Sexual abuse is one of the most horrific experiences a person can go through, and survivors may find their life forever changed afterward. Often committed by people in power and with authority, sexual abuse can create great pain and shame, and survivors are often dismissed or outright ignored.
Sweet James stands firm with survivors of sexual abuse and will fight to secure justice and closure on your behalf. Our Florida sexual abuse lawyers understand the stress and trauma that abuse can cause and will use every resource and strategy available to make things right again. You don’t have to navigate this landscape alone—we are here to help.
Contact our offices online or call today to talk about your case with a sexual abuse lawyer from our firm. Consultations are free, and we don’t take a fee unless we win, so there is no risk to getting in touch.
We Can Help Survivors Seek Justice
Sexual abuse is an intensely personal violation, one that can cause extreme emotional and physical distress. Even when victims come out and tell their stories, they can be met with scrutiny and hostility.
Our Florida personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing survivors of sexual assault and abuse in Florida. We know that the trauma of abuse can manifest differently, and there is no one way that survivors can act. We want to support you and ensure your voice is heard.
We can be your representative at every step of the recovery process, from initial investigations and filings to negotiation and potential litigation. Our experienced trial team is here to fight for your interests and well-being.
Where Can Sexual Abuse Occur in Florida?
Sexual abuse is often the result of those in power using their authority to take advantage of the vulnerable and those in distress. Common places where sexual abuse occurs include the following:
- Medical facilities and hospitals. Physicians, therapists, and nurses can all engage in sexual abuse against patients by using their authority as healthcare professionals.
- Schools and universities. Teachers, professors, and counselors often have unchecked access to students and can use institutional positions to avoid scrutiny for their actions.
- Religious organizations. Priests, rabbis, and other religious officials can commit abuse or fail to report acts of sexual abuse in their communities.
- Youth organizations. Coaches, camp counselors, and volunteers can abuse minors at their facilities.
- Foster care homes. Children in foster care homes and enmeshed in the foster care system are at a significantly higher risk of sexual abuse.
- Juvenile detention facilities. There have been numerous examples of sexual abuse at juvenile detention facilities against male and female detainees.
Liability for Sexual Abuse in Florida
Several parties can be liable for sexual abuse. We can investigate your case from all angles and identify all liable parties to hold them responsible in a lawsuit:
- The individual perpetrator
- Employees and facility managers
- School and university officials
- Churches, temples, and religious organizations
- Nursing home facilities and staff
- Government entities
Note that civil liability for sexual abuse is different than criminal liability. You can file a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse even in the absence of criminal charges or convictions. Additionally, a sexual abuse civil lawsuit has a lower standard of evidence than a sexual abuse criminal trial.
Compensation You Can Recover From a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Survivors of sexual abuse may be able to recover financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Medical care resulting from physical injuries and trauma
- Counseling and therapy costs for mental healthcare
- Lost income from missing work and reductions in earning potential
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
In some cases, we may be able to recover punitive damages. These are additional damages a court might order if the offender displayed malice, fraud, or wanton conduct.
Time Limit for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
In Florida, sexual abuse survivors generally have a four-year time limit for filing a claim against liable parties. However, there are two exceptions to this rule:
- Victims under 16: There is no time limit on sexual abuse claims when the victim was under the age of 16.
- Victims aged 16 & 17: Victims who were between the ages of 16 and 17 have seven years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
There is also another time limit relevant to sexual abuse lawsuits. If you plan to sue a facility, business, owners, or management company for negligence leading to sexual abuse, the time limit is instead two years.
Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida
Few things can have as long-term an impact as sexual abuse. As a survivor, you deserve a chance to secure your compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable for your harm. Sweet James is committed to justice and can be the advocate you need.
Send our firm a message online or call us today to schedule a free case consultation with a sexual abuse lawyer in Florida.
