Louisiana Sexual Abuse Lawyer for Victims

Sexual abuse changes the rest of your life, and the damages you suffer from it are undoubtedly extreme. Let us handle getting justice for the harm you experienced by pursuing a sexual abuse lawsuit. You can file a claim whether you were abused as a child or adult, though the statute of limitations may differ.

Let us know whether or not you reported the abuse to anyone, like a teacher, therapist, or the police. Tell us if you suffered any injuries, and we can get medical records proving them. We can also calculate your recoverable damages, which may include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

The Law Office of Andrew Shubin’s sexual abuse lawyers for victims can review your case for free when you call us today at (814) 826-3586.

How Long Do You Have to Sue for Sexual Abuse in Louisiana?

Recent changes to Louisiana’s statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits and normal personal injury claims mean victims need clarification on how long they have to sue, whether they were abused as minors or adults.

If You Were Abused as a Minor

As of recent years, Louisiana does not have a statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse or physical abuse of a minor that causes permanent impairment or permanent injury or scarring. There is also no statute of limitations for a civil claim if the defendant was also convicted of a criminal charge related to the sexual abuse of a minor.

If You Were Abused as an Adult

If you were abused as an adult, assume to have the normal personal injury statute of limitations to file a lawsuit. This also recently changed in Louisiana, increasing from one year to two years. Two years is still very little time to come to terms with being sexually abused, contact our lawyers, and bring a case, so do not wait.

Should I Disclose Sexual Abuse Before Filing a Lawsuit?

Disclosing sexual abuse before filing a lawsuit may help your case. You can report abuse to the police, a close friend or family member, or anyone else you trust.

People who witnessed the abuse or supported you through it may testify during a lawsuit. Witness statements convince the jury a defendant is liable, so tell us if you confided in anyone. Even if you only disclosed the abuse to a personal journal or diary, that may be useful.

If you report abuse to the police, there may be a criminal investigation. Similarly, if you report abuse to your school or another institution, there may be an internal investigation. Reports and other materials borne from these investigations may benefit your civil case, and our lawyers can get any relevant documents concerning your disclosures.

While it helps to disclose abuse before filing a lawsuit, our sexual abuse lawyers for victims understand that not all victims feel comfortable enough to do so. Even if you did not disclose to anyone, do not that deter you from pursuing a claim.

Do I Need Medical Records for a Louisiana Sexual Abuse Claim?

Suppose you sustained any injuries, contracted any sexually transmitted diseases, or suffered any other physical harm from sexual abuse. In that case, medical records can help prove your case.

We can obtain records from providers with your permission. Records show the extent of your injuries, how long the sexual abuse lasted, and the cost of medical treatment.

For plaintiffs filing childhood sexual abuse lawsuits who are now 21 or older, we also need to submit certificates of merit. We execute these alongside mental health practitioners, who evaluate plaintiffs to see whether or not there is sufficient reason to believe they were sexually abused.

What Damages Can You Get from a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

You can get economic and non-economic damages from a sexual abuse lawsuit with our attorneys’ help in Louisiana.

Economic Damages

Economic damages concern all concrete losses due to sexual abuse. The trauma you endured may affect your ability to work for many reasons. You might need long-term support from mental health professionals and compensation for therapy visits. Any injuries that warrant medical treatment deserve compensation for medical damages, which we can add up for you.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages may comprise most of your compensation in a sexual abuse lawsuit. The psychological trauma of long-term sexual abuse, being betrayed by a trusted authority figure, or contracting an incurable sexually transmitted disease causes non-economic damages. These damages are totally subjective to your experience, so we can prepare you to talk about your pain and suffering.

Exemplary Damages

You may also get exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, in a sexual abuse lawsuit, depending on your age at the time of the abuse and if you were a victim of “criminal sexual activity.” Exemplary damages are used to punish defendants and are paid in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

What if My Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Goes to Trial in Louisiana?

If your sexual abuse lawsuit goes to trial, we may have you testify in front of the jury. This is your opportunity to explain how the defendant abused you and the impact that abuse has had on your life.

We will prepare you to testify, reviewing your statements and likely questions to defense may ask you. You know your pain and suffering from sexual abuse better than anyone else, so being able to express non-economic damages on the stand is very useful.

We will also prepare you for what a trial is like, how long it may last, and what you can expect from a jury award. Whether you settle or go to trial is your decision, though we can help you weigh the pros and cons of either route.

Call Us for Help with Your Abuse Case in Louisiana

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