Being targeted by an act of sexual assault or abuse is never your fault. Unfortunately, establishing civil liability for losses you have suffered from sexual abuse can be trickier than you might expect, both personally and legally.
This certainly does not mean you should avoid taking proactive legal action against your abusers. However, in order to receive comprehensive compensation for your losses, you should strongly consider getting help from a skilled personal injury attorney. With a compassionate Danbury sexual abuse lawyer from Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC on your side, you can improve your chances of securing a favorable case result while protecting your physical and emotional well-being.
Filing a civil lawsuit over sexual abuse is different from pressing criminal charges over the same act. To start, each type of claim is handled in an entirely separate part of the Connecticut court system. It is possible for civil sexual abuse claims to proceed while criminal charges remain pending. A Danbury sexual abuse attorney can provide more information on how this process works.
Because criminal cases are subject to a stricter standard of proof than civil claims, it is possible to hold someone civilly liable for sexual abuse even if they have been acquitted of related criminal charges, had those charges dismissed, or were never charged in the first place. Each type of case has different possible outcomes depending on their initial goals. While the goal in a criminal case may be punishing the defendant with fines or fail time, the aim in a civil case may be reimbursing the plaintiff for losses like medical bills, lost work income, and physical and mental suffering.
Confronting an abuser can be an extremely intimidating experience for any survivor of sexual assault. In addition to helping build a comprehensive civil claim, a sexual abuse lawyer in Danbury can preserve the privacy of the plaintiff to the fullest extent possible. During the early stages of a case, this can mean keeping the identity of the plaintiff, “mandated reporters,” and anyone else involved in the lawsuit entirely confidential.
That said, if a case like this proceeds to a civil trial, it may be necessary for the plaintiff to appear in court alongside their abuser. In this scenario, a legal representative can continue to ensure the plaintiff is safe, secure, and well-prepared to testify.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal injury litigation, and that is especially true for cases centered around sexual abuse. Despite this, it is always helpful to have the support of a capable legal representative who understands what you are going through and will tenaciously protect your rights as you demand the compensation you deserve.
A Danbury sexual abuse lawyer from Berkowitz and Hanna, LLC will be a steadfast ally from beginning to end of your legal proceedings. Call today for a confidential consultation.
Berkowitz Hanna
57 North St #206 Danbury CT 06810
