Your Right to Compensation as a Survivor of Sexual Assault
It is one of the worst things that a person can experience. A survivor of sexual assault can have physical and emotional scarring that lasts a lifetime and unfortunately, justice is not always served through the criminal court system. What many survivors do not realize is that they may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit to help cover the cost of medical bills, counseling, and other expenses related to their injuries.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know that there is no amount of money that can ever fully compensate a sexual assault survivor for the trauma that they have experienced. We only hope through compassionate advocacy to bring some sense of justice to our clients by holding responsible parties liable in a civil lawsuit.
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
When Do Sexual Assault Survivors Have the Right to Sue an Attacker?
The vast majority of sexual assault survivors have the right to sue their attackers in civil court. It is considered a personal injury lawsuit and if successful entitles the survivor to compensation for their damages.
A criminal court case is independent of a civil lawsuit. Therefore, your attacker may face criminal charges for the assault. A conviction, however, rarely results in significant compensation for the victim of a crime.
It is strongly recommended that you speak with a Houston sexual assault lawyer about your case. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have the right to sue your attacker or another liable party.
What If an Attacker Was Not Charged or Convicted in Court?
It is not required that your attacker be convicted or even charged in criminal court for you to be able to pursue a civil lawsuit. In a civil court, there is a lower burden of proof to find someone liable for personal injury compared to finding them guilty of a crime. Therefore, it is a good idea to sue an attacker even if there are no criminal charges or the case does not result in a conviction.
What Kinds of Damages Is a Sexual Assault Survivor Entitled To?
Damages in a civil lawsuit based on sexual assault can range depending on the circumstances of the case.
Common damages in a sexual assault civil lawsuit include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Counseling and treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of future earning capacity
It is important to consult with an attorney to determine what you should seek in damages after a sexual assault. Many times sexual assault survivors experience physical, mental, and emotional harm. Suing an attacker or a liable third party can help you obtain compensation to aid in your recovery.
Can a Survivor Sue a Third Party?
In some cases, a sexual assault survivor may have the right to sue a third party. The case will usually depend on whether the third party was negligent or breached the duty of care that they owed to you. It is commonly a property owner that can be held legally responsible for failing to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition.
Hiring a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Texas
If you experienced sexual assault or trauma, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our lawyers will stand side-by-side with you always working to hold all liable parties responsible for their wrongdoing. Call now to get started.
