Can I File a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit if the Attacker Was Not Criminally Charged?
Can I file a child sexual abuse lawsuit if the attacker was never criminally charged? Sexual abuse is one of the most common crimes in the United States, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), about 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault. That number could be even higher because many such instances go unreported. About 82% of victims under the age of 18 are female. Abuse may occur anywhere and at any time. Often, sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone a child trusts, such as a teacher, coach, or member of the clergy.
If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, you will want to learn the steps to take to file a lawsuit. Our California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. offers free, confidential initial consultations.
The Continuous Molestation of a Child
Child sexual abuse is often called the continuous molestation of a child. It consists of a variety of different acts against a minor under the age of 18. Some of these acts include lewd or lascivious conduct, oral copulation, engaging in sexual acts, continual sexual abuse, and more. Sexual abuse occurs when an adult engages in sexual conduct with a minor. Often, the adult grooms the child to prepare him or her for the sexual abuse. The child is less likely to report the activity or may feel threatened to keep it a secret. Even if the abuse occurred years ago, you may still be allowed to file a lawsuit. The perpetrator does not need to have been criminally arrested or charged in order to file a claim.
Who Can I File the Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against?
The perpetrator or abuser is the person responsible for your abuse. In many circumstances, the abuser was working for an organization at the time they abused you. The organization could also be held accountable for what occurred. This is especially true if they were informed of the incident and did not take action to stop it or prevent future occurrences. Sometimes, a school district, church, or other organization chose not to take action in the hopes that the problem would resolve itself. As a result of their inaction, the abuse may have continued, and others may have been victimized.
What Damages May I Seek in a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Damages are costs that result from the abuse. As a victim of child sexual abuse, you may have suffered extensive damages, including both physical and emotional. You may seek damages such as medical bills, costs for counseling or therapy, and rehabilitation costs. In addition, you may request money for the pain and suffering associated with the incident, which may have long-term effects on you throughout your life. You may suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), loss of enjoyment of life, and more. The person or organization responsible for causing your harm may owe you compensation for these types of damages. Some victims have sought thousands or even millions of dollars from the abusers.
Child sexual abuse is never okay. If you are an adult who recently realized that you were victimized as a child, you may be able to take legal action. Contact our California child sexual abuse lawyer today at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
