In Tampa, sexual assault is an act of violence and thus falls under sexual violence, according to Florida Statute § 784.046. Bringing a civil lawsuit against a sexual offender is a sensitive and personal matter.
In many sexual assault cases, some companies or organizations should have protected victims but did not. A Tampa sexual assault lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can provide compassionate legal advice and representation to identify those who should be liable for your losses.
Civil and criminal cases involve different proceedings
Many people may not realize that a sexual assault case can also involve civil litigation and is not strictly confined to criminal law. Criminal proceedings mainly focus on punishing assailants and taking them off the streets to prevent another crime from taking place.
A civil sexual assault case is about awarding compensatory damages to survivors for the harm they suffered. While financial compensation will not erase the effects of the traumatic event, it gives many a sense of justice and covers their losses from the assault.
Keep in mind that filing a civil case is separate from participating in a criminal case. It is up to the prosecution in criminal cases to show that the sexual assault happened beyond a reasonable doubt. On the other hand, you will be the one to initiate a civil lawsuit, which requires a lesser standard of proof.
You may be able to use your assailant’s conviction in criminal court to strengthen your civil case—however, even if they are not convicted on criminal charges, you may still be able to win a civil claim against them. A Tampa sexual assault lawyer with our firm can handle every step of your civil proceedings so you can concentrate on healing.
Sexual assault laws in Tampa
If you are filing a sexual assault lawsuit in Tampa, knowing the statute of limitations that applies to your case is critical. The court will prohibit you from seeking compensation if you file beyond the legal deadline. I
n Florida, the statute of limitations for a sexual assault lawsuit is more complicated than that for a typical civil suit and depends on the nature of the offense. Often, the victim’s age at the time of abuse generally comes into play, according to the Florida Senate.
Recently several states, including Florida, have introduced bills to extend the period of time that survivors of sexual assault can pursue civil litigation. States introduced these new laws in an attempt to help survivors of sexual assault overcome the stigmas surrounding their assaults and seek justice when they are emotionally stable enough to do so.
These new laws also help when the survivors of the abuse experienced the assault while they were children. A Tampa sexual assault lawyer with our firm can help you learn about your legal options and avoid having the court invalidate your case.
How taking legal action could help
Filing a civil suit can be an emotionally empowering move because you will be the one to decide on confronting your assailant and exposing all of their wrongdoings. However, when survivors bring legal action against perpetrators, there is also an opportunity for retribution and damage awards.
Be aware that you can also pursue a claim for compensation against other parties that facilitated the abuse or failed to protect you. A Tampa sexual assault lawyer with our firm can investigate and determine whether a religious organization, school, daycare center, or another company aside from the assailant may be liable for your suffering and losses.
Talking about the abuse that occurred when you were young can be extremely difficult, but speaking with a compassionate attorney can help dispel some of your worries. Even if the incident happened many years ago, you might still have the right to take legal action and work towards further recovery and healing.
How to determine negligence
The damaging effects of sexual assault can be long-lasting, and it may take a while for survivors to allow themselves to form personal relationships. However, what can be more devastating is when other parties could have prevented the assault if not for their negligence.
Some sexual assault cases occur because organizations failed in their duty to protect victims. Sometimes, organizations ignore warning signs or knew about the abuse yet did nothing to stop it. In other instances, an assailant is able to attack victims due to inadequate security measures or negligence in hiring employees.
Whatever the reason, a Tampa sexual assault lawyer with our firm can fight for your legal rights so you can seek a fair amount for what you had to go through. Money may not change what took place, but it can relieve the financial stress the abuse brought about.
To compensate for your injuries and losses, you may be able to sue for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Unwanted pregnancy costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Psychiatric or psychological treatment expenses
An attorney with our firm can help identify all possible damages that you may be entitled to receive under the law.
Let us provide you with legal assistance
Filing a sexual assault lawsuit is never an easy decision, and we understand how personal and difficult this matter can become. That is why we always strive to offer caring and confidential consultations to those whose lives have been forever changed because of an unfortunate incident.
A Tampa sexual assault lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you pursue monetary damages to cover the many losses you experienced.
Call our office today at 1-888-843-8246 for a free case review.
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