Brooklyn Attorney for Victims of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a heinous crime no person should go through. Unfortunately, thousands of innocent people are victims of abusive each year in Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. As you will discover through this article, sexual assault is often perpetrated by people the victim trusts. While the focus is often on criminal cases, you can also take your abuser to civil court and fight to get compensation for your losses.
Our Brooklyn attorneys for victims of sexual abuse at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP are here to help you hold abusive parties accountable for their wrongdoing. We will fight aggressively and strategically to get the compensation you deserve. No amount of money can undo what happened. However, compensation may help you get back on your feet and set you up for a speedy recovery. Call our law offices today for your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (718) 747-9706.
Sexual Assault Victims Can File a Civil Suit Against their Abuser in Brooklyn
Sexual assault is a serious crime in New York. This offense can be defined as the act of subjecting another to sexual contact without their consent. This definition extends to a range of different actions perpetrated by the abuser against the victim. For instance, sexual assault can happen when the abuser touches the victim’s intimate parts to obtain sexual gratification. There are also cases involving forcible and persistent sexual abuse, which can include the insertion of an object or body part into the victim’s intimate parts.
One of the most concerning aspects of sexual abuse cases is many of the victims have little or no knowledge of their rights. Most people may believe that only the criminal justice system can handle their situation. Yes, the criminal justice system can play a significant part in the outcome of your case. However, a criminal conviction may not be enough to compensate for everything you have gone through.
Fortunately, victims of sexual assault in Brooklyn can have the chance of filing a civil claim against their abuser(s). Unlike what many people may believe – and wrongfully argue – a convicted felon may still pay for their wrongdoing in civil court. This may sound confusing, but in reality, it is simple. People often may confuse a civil claim as a violation of the “double jeopardy” clause if the defendant already faced criminal charges. It is essential to understand that double jeopardy is limited to criminal charges being filed twice, and it doesn’t apply to a civil action based on the same acts that the criminal case dealt with.
Our Brooklyn attorney for victims of sexual assault can help you file a civil case and fight for damages regardless of the outcome of any criminal charges. The “burden of proof” is also lower in a civil case, meaning that you might be able to seek justice in civil court even if the criminal charges were dropped or dismissed.
Sexual Assault Cases Our Brooklyn Attorneys Can Handle
Unfortunately, sexual assault can happen anywhere at any time. What’s even more disturbing is the fact that these criminal offenses can be carried out by people victims may trust. Over the years, we have seen countless cases involving individuals from all walks of life who have experienced life-altering experiences due to sexual abuse or assault. These are just some of the sexual assault cases we can handle:
Clergy and Church Sexual Assault
Faith plays a significant role in the lives of many believers. You’d expect your church leaders to be there for you to guide and protect your beliefs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Over the years, there have been thousands of cases involving sexual abuse and assault perpetrated by priests, pastors, and clergy. Often, clergy and church sexual assault victims may not know where to go, how to react, or who can help them. Many times, victims remain silent in fear of retaliation or shame. According to several media outlets, in 2019, more than 1,700 priests and clergy were accused of sexual assault in the US. You are not alone in your struggle. Our Brooklyn attorney for victims of sexual assault can fight to hold the liable parties accountable for what happened to you.
Teacher and School Sexual Assault
Teachers, professors, and school faculty are supposed to guide their students toward a better future. Sadly, there have been numerous cases involving sexual abuse and assault perpetrated by these professionals against their students or against other faculty members. Over the years, there have been sexual incidents involving minors, teenagers, and young adults within schools, colleges, and universities around the country. If you or someone you know was sexually assaulted by a teacher, professor, or school staff member, our Brooklyn attorneys might be able to help these victims of sexual assault.
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Nursing homes are supposed to be places where your loved ones are supported and cared for. Thousands of elderly individuals live at nursing homes and senior living centers across Brooklyn. You’d expect your parents or grandparents to get the best care possible. Unfortunately, there have been cases where nursing home staff have engaged in sexual assault against nursing home residents. We can help you fight against your loved one’s abuser. Call our Brooklyn attorneys for victims of sexual assault today.
This is not an exhaustive list of sexual assault cases our attorneys can handle. However, it provides you with an idea of the cases for which we can provide our legal assistance. Call our law offices today for more information about our legal practice.
Filing Your Sexual Assault Civil Claim in Brooklyn, NY
If you were sexually assaulted in Brooklyn, NY, you can file a civil claim against your abuser. In these cases, you may hold the liable party accountable for your losses through an intentional tort claim. Thorough an intentional tort claim, you can prove to the court that the defendant’s deliberate actions led to your injuries. The court will expect you to show – “by a preponderance of the evidence” – that the defendant had an intent to commit a sexual act and the means to carry it out, and that their actions put you under fear of imminent harm. The court will evaluate all of the circumstances surrounding your case to determine the compensation to be granted.
The amount of compensation you can expect from your case will depend on the court’s overall assessment. You may get compensation to cover losses such as your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases against schools, churches, and other institutions, punitive damages might be available to punish the institution for their abuse of power and extreme negligence in allowing people in their care to be harmed.
Our Brooklyn attorneys for victims of sexual assault can help you determine how much your case should be worth.
Brooklyn Attorney Offering Free Consultations to Victims of Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know was a victim of sexual assault in Brooklyn, NY, we can help. Our Brooklyn attorneys can provide compassionate, yet aggressive legal representation to victims of sexual assault. We will fight tirelessly to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. Call Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP today for your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (718) 747-9706.