyers may encourage you to write in a daily journal about your pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, and other challenges after abuse.

Victim Testimony

Victim testimony is often extremely compelling evidence in jurors’ and judges’ eyes, often making victim testimony crucial evidence when sexual abuse cases go to trial. If we believe testifying would substantially help your case, we will take a lot of time preparing you for the questions we plan to ask and the questions we anticipate the defense asking you. We can help you prepare emotionally as well to avoid re-traumatization as much as possible when you testify in court.

How Much Time Do You Have to Sue for Sexual Abuse in Cheltenham, PA?

Depending on the victim’s age when they were sexually abused, Pennsylvania provides different filing deadlines.

Child Victims Under 18

Child victims of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania born on or after November 29, 1989 have until they turn 55 to bring sexual abuse lawsuits due to a 2019 change to the statute of limitations. The change of the statute of limitations was not retroactive, and did not apply to victims born before November 29, 1989.

Adult Victims Between 18-23

Pennsylvania has a unique filing deadline for those who experience sexual abuse between the ages of 18 and 23, and gives these victims until they turn 30 to file lawsuits. This is in recognition of the serious effect sexual abuse can have on young people, even if they were legally adults when abused.

Adult Victims 24 or Older

The standard 2-year personal injury statute of limitations applies to sexual abuse cases involving adult victims aged 24 or older. While this is very little time compared to the statute of limitations for children, our attorneys can still help you bring a strong case within the 2-year filing window.

The tolling exception for delayed discovery may apply to adult sexual abuse cases, and our lawyers can see if that might give you longer to sue, depending on when you recognized the abuse for what it was.

Get Our Help with Your Cheltenham, PA Sexual Abuse Case

Call the attorneys for victims of sexual abuse of The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 for a free case review.