Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have suffered physical, psychological, and emotional injuries after experiencing sexual abuse. Individuals have filed lawsuits throughout the country against those who have perpetrated sexual abuse and those who concealed the abuse. According to RAINN, every 68 seconds an American suffers sexual assault. On average, the United States sees 463,634 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year. Individuals of any age or gender can endure sexual abuse, and many will struggle with lifelong trauma as a result. At The Lake Law Firm, we understand that recollecting or recounting these events may prove difficult. However, if you choose to file a claim, our friendly and capable team of attorneys is on standby to speak with you about how a sexual abuse lawsuit can help you.
Sexual abuse definitions, laws, and penalizations may differ from state to state. The New York Child Victims Act (CVA) provided an extension of time for victims of sexual abuse to bring claims for abuse that occurred in New York. Lawsuits must be filed before the 55th birthday of the victim as opposed to the 21st birthday, as previously required. The law also permitted lawsuits previously barred by the statute of limitations to be initiated within a lookback window, which was open until August 1, 2021. Other states have instituted similar revival windows and age increases for sexual abuse claims.
Speak with one of our attorneys to learn more about the specifics of your potential case under your state’s law. Even if you are only considering a claim, it is best to understand the time limitations or requirements for sexual abuse claims in your state.
People nationwide have unfortunately encountered sexual abuse in several longstanding and trusted institutions. Members in high-ranking positions of power have misused their influence and engaged in wrongful acts against minors and adults. Furthermore, lawsuits argue that these settings and institutions have attempted to cover up sexual abuse to avoid litigation and salvage their reputations.
Sexual abuse victims and families of victims have filed lawsuits against the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, the Southern Baptist Convention, schools, doctors, universities, camps, residential care centers, and other institutions for sexual abuse that occurred when the victim was a child or an adult. In the Catholic Church alone, people have come forward with credible complaints against 6,000 Catholic priests. The Church has paid more than $3 billion in lawsuits and settlements to survivors of sexual abuse. In December 2021, the Boy Scouts reached a tentative $800 million settlement agreement to pay into a trust to compensate survivors of sexual abuse.
Survivors of sexual abuse may seek compensation against the institutions and businesses that employed the perpetrators. These institutions have a duty to protect the children under their care. In the case of adults, employers have a duty to report illegal conduct that they knew or should have known about. If institutions and employers fail to employ safeguards or conceal known abuse, they may be found liable as well.
Victims of sexual abuse often suffer from mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors may have difficulty engaging in normal everyday activities due to psychological trauma. Others may experience personality-based impairments such as dissociative disorders. Sexual abuse can also lead to addiction, self-mutilation, behavioral abnormalities, suicidal ideation, and completion. Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than any other violent crime. Furthermore, sexual abuse affects survivors’ ability to maintain relationships and work. Sexual abuse survivors may be more prone to arguments and violent outbursts, and face increased problems at work or school.
In addition to psychological and emotional trauma, survivors of sexual abuse experience physical injuries related to sexual assault. Many develop risks of other physical ailments including high blood pressure, persistent pain, and chronic sleep disorders. Sexual abuse perpetrators often leave physical and unseen scars that can follow victims for the rest of their lives.
The following are some facts that provide an overview of damages that sexual abuse survivors can claim according to the law:
Survivors of sexual abuse may seek compensation against specific individuals or the institutions and businesses that employed the perpetrators. If you decide to pursue a sexual abuse lawsuit, you should first consult with an attorney who can advise you on the best course of action for your claim. At The Lake Law Firm, we believe that sexual predators should be brought to justice. Please reach out to us today if you have suffered clergy sexual abuse.
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
Sexual abuse survivors are never at fault for the crimes committed against them. The predators and institutions that hid or dismissed allegations should pay for the damages caused by sexual abuse. We recognize that no amount of compensation can account for the trauma victims lived through. Yet, a sexual abuse lawsuit may prevent perpetrators from committing these heinous acts in the future and recover compensation for victims to assist them in their recovery.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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