Champaign Sexual Abuse Attorney

It is important to seek a lawyer’s assistance if you or someone you love has suffered sexual abuse in Champaign, Illinois. Surviving sex abuse can mean a lifetime of therapy, medical costs, and emotional anguish. Holding a sex abuser accountable can mean more than just a criminal case. It can also mean civil justice for you and your family. Speak to a Champaign sexual abuse attorney today for more information.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC?

• Our sexual abuse lawyers have spent years helping victims of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment throughout Illinois.
• Our attorneys work closely with victims of sex abuse to identify their goals and concerns for the case, including privacy issues.
• Our law firm only takes cases on a contingency fee basis. We will not charge anything unless we win the sex abuse lawsuit.

Do You Need a Champaign Sex Abuse Attorney?

Going up against a sexual assailant, a company, employer, corporation, or organization in pursuit of monetary damages for sex abuse can be difficult alone.

You may not understand your rights or how to navigate the legal process. With a lawyer’s help, you can streamline the claims process and improve your odds of success. Your lawyer can help you feel heard, respected, safe, and confident in your claim.

Criminal vs. Civil Sex Abuse Cases

When one person commits the crime of sexual abuse, that person could face penalties from the criminal and civil courts. The criminal justice system convicts sexual abusers and punishes them with sentences such as prison time and restitution payments to the victim.

The civil justice system compensates plaintiffs for their losses because of the defendant’s wrongful acts. While the county will prosecute a sex offender for criminal charges, it is up to you (the victim) to file a civil claim.

If the person who abused you receives a guilty verdict and a criminal conviction, the courts may order the defendant to pay you restitution. Restitution is your right under the State Constitution. Restitution can pay for any out-of-pocket expenses your sexual abuse experience costs you.

This can include medical costs, lost wages, and therapies. However, the criminal courts cannot order a defendant to pay for noneconomic losses. Noneconomic damages come only from a civil lawsuit.

Many sex abuse victims wait until the conclusion of a criminal case against the defendant to bring a cause of action. This is because a criminal conviction could help the success rate of a civil case.

A civil lawsuit is best for a victim to seek financial recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and lost quality of life. If you want to file a claim against a sex abuser in Champaign, talk to an attorney near you.

Statute of Limitations in Sex Abuse Cases

A statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a civil claim within the state. All claimants must adhere to these deadlines or risk their compensation rights.

In 2017, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law that eliminated the statutes of limitations on felony criminal sexual assault and child sex abuse cases. This means victims of childhood sexual assault now do not have deadlines for seeking justice. They can come forward against their perpetrators even if decades have passed since the incident.

Current Sex Abuse Lawsuits in Champaign, Illinois

Many past sexual abuse lawsuits and settlements in the Champaign area involve sex abuse on campus at the University of Illinois. Claims from current and former students have led to settlements from the University for the actions of their employees and for failing to reasonably prevent the incidents.

Another landmark sex abuse case involving Champaign citizens is against at least 16 priests in the area in connection to the enormous ongoing case against multiple Catholic dioceses in the region. This case accuses almost 400 members of the clergy and church staff members of sexual misconduct. The latest report includes former Champaign Mayor Robert Dodd as one of those named in the sex abuse suit.

Where to get Help for Champaign Sex Abuse

Help prevent sex abuse by educating yourself and others about the risks and signs of sexual abuse and harassment. Keep tabs on the Champaign sex offender registry to protect you and your family from convicted criminals.

If searching for local counseling options, check the city’s website for sexual assault resources. You can turn to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA), Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), or We Care for resources at the University of Illinois campus for assistive programs.

Contact a Champaign Sexual  Abuse Attorney Today

Protect your rights the moment you suspect sex abuse by contacting an attorney. The Champaign sex abuse team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC knows how to handle these cases with compassion, dignity, and care.

We can review the facts of your case, launch an investigation into the alleged perpetrator or organization, name defendant(s), and file your claim with the correct Champaign County Court. We can connect you to significant sex abuse resources in your community while we take care of your civil claim. Contact us today for a confidential case review.

Sources:

• Illinois Eliminates Statutes of Limitations on Child Sex Abuse Crimes
• Sex Offender Registry
• At least 16 priests with area ties on Illinois list of alleged sex offenders