Civil Remedies for Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse constitutes any sexual behavior or contact with another person without their explicit consent. It’s both a painful and traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on the victim, including mental health distress.

Examples of sexual abuse acts include rape, attempted rape, fondling, sexual violence, harassment, and so on. Perpetrators of sexual abuse often prey on vulnerable victims that have more to lose, making it easy to conceal their acts. 

If you or your loved one have suffered any form of sexual assault, there are steps you can take to pursue civil remedies. Contact a Charlotte personal injury lawyer to find out what you can do. This will not only offer a form of justice served, but also some comfort and relief as the victim adjusts and heals. 

Criminal Cases vs. Civil Remedies for Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a serious criminal offense, where punishment can range anywhere from some jail time to several years of prison. The state prosecutor will bring a criminal case against the accused by presenting evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

A criminal conviction for sexual abuse is meant to punish the abuser. The victim usually has little say on the direction the case takes, besides presenting their testimony. Depending on the case, the court might order financial remedies to be paid by the abuser, but these often cover only a small portion of the total damages incurred. 

Civil claims, on the other hand, offer victims of sexual abuse more power and control over their cases. Together with a sexual abuse attorney, you can sue the perpetrator and seek compensation for the pain and other losses you or a loved one suffered from the abuse.

Instead of proving negligence like in most personal injury cases, you’ll be filing an intentional tort claim. Your burden will be to show that the abuser took an action with conscious intention to cause harm.   

Common Damages in a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse

The remedies for a sexual abuse civil claim come in the form of financial compensation. The total amount is determined by putting a value on all the tangible and intangible losses you’ve suffered.

Economic damages like medical treatment costs, psychological counseling, and wages lost while out of work are easier to calculate compared to non-economic damages. Your lawyer can determine the total amount by showing how the sexual abuse has affected you—from your quality of life to mental impacts, as well as your relationships with family and friends.

Get Support from a Sexual Abuse Attorney

In addition to the pain caused by such a traumatic experience, sexual abuse can also bring unforeseen expenses like emotional therapy fees and the inability to earn a living. It’s unfair for anyone to incur these damages. Pursuing civil remedies for sexual abuse is possible for victims, whether or not there’s a criminal case for the same offense.

At The Nye Law Group, we understand that this is a difficult time. A sexual abuse lawyer is ready to offer a free and no-obligation consultation when you are ready to take civil action. 

Schedule a confidential meeting by calling 704-285-6319 or sending a message through our contact form below.