Sexual abuse has been a problem in the United States and worldwide for a long time. According to RAINN, 17% of women and 3% of men have experienced some sexual abuse in their lifetime. The problem is finally being discussed in our society on a large scale to make meaningful changes. Sexual violence is a complex issue, and it doesn’t look the same in every situation.
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, it’s important to get in touch with a Cocoa sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to hold the guilty party accountable.
How Can a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Cocoa Help Me?
If you have been the victim of sexual assault or abuse, a Cocoa sexual abuse lawyer can help you prove that the event caused harm to receive compensation that you may need to recover from the event. Many victims file a suit against the individual responsible for the sexual abuse, though some may file a claim against their employer for negligence if the victim spoke up and no actions were taken to keep them safe.
You can file a suit for any unwanted sexual actions that have caused harm, defined as physical harm, mental or emotional harm, or financial harm. Physical harm is usually the most obvious, as it shows itself as bruises, broken bones, or other injuries. Emotional harm is common among sexual assault victims due to their trauma, and many have trouble sleeping and experience increased anxiety and depression. They may struggle to live life as they did before.
Finally, those who have experienced sexual abuse may miss work, feel the need to move to a new apartment or get the locks on their house changed. These events can be considered financial consequences of the sexual assault, and they are a form of financial harm.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Florida is currently four years. This means that you have four years from the date of the incident to pursue legal action. If you aren’t able to file your claim on time, you may risk your case being thrown out.
Four years may seem like a long time to file your claim, and many victims need plenty of time to recover from their assault before they can begin working on the legal aspect of things. Unfortunately, the legal system can move slowly, and we always recommend filing a claim as soon as possible to avoid accidentally missing the deadline to file. If you work with a Cocoa sexual abuse attorney, they can ensure that your claim paperwork is filed properly and on time to prevent you from missing out on your compensation.
It’s also important to note that four years is a general guideline, and some circumstances attached to the case can shorten or lengthen the amount of time you have to file a claim. Your lawyer can help you determine how long you have to file a claim.
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Damages You Can Collect from Sexual Abuse Cases
If you have suffered from sexual abuse, you may be able to collect numerous types of damages that can compensate you for the physical and emotional pain you have undergone and other related costs. Such damages come in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages come with clear financial costs, like property damage, while non-economic damages are hard to assign a value to, like mental anguish.
Some common types of damages in sexual abuse cases may include:
Medical Bills
If you sustained injuries or visited a doctor after experiencing sexual abuse, you may be able to receive medical bill damages to pay for the care you have received since the incident and the care you will need because of it moving forward. This can include things like surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications, as well as medical devices and emergency services. This may also include counseling fees or visits with other mental health care professionals.
Lost Wages
Some sexual abuse victims cannot work because they are physically injured or they need some time to recover from the incident emotionally, especially if it took place at work. You may be able to collect lost wages damages to help make up for the time you were away from work.
Pain and Suffering
There is no doubt that sexual abuse causes pain and suffering, but it is hard to assign a dollar amount to the physical and mental anguish of cases like these. No amount of money can erase the past, but your sexual abuse attorney in Cocoa will fight for pain and suffering compensation to help you get the funds you need to help get your life back.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Life becomes much more difficult to enjoy after suffering from sexual abuse for many victims. It may be difficult for a victim to visit places they used to go, engage in activities they used to enjoy or be around people they love. Loss of enjoyment of life attempts to compensate you for the hardships you have endured, making life less enjoyable.
These are just a few of the many types of compensation you may be able to receive. Each sexual abuse case is unique, and your lawyer will help you determine which types of payment you may be eligible to collect.
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Enlist the Help of Andrew Pickett Law Today
At Andrew Pickett Law, we understand that sexual abuse cases can bring up traumatic experiences. We seek to do everything we can to empower sexual abuse victims to get the compensation they deserve. We will be with you every step of the way, from when you submit your free case evaluation request until your case is settled.
It’s scary to bring sexual abuse cases to court, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today.
Call or text 321-503-4014 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form