Do You Want to Sue Your Abuser?
One of the most heart-wrenching and traumatic things that anyone can experience is sexual abuse. Whether the incident happened when you were a child or an adult, years ago or days ago, the damages and negative consequences you can suffer can change your life forever. Your abuser should be prosecuted and held accountable for their criminal actions. But as a sexual abuse victim, you also have the legal right to pursue a civil remedy to make them pay for the heinous acts they forced you to endure.
Criminal Cases vs. Civil Cases Based on Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse incidents can lead to criminal prosecution, which can lead to fines, incarceration, probation, collateral consequences, and other penalties against the abuser if they get convicted. On the other hand, the only way a sexual abuse victim can receive financial compensation for the damages they suffered is through a civil claim against their abuser.
In civil claims, damages refer to the harm or losses that the victim suffered because of the wrongful or intentional actions of the offender. The damages awarded in sexual abuse claims are intended to compensate the victim for the following:
- Any physical injuries the victim sustained, including medical treatment expenses
- Any psychological and emotional trauma the victim suffered, including anxiety, pain and suffering, PTSD, and other mental health issues
- Expenses for treating the victim’s mental health issues
- The monetary consequences of the victim’s inability to study or work due to the abuse and other associated financial losses
The value of the victim’s damages will depend on various factors, such as the severity of the harm suffered, all the related monetary losses due to the abuse, how the sexual abuse has affected their educational or work opportunities and mental stability, and how the abuse has disrupted their daily life and quality of life.
Hope for Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims
The vast majority of childhood sexual abuse victims report that the most challenging thing about the abuse is facing the reality of what exactly happened to them. It could take several years or decades to process the abuse and take the necessary steps to hold the abuser accountable for their actions. But getting to that comfortable place where they are finally ready to take action against their abuser often presents another challenge.
Many sexual abusers are responsible for the care of the child or authority figures, such as family members, older siblings, teachers, coaches, or clergy members. But it’s crucial to note that it is never too late to hold your abuser liable for what they did to you, so you can finally start healing and moving forward.
Speak to an Experienced Tennessee Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, please don’t hesitate to contact the Tennessee sexual abuse lawyers at Raybin & Weissman. No matter your situation and how long it’s been since the incident occurred, we can determine the best legal options specific to your case, hold your abuser legally responsible for their crimes, and secure justice and compensation for your losses. Schedule your free case evaluation with our Tennessee sexual abuse lawyer by calling 615-256-6666 or reaching us online.