Child sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic and horrific experiences a child can experience. Children who have been sexually abused may experience serious repercussions for the rest of their lives. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused as a child, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyer who can help you take steps on the road to recovery.
These dedicated personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and various options for pursuing justice as a child sexual abuse survivor. The compassionate child sexual abuse attorneys at Dolman Law Group can help you find a path toward healing and recovery.
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse can take many forms, from inappropriate touching to rape. In some cases, the abuser may use physical force or fear to commit the crime. In other cases, perpetrators such as clergy members or educators may use bribery or social status. According to a report by RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, child sexual abuse perpetrators are usually adults who use their position and power to take advantage of a child.
When children are sexually abused, they may experience physical harm, emotional trauma, or both. In addition, they may be ashamed or fearful of retaliation from the abuser. Oftentimes, a sexual abuse survivor may stay silent about their abuse for many years or forever.
If you suspect that your child suffered from sexual abuse at a school, daycare center, or religious location, you should contact a child sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your situation and begin the healing process.
What are the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse to Look For?
Child sexual abuse can cause many consequences that may continue long after the abuse has stopped. It is essential to know these signs and symptoms so that you can find help for your child and prevent further abuse.
Some of the common signs of sexual abuse in children include:
- Changes in mood or behavior during the time of the abuse
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Showing sudden fear of specific people or places
- Displaying age-inappropriate sexual behavior
- Talking about a new, older friend
- Self-harm
The Serious Effects of Child Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, the effects of child sexual abuse are long-lasting and devastating. Sexual abuse affects children emotionally and can cause physiological or psychological issues. Although some of these effects may not manifest immediately, they may appear later and last longer.
When a child is sexually abused, it can be a harrowing and traumatic experience. Usually, victims do not know where to turn for help. Instead, they might feel ashamed or guilty about what happened.
Child sex abuse has a significant effect on how survivors see themselves, others, and the world. The damage caused by sexual abuse can include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Inability to form healthy relationships with others
- Difficulty making friends or establishing social connections
- Depression or anger
- Anxiety
- Trust issues
- Self-blame or self-esteem issues
- Shame or guilt
What Compensation May be Available in a Child Sexual Abuse Claim?
Survivors of child sexual abuse have the right to seek compensation for their losses. If the abuse causes severe psychological and physical child injuries, or if you're now unable to work due to a disability caused by the incident, the compensation you receive could be life-saving. If you are in Broward County, Flordia, reach out to the understanding and discreet child sexual abuse lawyers near you in Dolman Law Group's Fort Lauderdale offices.
Some of the damages a child abuse attorney can help you recover may include:
- Medical Bills: While physical medical care may be needed, many survivors of child sexual abuse also suffer from PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues that require professional psychological care. Even if you do not have health insurance, a skilled child sex abuse lawyer could help you recover all related medical costs.
- Pain and Suffering: No amount of money can make up for what a child sexual abuse survivor went through. However, our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers can request damages for the physical and emotional pain that resulted from the abuse.
- Loss of Consortium: Child sexual abuse affects entire families and has long-term consequences on an abuse survivor's ability to develop healthy relationships with others. These ongoing issues have legal value, and the court system allows survivors to receive financial compensation under these circumstances.
These are just some of the damages that a child sexual abuse survivor's claim can cover. You may be entitled to more compensation for medical bills and other damages caused by these criminal acts. If you or a loved one experienced child sexual abuse, an experienced child sexual abuse lawyer in Fort Lauderdale could help you determine what compensation is appropriate for you and pursue the claim on your behalf.
Why Hire a Fort Lauderdale Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer at Dolman Law Group?
Being a victim of child sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can take years to overcome. Not only are you dealing with the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma of the abuse, but you may also be facing difficulties in school or at work. Your family relationships may be strained, and you may feel alone and confused as you figure out how to move forward with your life.
At Dolman Law Group, our Fort Lauderdale child sexual abuse lawyers could help you find justice for what happened to you. Although no money will ever erase the abuse, compensation can help ease some of your burdens. With the help of a dedicated child sex abuse attorney, you could recover your damages, bring the perpetrator to justice, and start the journey to recovery. You may also help protect others from being abused by the same person. A survivor who tries to manage their claim or lawsuit without experienced legal counsel may drastically lower the chances of the abuser facing the legal action they deserve to pay for their crimes.
At Dolman Law Group, we're committed to seeking justice for our clients who survived child sexual assault, including those affected by clergy sexual abuse. We will help you file a claim against every liable party and seek maximum compensation.
Let Us Help with Your Claim Today
The Dolman Law Group team has extensive experience handling cases of sexual abuse against children. We believe that children who have been sexually abused need someone to defend them and ensure that they receive the care and counseling as well as the closure they deserve. Our empathetic injury lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to determine all possibly responsible parties and prove the damages and losses you've suffered.
When you partner with our empathetic and caring legal team, we promise to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality. Call our Fort Lauderdale team at (754) 208-1130 or fill out this online contact form for a free consultation today and start down the road to recovery.
Fort Lauderdale Office
150 E Davie Blvd Suite 201-2
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: (754) 208-1130