Curious to learn more about specialized legal assistance?
Millions of people are sexually assaulted every year. Approximately 423,020 individuals age 12 and older are victims of sexual assault in the United States alone. But…
Most don’t know where to turn when they need help.
Dealing with the legal system after sexual abuse can be daunting, to say the least. On top of the trauma, the pain and the healing journey… The last thing anyone wants is the burden of figuring out complex legal procedures on top of everything else.
The difference that a specialized sexual abuse in Los Angeles lawyer can make is immeasurable. It’s having someone by a survivor’s side that truly understands what they’re going through – emotionally and legally. They can make all the difference between getting the justice survivors deserve and feeling lost in a system that seems stacked against them. Specialized sexual abuse legal representation offers much more than just knowledge of the law.
In This Article
- Why A General Lawyer Isn’t Enough
- The Real Benefits Of Specialized Representation
- Financial Compensation Survivors Deserve
- When To Get Started
Why A General Lawyer Isn’t Enough
Here’s something most people don’t know…
Not all lawyers are equipped to handle sexual abuse cases. Sexual assault cases require a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices, knowledge of victim rights laws and navigating the emotional sensitivities that general practice attorneys may lack.
Sexual abuse cases involve not just legal considerations, but also complex emotional trauma, specific statutes of limitations, unique evidence requirements and specialized victim protection laws. A general lawyer may have some knowledge of personal injury law, but that is not nearly enough. Survivors need someone who knows how trauma impacts memory, the reasons victims often delay reporting abuse and how to effectively navigate both criminal and civil justice systems on their behalf.
And the importance of this cannot be overstated…
Only 66% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement. Why? Because people who have been assaulted or abused sexually often feel like the system is not going to help them. Or they have a fear of not being believed. Or the trauma has caused them to put it out of their minds. A specialized sexual abuse lawyer is trained to overcome these barriers.
The Real Benefits Of Specialized Representation
So what exactly does a specialized sexual abuse lawyer bring to the table?
- Trauma-Informed Sensitivity. Specialized lawyers know how incredibly hard it can be to retell a story. They work to create a safe space so survivors can talk about what happened without judgment. They know memory gaps do not mean a story is untrue – they are a normal part of trauma.
- Understanding of Applicable Laws. Sexual abuse laws are different based on the state and situation. The lawyer needs to be up to speed on the statutes of limitations for civil claims, recent laws like the Adult Survivors Act, who can be sued (employers, institutions, perpetrators) and how to pursue financial compensation without criminal charges.
- Protection Throughout The Legal Process. Specialized attorneys work to protect survivors from the trauma of the legal process. They shield them from interactions with opposing counsel, court appearances and work to ensure their rights are protected at every stage.
Pretty cool, huh?
How They Fight For Survivors’ Rights
Ok, so how do they actually do it? Sexual abuse lawyers advocate for survivors’ rights through multiple legal options.
If there are no criminal charges, that doesn’t mean a survivor cannot file a civil lawsuit. The attorney can make claims against individual perpetrators, institutions that failed to protect them, organizations that covered up abuse and employers that didn’t take action against harassment.
In the event criminal charges are filed, the lawyer will ensure survivors’ rights as victims are enforced and their best interests are advocated for within the criminal justice system – something the prosecutors often don’t have the bandwidth for.
The attorney can also assist with crime victim compensation applications, immigration relief petitions, employment discrimination and school accommodations.
Financial Compensation Survivors Deserve
Here’s the reality about money…
The estimated lifetime cost of rape is $122,461 per victim. Think about that. That includes medical bills, lost productivity, therapy costs and criminal justice involvement.
Survivors shouldn’t have to bear that cost.
A specialized sexual abuse lawyer will fight to recover compensation for medical and therapy expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and punitive damages against institutions.
Oh – and the best part?
Most sexual abuse lawyers work on a contingency basis. Meaning survivors pay no fee unless they win the case. This removes the financial barrier that causes many survivors to not seek justice.
Why Timing Matters
Here’s something critical to understand…
Time limits exist for filing sexual abuse claims. But many states have recently extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for these cases. Several states have created special “lookback windows” for survivors to file claims for abuse that happened decades ago.
A specialized lawyer will know what time limits apply in the state, available time limit extensions for delayed discovery and special windows for historical abuse claims.
Confusion over time limits shouldn’t prevent survivors from getting justice.
The Trauma-Informed Difference
Want to know the secret to what sets specialized lawyers apart?
It’s this. They understand that going through legal proceedings can be retraumatizing. They know to minimize the number of times survivors have to retell their story, coordinate with therapists and support services and work with them to prepare in advance for any depositions or court testimony.
This trauma-informed approach means they understand healing is not linear. They can work at the survivor’s pace while still advocating for their legal interests.
Building The Case
Behind the scenes, the specialized lawyer will be working on…
They will collect medical records, documents any injuries, therapy records that can show impact of the trauma, witness statements to corroborate the account and institutional policies that demonstrate negligence.
They can also connect survivors with expert witnesses who can testify about trauma and memory, industry standards for protection and economic damages. Every case is different, so the lawyer will build a custom strategy designed to maximize chances of success while minimizing stress.
What To Expect
Here’s the rundown of what working with a specialized lawyer is like…
The initial consultation is a private meeting where survivors get to tell their story and learn about legal options. There is zero pressure or obligation – just information and support.
They will review the facts, applicable laws, and potential claims. They can explain what realistic outcomes might be and what the process involves. If a survivor decides to move forward, they will file claims on their behalf and start the work of gathering evidence.
Many of these cases settle without a trial. If trial becomes necessary, the specialized lawyer is prepared to fight in court.
Getting Started
Sexual abuse survivors deserve specialized legal representation that truly understands their needs.
The benefits of a sexual abuse lawyer extend far beyond legal expertise – they offer support, advocacy and a pathway towards justice that general attorneys cannot match. From understanding the intricacies of trauma-informed practices to knowing how to pursue maximum compensation – these specialized attorneys are a critical piece of the puzzle.
Navigating the legal system after sexual abuse without proper representation can leave survivors feeling overwhelmed and lost in a system that wasn’t designed with them in mind. But with the right lawyer by their side, a specialized sexual abuse lawyer who knows the ropes and has their back – survivors have a powerful advocate fighting for their rights while respecting their healing journey.
If someone is a survivor thinking about legal action, they shouldn’t wait. Reaching out to a specialized sexual abuse lawyer and asking questions is the first step. Survivors deserve justice. They also deserve to have the support of someone who truly understands what they have been through.
