A Columbus childhood sexual abuse lawyer at The Fitch Law Firm LLC is ready to explore your legal options, if you have suffered from sexual abuse during your childhood.

With our firm on your side, you can hold the liable party accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Although no amount of compensation will change what you have been through, it may ease some of your financial burdens. We offer free case reviews where you can meet our team and explore your options at no obligation.

Childhood Sexual Abuse in Columbus

Childhood sexual abuse has become a silent epidemic in the U.S. It occurs in homes, churches, hospitals, and more. Sexual abuse of children is tragically common; one out of every three girls and one out of every eight boys will be sexually abused by age 18. Of these incidents, 80 to 90 percent are committed by a family member or close family friend.

Perpetrators typically begin to abuse a child by gaining his or her trust and that of the parents. The offender may then gradually behave in increasingly inappropriate ways around the child. This can include sexual jokes, exposure to pornography, “accidental” physical touching, back rubs, hugging, and other means. If the child does not know that these activities are inappropriate, the offender may continue to escalate into abuse.

Perpetrators purposely seek out victims who are young and unlikely to defend themselves or tell an authority figure. However, a child who is well-informed and able to resist may be able to prevent abuse from occurring.

For a free legal consultation with a childhood sexual abuse lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-545-3930

What to Do When You Discover Childhood Sexual Abuse

If a child you know has been sexually abused, it is crucial to obtain medical treatment and possibly obtain DNA evidence of the perpetrator. Sometimes, abuse does not leave a physical trace or cause physical injuries, such as bruises. If you suspect that a child is being abused by a parent, family member, church official, educator, or anyone else, it is imperative that you contact the authorities to investigate.

Columbus Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930

The Impact Sexual Abuse Has on Children

Sexually abused children face lifelong psychological problems related to the violations committed in their childhood. Sometimes, they block out the memories due to the trauma, and it takes years before they remember. Counseling is an important step in overcoming the extreme trauma and pain caused by childhood sexual abuse.

The most important step in stopping this horrific epidemic is to stop abuse before it starts. Make sure that children are taken care of by trustworthy family members or caregivers. Check in with children, especially if you see any signs of physical abuse. If a child confides in you about possible sexual abuse, make sure the child is safe, and call the police immediately.

Your Civil Case Is Different Than the Criminal Case Against the Abuser

Childhood sexual abuse claims are much different from criminal charges the abuser may be facing. For example:

In criminal court, the state’s prosecuting attorney will be responsible for filing criminal charges against the person (or persons) responsible for committing the abuse.
If the prosecuting attorney is successful, they will prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury convicts, the defendant will face criminal penalties, including prison time, registration as a sex offender, fines, and other consequences.

But your civil childhood sexual abuse claim is different. With help from a childhood sexual abuse lawyer in Columbus, you can pursue compensation from your abuser and those responsible for facilitating the abuse. Your attorney will need to prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence if you hope to secure a favorable outcome in your case.

This means that evidence must show that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for the sexual abuse you endured. If your lawyer wins at trial, the liable party could be compelled to compensate you for your damages in their entirety.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

How Long do You Have to File Your Lawsuit?

Your case’s filing deadline will depend on:

The age when the abuse occurred
How old you are now
How many instances of sexual abuse there were
The types of abuse you endured
When you discovered the abuse

When you partner with our injury firm, we can evaluate your situation and determine how long you have to act. Even if several years have passed between now and the sexual abuse, we may sill be able to help.

Compensation Should Account for Each of Your Injury-Related Losses

With our team’s help, you could recover everything you need to move forward with your life. We’re ready to seek:

The cost of your necessary healthcare expenses, including mental health counseling
The time you missed from work to focus on your well-being
Pain and suffering and inconvenience
Mental anguish
Loss of consortium

We will assert your losses’ cost by reviewing your medical bills and other financial records. When determining what you’re owed for pain and suffering, we will listen to your story and consult with sexual assault advocates and psychologists.

