Attorney for Victims of Sexual Abuse in York, PA

As a sexual abuse survivor considering civil litigation in Pennsylvania, it is important to know what damages you can sue for, who you can seek compensation from, and how long you have to pursue damages.

Sexual abuse lawsuits can compensate victims for medical expenses, reduced earning capacity and lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Trials for sexual abuse lawsuits might also yield punitive damages, which are paid in addition to compensatory damages. While individual abusers are liable for damages from sexual abuse, so may larger institutions, which could mean more compensation and punitive damages from a lawsuit. You may decide to settle your case instead of taking it to court, and our lawyers can explain what settlements entail so you are comfortable with your decision.

Schedule a free case evaluation from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse by calling The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

What Damages Can You Sue for in a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

When survivors file sexual abuse lawsuits, they can request relief from all economic and non-economic damages, from medical bills to pain and suffering.

Medical Expenses

Sexual abuse victims can sue for any medical expenses they incurred because of abuse. If you went to the hospital for any injuries, needed treatment for sexually transmitted infections due to abuse, or otherwise sought medical care related to sexual abuse, all of those resulting expenses could be covered in a lawsuit.

This includes the cost of prescription medications abuse victims might take to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Damages from therapy and psychiatric care are also compensable for sexual abuse victims in Pennsylvania.

Reduced Earning Capacity and Lost Wages

The physical and mental trauma caused by sexual abuse can disrupt victims’ career trajectories. It might lower their earning capacity or prevent them from working altogether as they recover mentally and physically. Tell our lawyers if you were unable to return to work if you were recently abused as an adult, or if childhood sexual abuse impedes you from working at a higher earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Although economic damages from sexual abuse can be great, non-economic damages are often the most consequential and heavily compensated damages for sexual abuse victims. The mental, emotional, and psychological effects of sexual abuse cannot be understated, especially for child victims and young adults.

If you have PTSD, anxiety, or depression, and experience other mental and emotional ramifications of sexual abuse, you can get compensation for the negative effect on your overall quality of life. Mental and emotional effects of sexual abuse can be lifelong, so awards for non-economic damages are often significant.

Punitive Damages

Sexual abuse victims in Pennsylvania may also sue for punitive damages if their abuse was due to willful, wanton, or malicious behavior, or a reckless disregard for the safety of others. Punitive damages are not guaranteed in any lawsuit, including sexual abuse lawsuits. They are more common in these types of claims, however, and are typically awarded to deter similar behavior from other institutions in the future.

There is no cap on punitive damages for sexual abuse lawsuits in Pennsylvania, for both child and adult victims.

Who Can You Sue for Sexual Abuse in York, PA?

Multiple parties could be liable for your experience of sexual abuse, and holding them all accountable could maximize your recovery.

Individual Abusers

The individual who personally sexually abused you bears liability for the abuse. They might not be the only party that bears liability, however, so you should not include them as the only defendant in your lawsuit.

Institutions

Institutions, such as schools, churches, and correctional facilities, can also bear liability for sexual abuse. There should be rigorous background checks and stringent hiring practices, training procedures, and oversight in place to prevent sexual abuse and quickly identify it if it is occurring. Failure to step in and stop abuse when made aware of it often makes institutions legally responsible for victims’ damages, and may even lead to punitive damages.

What Happens if You Settle a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Because settlements are so common in sexual abuse lawsuits, victims need to know what to expect from signing a settlement agreement compared to going to trial.

No Trial

If you settle a sexual abuse lawsuit, there will be no trial or court appearances. Instead, you will resolve the case privately and confidentially outside a courtroom, without a judge or jury. For some victims, the private nature of settlements is preferred, while others would rather have their day in court and hold defendants publicly accountable. Based on your goals in bringing the lawsuit and the path your case takes, our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse can help you decide whether to settle or go to trial.

No Fault is Admitted

By signing settlement agreements, defendants do not necessarily admit they are liable for sexual abuse. Settlements often also include non-disclosure agreements that prevent victims from publicly discussing a case once it is over, which is another thing to consider before signing an offer.

No Changing Your Mind

If you sign a settlement agreement during a sexual abuse lawsuit, you cannot change your mind and decide you want to go to court instead. Settlements are legally binding once signed, so this is not something you should do rashly. We will help you weigh all aspects of a settlement to make sure you are comfortable accepting it and ending your case.

Avoids Re-Traumatization

Re-traumatization is a very real concern for sexual abuse victims who file lawsuits, and something that you may be able to somewhat avoid by settling the case instead of going to court. However, our trauma-informed lawyers can support you if you do go to court, mitigating re-traumatization.

Call Our Attorneys for Victims of Sexual Abuse in York, PA

Get help with your case from our attorneys for victims of sexual abuse by calling The Law Office of Andrew Shubin today at (814) 826-3586.