Those who commit sexual abuse in Brooklyn can be held responsible through both criminal and civil lawsuits. Criminal suits are meant to punish the abuser, while civil suits serve to compensate the victim for the harms they incurred. There are multiple categories of monetary damages available to sexual abuse victims.
The financial compensation available through sexual abuse lawsuits can provide crucial support to victims during periods of immense hardship. However, the process for pursuing monetary damages can be difficult without the guidance and support of an experienced attorney.
If you suffered sexual abuse in Brooklyn, get help filing a lawsuit against your abuser. Get in touch with our experienced Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free review of your case.
Signs of Sexual Abuse Exhibited by Victims and Abusers in Brooklyn
Victims of sexual abuse are often reluctant to come forward and tell other people about the pain they endured. Accordingly, it is important for friends and family members of potential victims and their abusers to keep an eye out for potential signs of abuse.
Victims
Those who suffer sexual abuse can incur a wide range of devastating physical and psychological effects. If you suspect your child, friend, or other family member has undergone sexual abuse, you should pay attention to the following signs:
- Self-harm
- Sudden anxiety or depression
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Appetite loss
- Nightmares
- Running away
- Substance abuse
- Dislike of physical contact
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It is important to remember that victims exhibiting the aforementioned signs may be suffering from another condition unrelated to sexual abuse. Still, if your loved one is showing multiple signs of abuse, you should seek professional assistance to discover the cause of their change in personality. You can contact our Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims for help finding the right medical professionals to help with your case.
Abusers
In some cases, friends and family members of abuse victims may have a pre-existing relationship with the perpetrator. Therefore, you should also keep an eye out for signs of sexual abuse exhibited by abusers in Brooklyn:
- Engaging in unwanted physical contact like kissing and hugging
- Disrespecting the victim’s boundaries
- Talking about inappropriate topics with the victim
- Displaying an inappropriate degree of sexual interest in the victim
Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit can be a difficult process for plaintiffs. Our experienced Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims can offer support when seeking to hold abusers responsible for the many damages they caused.
Defining Sexual Abuse in Brooklyn
In New York, any non-consensual sexual act will be considered a crime. Accordingly, there is a wide range of behavior that can contact sexual abuse. The following examples of acts that constitute sexual abuse:
- Unwanted bodily contact with sexual intent
- Sexual acts achieved by coercion
- Forcibly using a body part or foreign object to violate another
- Performing a sexual act with someone who legally cannot give consent
- Forced masturbation
Those who cannot legally give consent in Brooklyn are those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people who are considered physically helpless, people who lack the mental capability to understand that acts are sexual, and people under the age of 17. There are many different types of sexual abuse. Victims should contact our Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims for help taking the right steps on their roads to recovery.
Differences Between Criminal and Civil Sexual Abuse Cases in Brooklyn
Criminal charges act to punish perpetrators and discourage similar conduct in the future. Abusers may have to serve jail time, pay severe fines, or both. In such cases, fines are paid to the court.
However, victims of sexual abuse often suffer many economic and non-economic damages. For example, an abuse victim may have to pay expensive medical bills for the treatment of their injuries. Further, victims often endure immense physical pain and emotional distress. Through civil lawsuits, our Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims can help plaintiffs recover financial compensation from at-fault parties.
In addition to your attacker, there may be another party who shares fault for your abuse. For example, a high school who did not perform a proper background check on a dangerous employee may be held liable for abuses perpetrated by that worker. Our team can help determine which parties are at fault in your case.
Settling a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit vs. Taking a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit to Trial in Brooklyn
In many sexual abuse cases filed in civil court, plaintiffs are approached by defendants who wish to settle their cases early. By reaching a settlement agreement, you may receive a certain amount of compensation from the defendant in exchange for your case being voluntarily dismissed. There are a few advantages to settling before trial. By avoiding trial, you may not have to pay additional costs such as attorney’s fees, administrative fees, and expert witness fees. Also, by settling early, you may obtain payment more quickly. Lastly, many abuse victims prefer to settle quietly instead of reliving their trauma by testifying in court and facing scrutiny and challenges to their claims in a public setting.
Still, settling early is not always advised. Defendants often attempt to settle cases for less than they are worth. By going to trial, you may have the chance to recover further compensation. However, if your case is unsuccessful, you may recover nothing. Our experienced Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims can help evaluate any settlement offers made in your case. Accordingly, you can confidently decide if going to trial is the correct decision for you.
Time Limit to File Children’s Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Brooklyn
On February 14, 2019, the New York Child Victims Act was signed into law. Accordingly, under C.V.P. Law § 208(a), civil cases seeking damages related to child sexual abuse may be brought against abusers or other at-fault institutions at any point until the victim turns 55 years old. Our Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims can help injured parties recover the compensation they deserve.
If You Suffered Sexual Abuse in Brooklyn, Our Attorneys Can Help
If you suffered sexual abuse, seek support from our experienced Brooklyn attorneys for sexual abuse victims by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 to review your case for free.