Sadly, many people suffer from sexual violence and abuse, a significant portion of them being kids. This type of abuse traumatizes people and causes many problems throughout their lives. Victims of sexual misconduct may have trouble maintaining relationships and suffer from physical or psychological health issues.
Adult sexual assault victims often have post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental and emotional problems. When you are sexually abused, you can file a lawsuit against your abuser. Schedule a consultation with our compassionate Bangor sexual abuse lawyers at Gideon Asen, LLC today.
Recoverable Damages for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The potential damages for sexual abuse cases include the following:
- Medical care, including ongoing therapy or treatment
- The cost of quality mental health services
- Pain and suffering
- Affliction of emotional distress, including humiliation, stress, or fear
- Emotional anguish or trauma
- Decreased quality of life
The court reviews the evidence, including the defendant’s actions and how they affected the plaintiff. Settlement amounts vary significantly because noneconomic or subjective damages often play a substantial role in sex abuse cases. A knowledgeable attorney in Bangor could answer specific questions about the settlement process after reviewing the unique details of the sex abuse case.
Sexual Abuse Injury Case Challenges
While many laws have recently passed to protect sexual abuse survivors by allowing them to take legal action, some challenges remain. Collecting the settlement may be challenging when the defendant in the case does not have any assets or property. In some cases, the defendant might even claim bankruptcy after judgment to avoid paying the damages.
How to Seek Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Lawmakers in Maine and countrywide have passed new regulations to allow sexual abuse survivors to file lawsuits regardless of how long ago it happened. According to An Act to Provide Access to Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse, survivors have the legal right to pursue action against anyone or any organization that contributes to the abuse.
Examples of organizations that could be parties to the lawsuits include youth organizations and churches. Sexual abuse victims have the right to sue any parties that meet the following requirements:
- Promoted or enabled the abuse to occur
- Failed to take action to stop the abuse from occurring
- Tried to cover or hide evidence that the abuse occurred or was still happening
A seasoned and talented lawyer in Bangor could handle the legal work and communications on the plaintiff’s behalf to help reach a positive outcome in a sex abuse case.
Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorney in Bangor
When you suffer harm from unwanted sexual contact or abuse, you have the legal right to file a civil lawsuit. You likely face many challenges, including mental health struggles, that other parties filing personal injury lawsuits do not.
Still, you have every right to expect your abuser to take responsibility for their actions by paying damages through a civil lawsuit. Our passionate Bangor sexual abuse lawyers understand your unique struggles and can guide you through the process to fight for the justice you deserve.
Call our legal team members today to schedule a review of your case. We are ready to help you reclaim your life after this traumatic event.