If you are the victim of sexual abuse, then you may be entitled to compensation. In addition to a potential criminal investigation against the person who harmed you, you could bring a civil claim to recover compensation for the injuries and damages that you suffered as a result of the assault.
It can be difficult for victims to think about pursuing legal action after a sexual assault. To help ease this process, consider hiring a Cincinnati sexual abuse lawyer to represent you. The Fitch Law Firm LLC offers a free consultation to learn more about your situation. This consultation is confidential, and there is no obligation to work with us. Call now at (513) 407-4521 to schedule your appointment.
Understanding Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes a wide variety of acts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It generally refers to any sexual act in which consent was not given freely, and it can include sex trafficking. The CDC reports that over one in three women and around one in four men have experienced some kind of sexual violence during their lifetime.
Here are some examples of acts that constitute sexual abuse:
- Forcible rape
- Unwanted touching
- Indecent exposure
- Constant harassing
- Mental coercion to perform or engage in sexual acts
- Disseminating child pornography
There may be other ways that sexual abuse occurs. This is not an exhaustive list. Victims of sexual abuse often face serious mental, emotional, and physical injuries. These may last a lifetime for some individuals, even with intensive treatment. The effects can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Sudden changes in personality
- Withdrawing from society
- Post-traumatic stress
- Issues engaging in intimacy
- Sleep disorders or disturbances
- Stress-induced physical conditions
It is important to receive treatment if you are the victim of sexual abuse. This can help to limit further suffering while also creating a record of the injuries and outcomes that you are facing as a result of the abuse. Such records can support your claim for compensation if you decide to pursue legal action against the person who hurt you. It can also help your Cincinnati sexual abuse lawyer calculate the value of your claim.
Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (513) 407-4521 to schedule a free consultation. Whether you are ready to take action or simply want more information about your options, we are here for you.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 614-545-3930
Hold an Abuser Responsible
Proving that someone is responsible for a sexual abuse injury is different in a civil case compared to a criminal case. You are allowed to pursue civil action independently from any criminal investigation that may be happening regarding the situation. A lawyer can help you understand more about this and how your civil claim would work. Keep in mind that you only have two years to pursue your claim, according to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2305.10.
In general, victims of sexual abuse can assert a variety of claims against the persons or companies that may be responsible for the injury. These include the following:
Sexual Battery
The most common civil claim available to sexual abuse victims is battery. This claim seeks to hold someone responsible for the non-consensual willful, intentional, and malicious touching of your person.
Negligent Hiring and Supervision
Another set of claims that may be available to you may involve negligent hiring and supervision. If, for example, an employer hires someone with a criminal record, including charges for sexual battery, indecent exposure, or assault, and the employee engages in improper sexual conduct while employed, the employer can be held liable.
In general, the plaintiff must show that the employer should have known or knew that the employee was not a good fit for the position. Negligent supervision involves a situation in which the employer does not perform its legal duty to supervise its employees in a responsible manner.
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
The emotional and mental trauma that results from sexual abuse cannot be understated. It can leave the victim with a lifetime of pain and difficulty engaging in intimate relationships with others. A claim for the intentional infliction of emotional distress can hold someone responsible when they cause serious, severe, and debilitating emotional distress to the victim as the result of intentional conduct.
Basic Negligence
You may also be able to assert a claim for basic negligence. In this type of action, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty to act with reasonable care, failed to act according to that duty, and caused you damages as a result.
These are just a few examples of claims that may be available to you. There may be other theories of liability that apply to your unique situation. A Cincinnati sexual abuse lawyer may review your specific situation to help you assert each possible claim and seek the financial recovery that you deserve.
Cincinnati Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930
What Your Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Do
In addition to identifying all of the damages that may be available to you, your lawyer will perform a variety of important tasks on your behalf. Having someone assisting you with the legal process can take a great deal of stress off your plate and help you focus on recovering.
Some of the ways your lawyer will work on your case include:
- Investigating the situation and collecting evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Determining who is liable
- Filing important documents with the court
- Responding to the opposing party
- Exploring your rights under any insurance policies
- Protecting your privacy
- Preparing you for any court appearances of depositions
- Negotiating a settlement if that is what you choose
- Attending court hearings on your behalf
- Preparing for trial
Your lawyer can also answer your questions about the legal process and keep you informed. At the Fitch Law Firm LLC, we strive to provide clients with the compassionate and informative legal support they need after a devastating sexual abuse incident. To schedule your private and free consultation with a team member, call our office at (513) 407-4521.
Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
