Sexual abuse and assault create millions of new victims each year. It is a prevalent issue in our society, and survivors often face lifelong emotional challenges because of their abusers. Victims of sexual abuse in Lafayette, Louisiana, have the right to pursue compensation for legal damages against their abusers through civil claims.
Improving your chances of winning a civil lawsuit requires the legal expertise of sexual abuse lawyers. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse when pursuing compensation so they can stay focused on physical and emotional recovery.
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
By choosing Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers as your Lafayette sexual abuse lawyer, you’ll receive compassionate support throughout the claims process and have the best chance of securing a fair settlement.
Hotel sexual assault case
Coach grooming and abuse
Cruise ship rape settlement
Negligent security assault
Child sexual abuse lawsuit
Therapist sexual abuse settlement
A civil lawsuit seeks compensation for legal damages suffered because of the defendant’s actions. You must build a case that proves the defendant is likely guilty of liability, and for that, you need strong evidence.
We will assess damages and investigate the case thoroughly to determine your financial compensation owed. Our law firm handles the legal side’s heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault
Sexual abuse and assault have different definitions under Louisiana law, though they are very similar. Sexual abuse is defined as unwanted exposure to sexually explicit material, language, or contact. Assault is defined as a sexual act against another person without their consent. The lack of consent and power imbalances are typically at play in both scenarios.
Right now, in Lafayette, there are roughly 204 sex offenders living in the area [1], so it is essential to view this registry.
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
- Unwanted physical contact – Touching a person inappropriately with either a body part or object could be considered sexual abuse in some contexts
- Sexual exposure – Forcibly exposing someone to sexual imagery or flashing them without their consent is sexual exposure
- Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex in any form with a person who does not consent is a form of assault and may be defined as rape
- Sexual manipulation – If a person uses power, trust, or vulnerability toward another to achieve sexual ends, this activity may be considered sexual abuse
- Child sexual abuse – Children have stricter laws in place defining sexual abuse because they are more vulnerable to mistreatment and may not understand what is happening to them
- Clergy Abuse – Sexual abuse committed by religious leaders, exploiting their authority and trust within the community.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
Institutions can be held liable for sexual harassment or sexual abuse in some scenarios. Here are several facilities where sexual abuse often takes place.
- Workplaces – Unfortunately, sexual harassment and abuse are common in workplaces, typically because of the power imbalances between employees and managers or employers
- Inpatient treatment centers – Care centers that see patients overnight can create dangerous situations where staff or other individuals can abuse vulnerable people
- Correctional facilities – Power dynamics between prisoners, guards, and other staff at correctional facilities can lead to abusive situations
- Foster care – The foster system typically vets potential families well, but abusers can still slip through the cracks and put children in danger
- Daycare facilities – Staff at daycare centers are responsible for children, but there could be bad apples among them that will take advantage of a child
- Educational institutions – Academic facilities may see more abuse because of the power dynamics among administrators, teachers, and students
- Religious institutions – Sexual abuse attorneys are often involved in cases of clergy abuse, especially since spiritual leaders usually hold more trust among their parishioners or members
- Nursing homes – Sexual abuse is common in nursing homes, and it can involve both staff and other residents since seniors are particularly vulnerable
- Sports clubs – Young athletes often trust their coaches and trainers, which can lead to abusive relationships if the wrong person is involved in a youth sports program
- Military institutions – The strict hierarchy of military organizations can lead to instances of sexual abuse or assault going unreported
- Hotels and rentals – Intimate partner sexual violence and abuse from a stranger can occur in hotels or short-term rentals, especially since every room may have multiple keys
- Shelters – Though shelters are designed to help people in difficult circumstances, the lack of supervision or security can create dangerous environments for vulnerable people
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault
If you have experienced sexual abuse, it is essential to take the proper steps to ensure your well-being and financial future.
First, you should receive medical attention immediately if you have been raped or have physical injuries. Then, you can choose to report sexual abuse to either the local Lafayette Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline 9800-656-4673).
Document everything you can remember about the sexual abuse case so you can file your claim quickly and have substantial evidence to back it up. Contact a sexual abuse lawyer to understand your legal rights and options.
Locally, you can go to Lafayette sexual abuse therapists for one-on-one counseling if you are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or emotional pain and need some support resources. Hearts of Hope is an organization for victims of sexual violence and assault located in Lafayette that can provide support for all survivors.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Our sexual abuse lawyers can assist you as you pursue compensation for the legal damages suffered. Some types of compensation you may be eligible for include medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Additional punitive damages may be awarded in cases of gross negligence or malicious intent. As you seek compensation, some factors will affect the total amount, such as the extent of your losses, the severity of injuries, and the amount of evidence.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases
Liability must be proven, demonstrating that it is more likely than not that the perpetrator is responsible for the victim’s suffering. Individuals and institutions can be held accountable for sexual abuse. An institution may be liable due to insufficient background checks, poor supervision, failure to prevent abuse, failure to report incidents, or not responding to complaints.
Other legal principles may affect the legal process. Vicarious liability occurs when one entity is responsible for the actions of another because of their relationship. Title IX regulations come into play regarding the treatment of different sexes at academic institutions.
If the abuse occurred within a religious institution, some legal precedents regarding power dynamics may influence your legal options.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
Establishing liability in this legal process requires proof of the defendant’s duty of care, breach of that duty, causation between their actions and your injuries, and the existence of legal damages. Our legal professionals can help you take immediate action to gather evidence and strengthen your claim.
How Our Lafayette Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Victims often have more questions than answers after being abused or assaulted. If you are seeking justice, working with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will be your best chance of earning total compensation for damages.
First, we offer a free consultation to answer any questions you have about the legal process. If you decide to work with us, we will begin a thorough investigation of your case.
This will include gathering evidence, negotiating for a fair settlement, and representing you in a trial if necessary. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs for seeking justice against your abuser.
The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Lafayette
The statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a claim against the defendant. In Louisiana, most personal injury claims must be filed within one year of the incident. If you wait any longer, claiming compensation may not be possible.
Contact Lafayette Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today!
The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to advocate for your rights and help you pursue compensation. Our objective is to hold perpetrators accountable and support your financial recovery so you can focus on healing physically and emotionally.
Whether you are struggling with emotional distress, pain and suffering, or high medical costs from the incident, your attorney will assess all damages and determine a fair amount for the settlement.
To receive your free consultation with an experienced sexual abuse attorney, call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form.
Related Practice Areas
- Baton Rouge Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Lake Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- New Orleans Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Shreveport Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] City Data