Sexual abuse can be traumatic, and the healing process after being victimized can take a lifetime. If you were the victim of sexual abuse, you can file a civil lawsuit against your abuser to recover damages, in addition to pressing criminal charges. An experienced Valley Grande sexual abuse attorney can walk you through your legal options.
At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, we have helped countless sexual abuse victims recover compensation from their abusers. Our Valley Grande personal injury lawyers have successfully recovered more than $3 billion on behalf of those we represent. Get in touch today to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation with a member of our team.
Steps a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Valley Grande Will Take on Your Behalf
After suffering sexual abuse, your focus should be on your mental and physical healing. However, financial concerns can draw your attention toward pursuing a civil lawsuit against your abuser. Fortunately, when you hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case, they can take the steps necessary to ensure you recover the money you need while you focus on your health.
Once a sexual abuse lawyer starts working on your case, they will conduct their own investigation into the abuse you suffered with the aim of collecting evidence to support your claim. Following this inquiry, your attorney will review the damages you sustained, calculate the value of your claim, and file all the necessary paperwork for your lawsuit.
As they prepare your case for trial, your attorney may also engage in negotiations with opposing counsel, attempting to reach a settlement agreement. If no deal is reached by the end of the pre-trial process, your lawyer will argue your case in court. Located 90 minutes south of our Birmingham headquarters, we have represented many sexual abuse victims in Valley Grande.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer serving Valley Grande, call (205) 326-3336
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit in Valley Grande
When pursuing compensation for damages suffered due to sexual abuse, you need to ensure that you file all the required paperwork on time. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is two years from the date of the abuse or two years after turning 19 for children who were victims of sexual abuse.
Missing the filing deadline could result in the loss of your ability to claim compensation. However, you should still consult an attorney, even if you believe you are out of options for recovering damages. The details of your case could create an exception, allowing you to file outside the standard two-year window.
At the same time, you could discover that the details of your case place further restrictions on the amount of time you have to take legal action. The best way to avoid being stung by an unforeseen deadline is by securing the services of an experienced sexual abuse attorney in Valley Grande as soon as possible after being victimized.
Waiting for the Results of a Criminal Case
While it is critical that you file your lawsuit before the deadline, if there is a pending criminal case against your abuser, your attorney may advise waiting until nearer the deadline to file. If found guilty in criminal court, the verdict could be used as evidence to support your claim.
Furthermore, a not guilty verdict will not harm your case as the burden of proof is higher in criminal cases. Rather than proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your attorney will only need to show that it is more likely than not that your abuser inflicted damages upon you.
Available Damages Your Sexual Abuse Attorney Serving Valley Grande Can Help You Recover
After suffering harm caused by sexual abuse, an experienced attorney can help you identify and pursue the damages available. Determining all the damages that apply to your case is crucial for recovering the full compensation you are entitled to collect.
Medical Expenses
Any medical costs arising as a result of the sexual abuse you endured can be recovered through a civil lawsuit against your abuser. These damages can cover both current and future expenses, including treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.
Lost Wages
If any injuries you sustained as a result of the abuse caused you to miss work, you can recover compensation for any income you were prevented from earning.
Decreased Earning Ability
If you suffered severe injuries that resulted in a permanent or long-term disability, you could be blocked from returning to your old job or face other obstacles that limit your earning potential. These damages can cover your projected decrease in earning potential for the rest of your life.
Permanent Disability
When you suffer from sexual abuse that results in a permanent disability, you can recover compensation for your decreased quality of life. If your abuser caused you harm resulting in a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (TBI), permanent damage to your reproductive organs, or another limiting injury, you can pursue compensation for these losses.
Pain and Suffering
Following sexual abuse, any chronic pain or prolonged suffering you face can be covered with these damages. Because of the profound impact of these damages, the compensation available is often significant.
Emotional Distress
The emotional turmoil that accompanies sexual abuse can be intense and may stay with you for the rest of your life. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all common problems faced by abuse victims.
Get Help from an Experienced Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving Valley Grande Today
When attempting to recover compensation through a civil lawsuit after suffering sexual abuse, obtaining the services of an experienced lawyer is critical. At Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, we have helped countless sexual abuse victims get the money they need and deserve over the last 15+ years.
Contact us today through our website or over the phone to schedule a free initial case review with one of our experienced Valley Grande sexual abuse lawyers.