Sex Crime Injury Lawyers
A sex crime is considered any sexual activity forced upon the alleged victim without their consent or permission. Sometimes, they are the actions of an individual, while other times they are perpetrated under an institutional failure of a business or organization. Sex crimes can include sexual assault, child molestation, or any sexual offense that involves unwanted conduct. Sex crime victims have a right to pursue compensation for the wrongdoing they have endured due to the actions of others.
If you were the victim of a sexual assault or abuse crime in Orlando, FL, a sex crimes injury lawyer at Fighter Law is ready to help you. With decades of personal injury law experience, our compassionate lawyers in Orlando, Florida, will listen to the details of your case and help you understand your legal options.
What Is Sexual Assault or Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any sexual act with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade another person. State laws regarding criminal sexual abuse vary according to whether the victim of the abuse is an adult or a minor.
The two measures of whether a person has committed sexual abuse include the following:
- They caused someone to engage in any sexual act by threatening them or causing fear in that person.
- They engaged in a sexual act with someone incapable of comprehending the exact nature of sexual conduct, or physically incapable of communicating their unwillingness to participate in sexual activity.
Sexual assault is sexual activity that occurs without the freely given consent of all parties. Sexual assault is a felony crime in all states. Every state prohibits sexual activity with any person unable to consent, such as those who are mentally ill, under 18, or intoxicated.
Specific examples of sexual abuse include:
- Unwanted kissing
- Unwanted touching
- Unwanted rough or violent sexual activity
- Rape
- Molestation
- Forced sodomy
- Incest
Whatever type of sex crime you suffered, allow our lawyers at Fighter Law to review your case and help you fight for justice. We’ll use our experience to assist you with the steps to file a claim in Florida to hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
What Are the Effects of Sexual Assault or Abuse?
Sexual assault or abuse can have significant psychological, emotional, and physical effects on survivors. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder can make it difficult for survivors to adjust to everyday circumstances. It’s normal for survivors to have:
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Broken bones
- Involuntary shaking
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Shock
- Numbness
- Feelings of helplessness
- Feelings of vulnerability
- Fear
- Self-blame or guilt
- Dissociation
- Substance Abuse
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Self-harm
- Sexual dysfunction
- Eating disorders
- Pregnancy
- Attempted Suicide
- Suicide
Suppose you or someone close was the victim of sexual assault or abuse due to the negligence of a person or company. In that case, Fighter Law Sex Crimes lawyers will evaluate your case, help determine a legal course of action, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of Sexual Assault or Abuse
If you are a sexual assault or abuse victim, it’s important to immediately go to the nearest hospital. They will contact law enforcement to report the crime. You may also wish to contact a sex crimes lawyer to assist you through the investigation and legal process. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you determine your best course of action and protect your rights.
- Gather as much evidence as possible including:
- Photographic or video evidence;
- Copies of medical records and doctor’s notes; and
- Witness statements.
Consult a lawyer for sex crimes victims. A skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer will know the state statute of limitations. Additionally, they will also represent you in court.
What Legal Options are Available?
Sexual assault or abuse can be tried as both criminal and civil issues. Each state’s criminal statutes explain how different sexual crimes are classified and what the penalties are for each offense.
Victims of sexual assault or abuse can also file a civil lawsuit against their attacker or abuser. Civil claims are meant for recovering monetary damages for pain and suffering experienced as a direct result of the assault. Civil lawsuits against the at-fault parties can be filed on top of the criminal case. If the criminal case against the defendant does not succeed or reach trial, the victim can sometimes seek relief through a civil suit instead.
A sex crimes lawyer from Fighter Law can keep you informed of your rights and options for the duration of your civil case. Your lawyer can review your case, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and make sure all deadlines are met on time. We will explore all possible avenues for financial recovery on your behalf while you attend therapy or take other steps toward healing.
You Can Receive Compensation for Your Losses
It can be challenging to get by with the costs of medical bills, therapy, prescription medications, and wages lost from missed work time. Damages and remedies that may be available for abuse victims include compensatory damages. Such damages are intended to reimburse the victim for the following expenses:
- Past and future health care expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Lost income or ability to earn
- Legal fees and court costs
- Punitive damages
Civil courts permit plaintiffs to seek recovery for both economic losses and intangible, noneconomic losses. As a sex crime survivor, damages for your physical pain and emotional suffering could be significant. If your civil case goes to court, a jury may decide the damage amounts based on how much the crime impacted you, the nature of the crime, and testimony from witnesses close to you.
To find out what your case could be worth, set up a consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Fighter Law. Our experienced attorneys will navigate the legal process for you and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Consultations are confidential and free. We handle every case with sensitivity and discretion.
Get Help from Experienced and Aggressive Sex Crimes Injury Lawyers
Thomas Feiter is a Board-Certified Florida Lawyer with experience prosecuting sex crimes. At Fighter Law, we are strong advocates for our clients. We are experienced in studying the evidence and are knowledgeable in personal injury laws in Florida, which increases our likelihood of getting the maximum compensation for an injured sexual assault or abuse victim. We have been obtaining successful verdicts and settlements against negligent parties for over a decade.
If you or your loved one suffered a sexual assault due to someone else’s negligence, we can help. We listen carefully to your needs and fight to obtain the best outcome for your case. Every sexual assault case is handled with sensitivity and discretion. We don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
Contact us or call us at (407) 344-4837 today to schedule a free consultation.