Contact a Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Helping Victims Obtain The Compensation They Deserve

Many victims of sexual abuse are aware that the criminal justice system will take action against the perpetrator. This action takes the form of criminal charges, jail time for the offender, and the requirement that they register with governmental agencies. These actions, while serving to punish the perpetrator, do not compensate the victims for their injuries. Fortunately, the civil justice system does allow for remedies that many victims do not realize are available to them. Handling such cases, however, can quickly become complicated. This is due to the fact that it may not be clear as to which parties may be liable beyond the perpetrator of the offense. The lawyers of Searcy Denney are experienced in handling such matters. While criminal defense attorneys may defend the rights of the offenders, we believe in protecting the victims’ rights. If you need assistance, then contact us today to speak with a Florida sexual abuse attorney.

Florida Attorneys Assisting With Identifying Those Responsible For Sexual Assault and Gaining Compensation For the Victims

The criminal justice system seeks to punish those who commit crimes and to keep them off of the streets. This punishment is meant to keep the general public safe from future criminal conduct. It does not, for the most part, seek to make the survivors of crime whole after they have suffered losses. The civil justice system, by contrast, is meant to compensate those who have been harmed by another. In other words, the civil justice system seeks to reimburse the victim for what they have already lost, as opposed to protecting the general public from harm that may occur in the future. A victim may be awarded damages for medical costs, lost time from work, and for the emotional trauma and grief inflicted by such a horrific event. Also, a victim may be entitled to file a claim for punitive damages.

Florida Attorneys Identifying the Possible Civil Defendants in a Sexual Assault Case

It goes without saying that the actual perpetrator of the offense will be named as a defendant in a sexual assault case. What many do not realize, however, is that if the individual was acting in some official capacity or in the scope of their employment, then the employer may also be liable for what has happened. The negligence of a company, a property owner, or another entity can result in situations that create dangerous environments that lead to such assaults. In these instances, it can be possible to bring an action against such an entity.

Cases handled by our office include, but are not limited to:

• Athletic Organization Sexual Abuse Claims – Coaches, assistant coaches, and league administrators have been known to abuse their power and take advantage of those whom they oversee. In such cases, it is possible to bring suit against the perpetrator, others in the organization who knew about such practices, and the organization itself.

• Child Pornography Cases – The defendants in such cases will bear substantial criminal penalties. It may be possible to bring a civil action against a third party if the company equipment or property was used in the commission of the crime.

• Child Sex Abuse and Molestation Cases – It is not uncommon for sexual abuse or molestation to be caused by someone acting in an “official” capacity. Such offenders may include teachers, coaches, social workers, etc. In these types of instances, their employer may also face liability.

• College Sexual Assault Cases – Colleges have a duty to keep their students safe. Unfortunately, this duty is not always met. Assaults that arise out of faulty security practices or the ignoring of “red flags” can lead to liability against a college or university.

• Cruise Ship Rape and Other Sexual Assaults – Cruise companies aim to provide their passengers with a fun and festive atmosphere. They also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers. If an assault happens on a cruise ship, whether perpetrated by a cruise employee or another passenger, then the company may face liability.

• Claims Against Dating Apps and Website Sexual Assault – Meeting people online is common in today’s world. Unfortunately, there are those who prey on the desire of others to find a mate. If a website can be shown to be aware that it is a vehicle for crime, then it may face liability. This liability can also extend to acts of “sextortion.”

• Elementary School Sexual Abuse Cases – A school is meant to be a safe place where children spend their formative years preparing for life. There are times, however, when schools fail to keep children safe from other children or teachers. Such instances can result in liability against teachers, administrators, and other entities.

• Cases For the Exposure of Sexual Organs – This can occur in person or online (i.e. an adult male sending a child pictures of his genitals via text message)

• Forcible Rape Cases – The liability of a criminal in such cases is obvious. There may, however, also be instances in which the incident occurred due to the failure of a company to properly screen people. Other negligence may have also created a dangerous situation.

• High School Sexual Abuse Cases – High schools are no different than any other learning institution in that they are required to keep children safe. Common claims involve school administrators, teachers, as well as a failure of the school to keep students safe from other students.

• Human Trafficking Cases – Few things are as horrific as one being trafficked by another human being. In such instances there are federal, as well as state, protections which can guarantee damages to a victim. It is, unfortunately, more common than some may think for these types of crimes to be perpetrated by high-net-worth individuals.

• Religious Organization Sexual Abuse Cases – When a member of a religious group abuses their position then they may face civil liability. Also, it is not uncommon for such organizations to have a “culture of silence” about such wrongs. This can lead to organization wide-liability for the failure to protect others.

• Revenge Porn – People expect that certain images, texts, and emails will remain private. If another person violates that trust and engages in revenge porn, they may have violated Florida law. Depending on the context, other individuals may face liability as well.

• Sexual Harassment Claims – Employers have a responsibility to keep the workplace free of harassment. Failure to meet this responsibility can result in claims against the harasser, supervisors, as well as the company itself.

• Sexual Assault Cases Against Uber or Lyft – The companies can be held liable in certain situations when a passenger or third party is injured. Such assaults are, sadly, not uncommon. You may have a cause of action against the rideshare company, as well as the driver.

• Video Voyeurism Cases – Secretly watching or recording someone without their consent is a violation of their privacy. Such acts often occur in places of business, on college campuses, and elsewhere. Such entities have a duty to protect against such conduct and they may face liability if they fail to meet this duty.

• Youth Organization Sexual Abuse Cases – It is unfortunate that youth coaches and group leaders sometimes abuse their position of authority. Depending on the circumstances, it is quite possible that the organization itself may be at fault, as well as the offending person.

What To Do If You Are The Victim Of Sexual Assault In Florida

If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual assault, then the first step you should take is to contact law enforcement immediately. Once you have reported the crime, then the next step is to contact an attorney to ensure that your interests are protected. 

Below are some of the frequent questions we receive from victims in such matters.

What is the Charge For Sexual Assault in Florida?

Charges of sexual assault flow from conduct in which one forced another to engage in unwanted sexual contact.

What is the Minimum Sentence For Sexual Assault?

The penalties for sexual assault in Florida can vary depending on the nature of the conduct. Of all the forms of sex crimes, sexual battery carries the longest sentence. A perpetrator can be imprisoned for life. 

How Long Do You Have To Report Sexual Abuse in Florida?

This depends on various factors, including the age of the victim and the type of sex crime. It is always best to consult an attorney to ensure important reporting deadlines are met. 

Where Does Abuse Occur?

Sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings. These can include, but are not limited to nightclubs, schools, summer camps, sporting events, foster care, nursing homes, private homes, juvenile detention facilities, churches, youth organizations, and Olympic organizations.

Contact a Florida Sexual Abuse Attorney Today For Assistance

If you or a loved one have been the victim of a crime, then contact us today to speak with a Florida sexual abuse attorney. We understand that this is an important time in your life and we are ready to assist you. Contact us online or email lewisteam@searcylaw.com. We can also be reached by telephone at 800-780-8607.