Sexual abuse is a crime of violence that can cause great physical, emotional and psychological harm to victims. They often do not know where to go for help.
If you or a member of your family has been sexually abused, we recommend that you contact the Glendale sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group for legal help as soon as possible. Our legal team understands the hardships sexual abuse victims often face. We can help organize counseling and other services to help you with your recovery. We have decades of experience providing legal guidance to individuals and families throughout Arizona and have recovered millions in compensation.
If you have questions about the legal process, contact us today. There are no upfront fees for our legal services. Schedule a free and confidential consultation to learn more.
Sexual abuse happens when one person is the victim of non-consensual sexual behavior. The perpetrators are often taking advantage of someone who they have power or authority over. This behavior can also be referred to as molestation.
Unfortunately, some people are victimized numerous times ”“ sometimes it happens over a period of years.
Victims of sexual abuse can include children, spouses, the elderly and people with disabilities.
You can contact our Glendale sexual abuse lawyers today for a free legal consultation. We can determine if you may have legal options.
Can I File a Legal Claim?
There are many factors that must be considered to determine if you may be able to file a legal claim for damages. This is why it is generally recommended that you discuss the situation with an experienced attorney.
We encourage you to contact us if you have been a victim of sexual abuse, which could include forced/unwanted:
Sexual acts
Painful sexual acts
Incest
Groping
Harassment
Degrading sexual acts
Touching of another’s genitals
Exposure to child pornography
Abuse could also include being forced to take sexually explicit pictures, being sexually exploited by a therapist, or being denied contraception or protection from STDs.
You may be unsure if you have a case, and that is something you can discuss with our licensed attorneys in a free consultation. The consultation is also entirely confidential and if you have a case, you decide if you want to pursue it.
Sexual abuse can impact a victim’s life in many ways. While some effects of sexual abuse relate to one’s physical or mental health, sexual abuse can also affect victims financially.
As a victim, you may be eligible for financial compensation for these damages through a legal claim. The amount and type of compensation that is available will depend on the specifics of your situation.
Some of the damages that may be available to sexual abuse victims may include:
Medical expenses ”“ Sexual abuse can lead to different physical injuries. You may be reimbursed for medical costs that resulted from treatment of those injuries, such as emergency services, hospitalization and testing.
Lost wages or loss of earnings ”“ Many victims find it very difficult to return to work or work in the same capacity as before. You may be reimbursed for lost wages and potential loss of future earnings.
Mental health counseling ”“ Sexual abuse can result in victims developing mental health conditions. You may be reimbursed for any counseling or therapy needed to cope with the trauma experienced.
Our Glendale sexual abuse attorneys have detailed knowledge of the kinds of damages that may be available and how to determine their value. There is no risk in calling us to review your situation. If you have a case, we are prepared to seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Call 602-222-222 now for our free and confidential consultation.
How Much Time do I have to File a Claim?
If you were sexually abused, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the perpetrator.
While each case is different, in most instances there is a two-year deadline to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within two years from the date of the incident, you may be barred from filing and recovering compensation.
There are some possible exceptions to this deadline. For example, House Bill 2746, which became law in May of 2019, gives minors 12 years from their 18th birthday to bring lawsuits against their abusers.
There may be other exceptions, so it is a good idea to discuss your claim with a Glendale sexual abuse lawyer in a free consultation. Our attorneys can determine the deadlines that may apply to your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
While perpetrators of sexual abuse may be held liable for damages, they may not be the only party liable for the sexual abuse you have suffered. A third party may be also partially be responsible. Third parties could include schools, universities, hospitals, churches and other institutions.
If an institution was known to have a potentially dangerous employee or ignored the warning signs and failed to report the abuse, the leaders or administrators could also be held liable.
There are many signs of abuse institutions should watch for in victims, including:
Bruises
Bite marks
Belt marks
Social isolation
Excessive anger or aggression
Cuts
Fear around authority figures (clergy members, teachers, babysitters and coaches)
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases
Perpetrators of sexual abuse are often individuals in a position of power and trust, such as clergy members, teachers, coaches and physicians. At Phillips Law Group, our legal team has many years of experience representing victims. We are prepared to represent sexual abuse cases involving:
Clergy Members
Instances of sexual abuse by church leaders and officials have risen in the U.S. Unfortunately, these institutions have provided perpetrators the opportunity to groom victims in a setting where they are regularly taught to respect and trust their religious leaders. Oftentimes, the abuse goes on for several months or years.
Teachers and Coaches
Students and parents place a lot of trust in their teachers and coaches to have their best interests in mind. Coaches especially are some of the most influential people in students’ lives. Although these individuals have to be carefully vetted by their employers, sexual abuse can still happen.
University Physicians
University students can also be susceptible to sexual abuse by the on-campus physicians they see for medical care and treatment. Students rely on their advice for their own health and well-being and some physicians exploit that to abuse their patients.
If you have any questions about possible legal options, we can answer them in a confidential consultation. A Glendale sexual abuse attorney at our firm can discuss whether you have a case and the compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Long-Term Effects of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can have long-term physical, emotional and psychological effects on a victim. are not always the same or easy to deal with. While every act of sexual abuse affects victims in different ways, many survivors of sexual abuse may struggle with:
Depression ”“Depression can be a serious, long lasting condition. Common symptoms include bouts of sadness, crying, anger, difficulty concentrating and sleep issues.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ”“ Victims of sexual abuse may relive the traumatic experience through flashbacks that can be very disruptive and disorienting. It can also involve memory issues and heightened anxiety in certain situations.
Anxiety ”“ Sexual abuse can cause severe anxiety and panic attacks, including intrusive or obsessive thoughts. Victims may also develop a chronic fear of people who remind them of their abuser.
Disassociation ”“ Disassociation is one of several defense mechanisms the brain can use to cope with the trauma of sexual abuse. Victims may disassociate or detach from reality.
Substance abuse ”“ Many victims may turn to drugs or alcohol to help numb or escape the pain of sexual abuse. Other reasons for substance use include wanting to feel better, fearing that family or friends will not understand what they went through, or lacking support.
Other effects of sexual abuse could include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, relationship issues, sleep disorders and poor health.
Contact Our Glendale Sexual Abuse Lawyers to Discuss Your Claim
Finding an experienced attorney is an important step for sexual abuse victims. Our legal team has decades of combined experience working with victims throughout Arizona. We know how emotional and complicated these cases are and are prepared to protect your rights every step of the way.
Contact Phillips Law Group to schedule your completely free and confidential consultation. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your claim and answer any questions you may have about the legal process. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We do not get paid for our services unless you obtain compensation.
