New Port Richey Sexual Abuse Lawyer

March 14, 2024 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman

In Florida, sexual abuse is a serious crime that can carry severe punishments. Sexual abuse can have long-term consequences for survivors, and they often need ongoing counseling to overcome emotional trauma. We understand victims of these crimes have gone through a traumatic event, and we are here to fight for the justice they deserve. 

Each New Port Richey sexual abuse lawyer at Dolman Law Group understands the severity of sexual abuse cases, and we can help you navigate a personal injury lawsuit against your attacker or others who may be held responsible.

How a New Port Richey Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help Abuse Survivors

These cases are delicate and often uncomfortable to discuss. The empathetic abuse lawyers at Dolman Law Group are ready to do all we can to help you face this difficult challenge, including the following:

Investigate the Circumstances of the Assault

It is important to gather all the evidence your case needs. Sexual abuse lawsuits can be complicated, and our attorneys know which evidence will be helpful. For example, we may seek phone and email records pertinent to the case.

Help You Decide the Compensation You Need

After evaluating your injuries and other damages, our New Port Richey personal injury lawyers can assist with calculating the compensation you can seek. Examples of possible legal damages include medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, mental health counseling, and mental distress. 

Negotiate on Your Behalf

Victims of sexual abuse can settle their case outside of court if an agreement is reached in a civil case. These negotiations take a lot of time and can be emotionally draining. Lawyers at our firm will do all of the legwork so you can focus on your recovery.

Represent You in Court

If we cannot settle your claim, we can litigate your case in court. Our lawyers have experience with sexual abuse lawsuits and handle all aspects of the case. We will file all required paperwork and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.

Why Dolman Law Group Is the Right Choice To Handle Your Sexual Abuse Case

A skilled lawyer in Dolman Law Group's New Port Richey offices will provide top-quality client service. Our attorneys want to secure the maximum amount of damages you deserve after sexual abuse.

  • We offer free, confidential consultations to review your case.
  • We will update you on the status of your case often.
  • You do not pay us anything until we recover money for you. 
  • We maximize damages and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Lawyers at our law firm will work hard and give you all the support we can. We want our clients to feel comfortable coming to us with any questions or concerns.

What Is Sexual Abuse?

According to Florida's Sexual Violence Benchbook, sexual abuse is any type of non-consensual sexual behavior towards a woman, man, or child. These crimes include (but are not limited to):

  • Sexual battery
  • Lewdness, indecent exposure
  • Rape or attempted rape
  • Child pornography 
  • Stalking
  • Non-consensual touching in a sexual manner

Differences Between a Criminal and Civil Sexual Abuse Case

There are two types of courts where sexual abusers can face the law. These include civil court and criminal court. The accuser can sue for monetary damages relating to the sexual abuse incident during a civil court case. In criminal cases, abusers can receive criminal convictions and penalties.

Criminal Cases

In a criminal case, the charges are filed by the state. If the case goes to trial, the prosecution will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the sexual abuse occurred. Defendants can be punished with fines, imprisonment, or probation if found guilty.

Civil Cases

In a civil case, victims of sexual abuse can sue their abuser for wrongdoing. Many victims hire attorneys to represent them during their lawsuits to ensure the best outcome. The burden in a civil case is to determine if the defendant is more likely than not to be liable for damages. The accuser decides what evidence they present and the damages they seek during a civil case.

A criminal case does not affect a civil case. While a government lawyer prosecutes the abuser in criminal cases, a lawyer from our firm can represent you during a civil lawsuit and offer support and guidance to reach a fair settlement. Our results prove we have helped many clients receive fair compensation. 

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?

You could recover a variety of damages after suffering sexual abuse. Recoverable damages are the amount of money a court will require the perpetrator to pay for the victim's costs because of the attack. These can include: 

  • Lost wages if you were out of work during recovery
  • Medical expenses 
  • Mental health counseling
  • Lost earning capacity 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental distress

What to Do Immediately After Being Sexually Abused

After a sexual assault occurs, report the crime by calling the non-emergency line or going to the hospital. Many hospitals in Florida have trained staff to implement sexual assault exams. Do not shower or change clothes before the exam to collect as much evidence as possible. 

A law enforcement officer will want you to give a statement. Give as many details to the officer as you can remember. If you know the perpetrator, say their name. If not, give the best description you can.

Common Lasting Effects of Sexual Abuse

Consequences for sexual abuse victims go beyond the immediate effects. This is a traumatic experience and can impact victims for the rest of their lives. Many survivors of sexual abuse can experience long-term effects, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty sleeping or chronic fatigue
  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks 
  • Eating disorders

These effects have been documented to last from a moderate length of time (3 months) to a lifetime. Our attorneys can support you during a civil case to recoup the funds you may need for mental health counseling after being sexually abused.

At Dolman Law Group, we offer free consultations and case reviews. Each sexual abuse case is handled with sensitivity and discretion to help our clients feel comfortable throughout the process. 

Call today (727) 451-6900 for your free consultation, or complete our online contact form. Our New Port Richey attorneys are trained to handle sexual abuse cases with the utmost care and we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need.

New Port Richey Office
5924 Main St
New Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 477-9660

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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