We Secured One of the Highest Sexual Abuse Verdicts in Ohio History

The Fitch Law Firm LLC has more than 30 years of legal experience we’re ready to put to work for you. During that time, we’ve recovered millions for injured claimants. We resolved one case through one of the biggest sexual abuse verdicts in Ohio history.

Here’s what happened:

Our client came to us after she had suffered sexual abuse between the ages of 11 and 12 years old.
The trauma of the abuse set her on the path to substance abuse, homelessness, and suicidal ideation.

We’re ready to secure everything you need. You can learn more about your case’s potential during your free case review.

Get Help from a Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Columbus Today

If you were abused as a child or know a child who has been sexually abused, contact an experienced attorney who can review your case and advise you on whether to pursue legal action. For a free consultation, call The Fitch Law Firm LLC now.

Call or text 614-545-3930 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Shawn G

2021-06-15

Kristin Peterson did a great job!

Mindy Michael

2021-05-20

Had them for my son and I they were quick to respond to any emails or messages and very helpful to help us get what we deserved. All of the girls on staff were very thoughtful and helpful. Thankful for Becky who even offered personal services!!

Steve Rogers

2021-05-14

When we looked into seeking representation after my son's car accident we did not know anybody who had experience with as an attorney with car wrecks. So we looked online at all the firms that specialize in auto accidents, then by using as our criteria the reviews we selected The Fitch Law firm. Right from the start they were extremely helpful . They explained how the process would go based on our specifics of the accident and then basically did all the work to file a claim and get all that we were entitled to. Working with Becky and Kirstin was perfect, they kept us informed every step of the way and if we had questions they had time to explain them making sure we understood each time. Our case was not a high dollar amount but they still offered above average service and looked out for us like it was. I highly recommend The Fitch Law firm without hesitation.

Julianna Poole-Sawyer

2021-02-28

Our experience with the Fitch Law Firm was incredible. We worked with Kirstin, and she's really gone above and beyond for us. I cannot recommend them highly enough. After our car accident, we were so overwhelmed by the insurance companies, and Kirstin made everything so easy for us. We never would have gotten such a good settlement without her. They seem to really care about their clients, and they are very responsive. They worked hard to answer our questions thoroughly and in a timely manner.

Nicholas Mavromatis

2020-12-17

I was involved in an accident as the passenger of the responsible party during Feb. of 2020. I completed physical therapy in June of the same year. I worked with a firm that was not as responsive as I would have liked, so I sought representation elsewhere to ensure the claim was handled correctly. I couldn’t have been more fortunate to task The Fitch Law Firm with this case. Associate attorney Kirstin Peterson was assigned to my case, and I couldn’t have asked for someone so thorough, professional, responsive and down right genuinely caring than her. There were some unforeseen obstacles, but throughout my doubts she maintained consistent in reassuring me she was doing everything she could to make sure things were going as smoothly as possible. I highly recommend this firm and having nothing but more than positive things to say about the associate attorney assigned to my case. Thank you so much Fitch Law Firm, and Kirstin Peterson. You guys are extraordinary in what you do!

William Hafford

2020-12-07

I simply gave you guys a good rating due to information i received from a friend. Your right iv never been a client of yours but if I need a good attorney I will keep you in mind.

Latisha Mcgary

2020-11-11

I was in a car accident on 10/21/2018 that was not my fault. I googled different accident laywers. And came across the fitch law firm. From the first time i walked thru the doors mr fitch and becky made me feel at ease. Mr fitch thought my case woukd be good to take on. The other parties insurance was extremely difficult to deal with.and i can say mr fitch represented me well. And Becky checked in on me and kept me updated on the case. Its been 2 years and my case finally settled i was ok with the amount given. And i will use the fitch law firm again if ever needed.

Mariah Mason

2020-09-29

They were very helpful and responsive. I loved how professional they were & how I wasn’t just another “Number” to them. I thank everyone in the office for their help ESPECIALLY my time I spent & got to know Attorney Kirstin. Thank you Fitch Law Firm :)