Sexual abuse can an especially traumatic event, causing many victims to feel alone and experience lasting psychological, emotional, and physical effects that disrupt their lives and other relationships in their lives.
Have you or a loved one has suffered from sexual abuse?
Yuma sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group understand the challenges that sexual abuse victims often face. Our legal team routinely works with doctors, mental health specialists, counselors and other medical providers to assist victims in these cases. We can organize treatment, counseling and support services to help you during this difficult time. Over the past 27 years, owe have provided legal guidance to Arizona residents and have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
If you have questions about the legal process, contact us for a free and confidential consultation. There are no upfront fees involved. We only get paid if you do. We are available 24/7 to take your call or chat online.
Call 602-222-2222 to get started. We are ready to help.
Definition of Sexual Abuse in Arizona
Arizona Revised Statute §13-1404 defines sexual abuse as intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with an individual without their consent. Perpetrators are often in a position of power or authority over the victim. Sexual abuse is also commonly referred to as sexual molestation and can last for years.
While many victims of sexual abuse are minors, other victims could include spouses, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
Schedule a free consultation to see if you may be able to take legal action.
Can I File a Claim for Sexual Abuse?
This is a difficult question to answer because many factors could be involved in sexual abuse cases. This is why we recommended that you discuss your situation with an experienced attorney from our firm.
We encourage you to reach out to our legal team if you have been a victim of sexual abuse, which may include forced and/or unwanted:
Groping
Stalking
Harassment
Incest
Degrading sexual acts
Touching of another’s genitals
Forcing the victim to touch themselves
Being forced to take sexually explicit pictures
Exposure to child pornography
Many sexual abuse victims are not aware that they may have a case. We can help you determine that when you schedule a confidential consultation with one of our licensed Yuma sexual abuse lawyers. If you have a case, you can then decide if you want to pursue legal action.
Sexual abuse can impact a victim’s life in profound ways. There may be certain physical repercussions of such abuse, including injuries, treatment for STDs and unwanted pregnancies. Other effects are of a psychological nature. Many victims are affected financially because of the devious acts of the abusers in their lives.
As a victim, you may be able to pursue compensation for the damages that you sustained. The amount of damages you may be able to recover will depend on your particular situation.
Some of the damages that may be available to pursue include:
Medical expenses ”“ Sexual abuse can lead to various physical injuries, including bruises, scarring, lacerations, burns and internal damage. You may be able to recover compensation for emergency treatment, follow-up care and physical therapy.
Lost wages or earning capacity ”“ Many victims find it hard to return to work after being sexually abused. They may be able to recover damages for wages they lose while recovering from their injuries or for lost earning capacity if they are never able to return to work or must work in a lower-paying field.
Mental health services ”“ Sexual abuse victims can develop serious mental health conditions due to the trauma of the experience. You may be able to receive compensation for your counseling or therapy bills stemming from your trauma.
Our Yuma sexual abuse attorneys are very familiar with the various types of damages that you may be able to receive as a sexual abuse survivor and how to calculate them. There is no risk in calling us. If we represent you, our dedicated attorneys are prepared to seek just and fair compensation for your losses.
Call 602-222-2222 now to set up your free and confidential consultation.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Claim?
While each case is different, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Failure to file within the two-year deadline may result in you being unable to file and obtain compensation.
However, there may be certain exceptions to this rule. For instance, House Bill 2746, which went into effect in May of 2019, gives minors 12 years from their 18th birthday to file a sexual abuse claim.
There could be other exceptions, which is why it is important to let a knowledgeable Yuma sexual abuse lawyer from our firm review your claim and determine the specific deadline that applies to your situation.
Who Could Potentially Be Liable for Sexual Abuse?
While perpetrators of sexual abuse are responsible for their own behavior, there may be other people or entities that share in the financial liability when sexual abuse is committed. This may include the following:
Schools
Universities
Churches
Other religious institutions
Nursing homes
Hospitals
Institutions are often required to conduct background checks on employees before placing them in a position around a vulnerable population like children, the disabled or the elderly. When they fail to investigate applicants’ backgrounds or to take action once a report is made, they may be held liable for the damages that result.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
At Phillips Law Group, our legal team has decades of experience protecting victims’ rights. We are prepared to handle many different types of sexual abuse cases involving:
Clergy Members
One of the most common forms of sexual abuse is that committed by priests and other religious leaders. These perpetrators use their authority and position in the religious organization to take advantage of the most vulnerable while simultaneously teaching them to obey their religious leader.
Teachers and Coaches
Teachers and coaches may violate the significant trust that is placed in them or blur the lines between their professional and personal lives by becoming romantically or sexually involved with those they are supposed to protect.
Nursing Homes
Elderly and disabled individuals are often the target of this form of abuse due to cognitive problems or the possibility that they will not understand what is happening. Our nursing home abuse lawyers can bring claims against staff members or administrators who abuse nursing home residents or fail to stop it.
Employers
Employers or supervisors may demand sexual favors or touch or grope staff members with little regard for their wants or desire to be free from harassment in the workplace. Employers can be held liable for failing to protect workers.
If you have questions about your possible legal options, we can answer them during a confidential consultation.
Contact Our Yuma Sexual Abuse Lawyers to Discuss Your Claim
Reaching out to an experienced attorney is an important step for sexual abuse victims who have often been violated by those they trusted the most. Our lawyers at Phillips Law Group have decades of combined legal experience working with victims throughout Arizona and understand the complex emotional issues involved in these cases.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation. There are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We do not get paid for our services unless you obtain compensation, so there is no risk to contacting us to learn about your rights. You are under no obligation to take any legal action.
Call 602-222-2222 to get the legal answers you need.
