Stamford Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you experienced sexual assault or abuse at any point in your life, what happened to you was not your fault. Responsibility lies entirely with the person or people who harmed you, as well as with anyone who knowingly or negligently enabled their actions. Criminal prosecution may offer you a sense of justice, but it does not provide compensation for your financial and emotional losses caused by abuse.
That is where civil lawsuits may help, especially with support from a compassionate personal injury attorney. Even if you are only exploring your options, a Stamford sexual abuse lawyer can provide the information you need to make the best decision.
How Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Differ From Criminal Cases
The primary difference between civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution is what was just mentioned above. Civil cases are meant to financially compensate the plaintiff for losses caused by the misconduct of the defendant, while criminal cases are meant to punish a defendant for engaging in illegal conduct. In sexual abuse litigation, it is also important to emphasize that these two types of cases differ in their applicable standards of proof.
While criminal prosecutors must establish guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” to obtain a conviction, a civil court may hold a defendant liable for damages based on a “preponderance of the evidence” showing that they caused those damages. A sexual abuse attorney in Stamford can explain how you might be able to hold someone civilly liable for sexual misconduct even if they were never charged with or convicted of any crime.
Deadlines for Suing Over Sexual Assault
Another unique aspect of sexual abuse litigation is how the statute of limitations works. Typically, someone injured by a tortfeasor—a legal term that includes intentional criminal acts—has up to three years to file suit for resulting damages. This deadline applies to people over age 21 who experience sexual assault or abuse.
However, if you were sexually abused before turning 21, Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 52-577d gives you until your 51st birthday to file suit over that abuse, either on your own or with assistance from a skilled sexual abuse lawyer in Stamford. If you experienced Sexual Assault in the First Degree or Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree and your abuser was later convicted in criminal court, C.G.S. § 52-577e allows you to file a lawsuit at any time without a statute of limitations.
Contact a Stamford Sexual Abuse Attorney for Help
Sexual abuse can cause physical, financial, and psychological harm that lasts a lifetime. While money alone cannot make up for experiencing this type of trauma, getting the compensation you deserve for the abuse can improve your long-term quality of life and support your financial security.
You have support available from a dedicated Stamford sexual abuse lawyer with whatever legal action you wish to pursue against your abusers. Call Mark Sherman Law today for a confidential consultation, or read verified reviews from past clients of ours by visiting our Avvo.com profile.