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.
