Victims of sexual abuse have been through something no one should ever have to experience. The criminal justice system often fails survivors, leaving them feeling discouraged that those responsible for the abuse haven’t been punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Fortunately, there are other options that sexual abuse survivors can use to get justice and hold the liable parties accountable for their actions. Pursuing a civil claim may be an excellent option whether your abuser was convicted in criminal court or escaped criminal penalties. But, in some cases, other parties other than you abuser can be compelled to compensate you.
Continue reading to learn more about who can be sued for sexual abuse through a Chicago personal injury claim and how to ensure that you are awarded maximum restitution for the abuse you endured.
Filing a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse
Civil court is much different from criminal court in a number of ways. For example, in civil court, it’s up to you to pursue the claim, whereas criminal charges are brought forward by the state, represented by a prosecuting attorney.
The burden of proof also differs in civil vs. criminal court cases for sexual abuse. In civil court proceedings, your sexual abuse lawyer will need to prove only based on a preponderance of the evidenced that the named parties are liable. But in criminal court, the burden of proof is much higher, and the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty.
Your sexual abuse lawyer must thoroughly review the details of your case, as there are other parties that may be held accountable for the abuse as well. For example, if your child was abused in a school setting, your civil claim may also name school staff and even the school itself as partially liable as they had an obligation to protect your child and failed to do so.
Compensation for the Suffering You Endured
No amount of money will change what happened to you, but it can help you to cover the financial losses you may be struggling to cope with and serve as a form of justice for the emotional trauma you’ve experienced. Some of the most commonly sought-after damages in a Chicago sexual abuse lawsuit include:
- Costs of mental health counseling
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Medical expenses, copays, and prescription medications
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Meet with a Chicago Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you have been sexually abused, get in touch with a compassionate Chicago sexual abuse lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC for help filing a civil claim
Our firm offers complimentary consultations to survivors of sexual abuse across the state. Take advantage of this opportunity and give our office a call at 312-332-1400 or fill out the brief contact form below.
