New York City Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse can inflict traumatic injuries on the victim, leaving lifelong emotional scars. While no amount of compensation can remove those scars, survivors of sexual abuse deserve justice. If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse you may be entitled to compensation from the person responsible for causing you harm. At Parker Waichman LLP, our New York City sexual abuse lawyers have extensive experience helping survivors of sexual abuse recover compensation through civil action.
We have handled countless sexual abuse cases over the years and will fight aggressively to help you obtain the fair settlement or award you deserve and hold your abuser accountable for abusing their power and causing you harm.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is undesired or unwanted sexual contact or activity. Examples of sexual abuse can include touching, groping, or fondling. Sexually explicit photography, forced nudity, and rape are also considered sexual abuse or sexual assault. Typically, an improper abuse of power is involved.
Common scenarios where abuse can occur include:
- A person in a position of authority demands another individual participate in inappropriate behavior or sexual activities.
- An individual engaging in inappropriate behavior or sexual activity with a vulnerable person who is not in a position to consent to the contact.
- An adult engaging in inappropriate behavior or sexual activity with a minor
Other examples of sexual abuse include:
- Unwanted touching or groping
- Sexual contact through physical force, intimidation, or threats
- Rape and sexual assault
- Sexual contact with a minor
- Sexual contact with an individual who is unable to consent due to mental illness, cognitive impairment, or intoxication
Common Signs Of Sexual Abuse
An individual who is suffering sexual abuse may not be able to come forward. Many survivors of sexual abuse don’t report the abuse due to the lack of understanding of what is considered abuse, the fear of retaliation, fear of no one believing them, psychological distress, or a physical inability to do so, in cases where the individual has a disability. It’s usually up to loved ones to look for and recognize signs of sexual abuse.
Common signs include:
- Unexplained and sudden changes in personality, mood, or behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Increased aggression
- Regressive behaviors, such as excessive clinging, thumbsucking, or bedwetting
- Age-inappropriate knowledge regarding sexual language or anatomy
- Increased fear and anxiety
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks or generalized anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Self-harming behavior
- Difficulty trusting others
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Fear of physical contact
What Compensation Can Victims of Sexual Abuse Recover?
The amount you’ll receive from a settlement or award can vary based on the facts of a case. The long-term impact on the victim’s emotional and mental health, the extent of trauma suffered, and other variables will come into play when negotiating a settlement or when pursuing compensation and justice in court.
The victim of sexual abuse may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost income
- Costs of therapy
- Mental anguish
And other economic and non-economic damages.
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