While sexual abuse lawsuits may be challenging and emotionally draining, it is important to recognize the burden you’ve been carrying. Victims of sexual abuse lawsuits deserve to get the help they need.
Seattle Civil Sex Abuse lawsuits are skyrocketing. Victims of sex abuse can finally take legal action against the city, the county, and others that may be responsible for their sexual abuse.
However, one thing that is likely to get overlooked in these cases is the monetary compensation you deserve from your abuse’s emotional and mental trauma.
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse includes nonconsensual sexual contact or behavior intended to cause humiliation and degradation against another person. Such can include:
- Rape – Unwanted sexual intercourse with another person through physical force, intimidation, or coercion
- Sodomy – Oral or anal sex performed on another person without consent (including forced oral copulation)
- Incest – Sexual activity between family members at least 16 years old and within 4 degrees of consanguinity (blood relationship).
How Civil Sex Abuse Lawsuits Process Works
Civil sex abuse lawsuits are similar to civil lawsuits: they seek money damages for the harm caused by a defendant’s wrongful conduct. In civil sex abuse cases, the plaintiff is usually a victim of childhood sexual abuse who seeks compensation for the injuries they suffered due to that abuse.
The defendant in such cases may be an individual or an organization such as a school district or church. Civil lawsuits are complex and often expensive processes that involve multiple parties. Below is an overview of how the process works:
Begin by filing a complaint with the court. You will need to provide details about what happened and when and any witnesses and other evidence supporting your claims.
The judge will then decide whether or not there’s enough evidence for a trial or hearing before moving forward with any further action in your case.
The initial complaint sets out the plaintiff’s basic claims about what happened and asks for monetary damages (money) for the harm done and other forms of relief, such as costs and attorneys’ fees.
If another lawsuit is pending in federal court, it may be possible to file some claims there instead of in state court.
The defendant may respond by admitting or denying the allegations made against them. If the defendant denies wrongdoing, they must provide evidence showing why they should not get held responsible for their alleged actions.
Both sides will then make their best arguments about whether the case should go forward; “discovery.” Discovery allows each side to learn how strong their case is and how weak their opponent’s case may be.
In Summary
The bottom line is simple: your time to file a sex abuse lawsuit is still ripe if you suffered abuse. You have the right to have your voice heard and seek justice and compensation. Having Seattle sexual abuse lawyers can help ensure you make the best possible case while protecting your rights.
