The Substantial Harm Caused By Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can take many forms and can be committed by many different people. Victims are assaulted by complete strangers, friends or acquaintances, family members, coworkers, nursing home staff, taxi drivers, dating partners, or even by trusted medical professionals. Sexual assault usually happens when you least expect it and can involve offensive unwanted touching, sexual harassment, child molestation or incest, rape, attempted rape, aggravated rape and other offensive illegal sexual acts.
After a sexual assault, victims are often stunned and confused. In the time following an assault, a victim may incur expenses for emergency department visits, doctor’s visits, sessions with therapists, and more. In some cases, victims may find out they are pregnant or that they have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. In such situations, a victim will require extensive and possibly ongoing medical treatment for an extended period of time, plus the emotional and mental support of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy or living with an STD.
Often, the losses suffered by a sexual assault victim may include the following:
- Costs of past and future medical treatment;
- Loss of wages from missing work and potential loss of future earnings;
- Costs of psychological treatment;
- Mental and emotional anguish and distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life;
- Disability.
Victims deserve to be fully compensated by their attackers for all of their losses, both financial and intangible.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases for Sexual Assault
In order to seek financial recovery for your losses and your pain and suffering, you will have to file a claim in Portland civil court. This will be a separate case from the criminal one, with different filings, a different judge, and different proceedings. While it can be difficult to go through the legal process all over again after a criminal case, know that our law firm will be with you every step of the why protecting your rights and reducing your stress and involvement as much as possible.
While a civil case is separate from a criminal conviction, that conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case. A conviction will significantly lessen the burden of evidence you have to present. If a conviction is proven, the only aspect you will likely have to prove is the extent of your losses and of the harm you suffered. The value of your case will depend on the specific circumstances of what happened, how it affected you, and how much treatment you have required.
Sex Abuse Attorney Working for Justice Against Tough Opposition
We help victims in cases against single abusers and against members of large organizations or institutions. We have the experience and perspective to be familiar with the damages and injuries associated with sexual abuse. We help our clients find the support they need from medical and mental health professionals, and we build strong cases incorporating expert testimony in collaboration with such professionals.
Children and women are especially vulnerable to abuse. We understand that the victims of abuse are not only the abused themselves, but their families and other loved ones too. We uncover systemic issues and cover-ups of actions perpetuated by people of power, including:
- Public figures
- Camp counselors
- Boy Scout or Girl Scout leaders
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Private employers
- The Catholic Church
- Clergy
- Family members
- Politicians and other elected officials
- Governments
- Professional athletes
It is advantageous to deal with abuse issues as soon as possible. It is easier to bring your abuser to justice and to seek the compensation you need now in order to recover. We can help you receive the counseling and mental health support you need. Our work can help you rebuild your life and put an end to abuse.
Move Forward with the Legal Help of Attorney Marc Johnston
If you are thinking of filing a legal claim after a sexual assault, you need the right attorney on your side. Not only should your lawyer understand how to successfully and efficiently pursue a civil claim for sexual assault, but they should also be sensitive to the harm you have suffered and are still suffering throughout every step of your case. At the Johnston Law Firm, sexual assault lawyer Marc Johnston prides himself on providing compassionate and personalized representation in every case, especially those involving difficult issues. If you would like to discuss how we can help you for free, please call (503) 546-3167 today.
Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.
Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation
Contact us today at
503-546-3167
to get a FREE, confidential case evaluation
We’re conveniently located in downtown Portland, and we offer flexible hours by appointment.