Baton Rouge Sexual Abuse Lawyer

There are far too many victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Many of these survivors face lifelong consequences because of their abusers’ actions, and those effects are both physical and emotional. 

If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, then you may be able to file a civil claim against the perpetrator to pursue compensation for legal damages.

You need the right legal team to strengthen your case and increase your chances of winning. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to supporting sexual abuse and assault survivors so they can focus on recovery throughout the claims process. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Suffering from abuse or assault has physical and emotional consequences. These effects can also morph into financial challenges. Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to winning the highest settlement possible to cover all your losses, be they economic or non-economic.

Each claim is investigated with the utmost regard for sensitive information. We will assess all damages, including lost income, medical expenses, therapy bills, and emotional distress, to pursue a fair compensation amount. Throughout this process, we also maintain strong protection for your rights under Louisiana law. 

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault

The definitions of sexual assault and sexual abuse are slightly different in Louisiana. Sexual assault is defined as a sexual act against another person without their consent. Sexual abuse is defined as the affliction of physical or mental injury of a sexual nature. In both circumstances, the lack of consent from one party is present. 

Also, most instances of sexual abuse or assault occur when there is a power imbalance between two parties. In 2022 alone, 576 sexually oriented crimes were reported to the Baton Rouge Police Department [1]. 

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Sometimes, the line between sexual harassment and abuse or assault can be blurry. To protect yourself from dangerous situations, here are a few examples of sexual abuse to watch for.

• Physical contact – Physical touching of a sexual nature, either with a body part or object, is one type of abuse
• Unwanted sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact can be a form of sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse – Children are especially vulnerable to abusers because of their innocent nature and inability to identify inappropriate behaviors
• Sexual exposure – Being exposed to sexual imagery without your consent is considered abuse
• Sexual exploitation – Using power, authority, trust, or vulnerability to commit sexual acts is another common form of sex abuse
• Clergy abuse: Sexual abuse perpetrated by religious leaders or clergy members, often involving the exploitation of power and trust to abuse victims, including minors
• Voyeurism: The act of observing someone without their consent for sexual gratification, including through the use of cameras or other recording devices

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

In the cases we handle, sexual abuse often occurs in the following institutions:

• Workplace – The relationship between employer or manager and employee creates an apparent power dynamic that the person in power can exploit
• Inpatient facilities – When patients require overnight care, they place themselves at the mercy of the attendant staff 
• Prisons and correctional facilities – Institutions that house criminals often have power imbalances between prisoners, guards, and staff, which can lead to sexual abuse or assault
• Foster care – Though foster families are usually vetted very thoroughly, some abusers can slip through the cracks and take advantage of children in the foster system
• Daycare facilities – Staff may abuse children, with parents often unaware until the abuse has been ongoing
• Educational institutions – Power dynamics among students, teachers, and administrators can lead to abusive situations
• Religious institutions – Spiritual leaders and priests often seem trustworthy, but the reality is that some may be taking advantage of church members, parishioners, or children
• Nursing homes – Nursing homes are one of the worst locations for rampant sexual abuse because seniors are particularly vulnerable to these situations and may not be able to advocate for themselves
• Youth sports clubs – Coaches and trainers are also trusted by parents to take care of their children, but abusers can use this authority to treat minors inappropriately
• Military institutions – The hierarchies present in military organizations clear the way for sexual abuse and assault to go unchecked
• Hotels and short-term rentals – The uncertainty of who has access to a room key can create opportunities for abuse
• Shelters – The lack of security can turn shelters from places of refuge into a nightmare if abusers can access people within who may be vulnerable

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault or abuse may face emotional trauma for years to come. However, you can prioritize your well-being by taking specific steps after the incident. 

First, ensure your safety and seek medical attention immediately if you have physical injuries. You could call 9-1-1 to contact emergency services or go to a hospital. Next, you can report your abuse or assault to the proper authorities, such as the Baton Rouge Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673). 

If possible, document as much information about the event as possible, as this may serve as evidence in your civil claim. Finally, get in touch with the team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for your free case evaluation.  

Emotional support is essential when you have been sexually abused or assaulted. You can reach out to Baton Rouge sexual abuse therapists for one-on-one counseling or the Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response organization for support services. 

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

The compensation for your personal injury case depends on several factors, including the available evidence, the extent of your losses, and the strength of the perpetrator’s defense.

A sexual abuse lawyer from our law will help you assess all damages to pursue maximum compensation. These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, therapy costs, emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

To win damages in a civil lawsuit, you must establish liability. This means proving that an individual or institution more likely than not took actions that directly led to your suffering. Institutions may be liable for various reasons, such as poor supervision, insufficient background checks, failure to report incidents, or ignoring complaints. 

Vicarious liability could play a role in your case. This principle refers to one entity being held responsible for the actions of another with which it has a relationship. Title IX governs the treatment of sexes at educational institutions, so you could run into this if the abuse took place at an academic facility. 

Finally, there are legal principles regarding the power imbalances in many religious institutions. 

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

Proving liability in a sexual abuse case requires four elements: the duty of care toward the plaintiff, the defendant’s breach of duty, the link between the defendant’s actions and the incident, and the presence of damages to the victim. Substantial evidence is required to prove these elements. 

Our legal experts and investigators will play a crucial role in gathering this evidence for your case, whether that includes eyewitness testimonies, medical records, images of your physical injuries, therapy bills, or footage of the incident.

How Our Baton Rouge Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can support you through the claims process in numerous ways, including:

• A free consultation to discuss your questions with no obligation
• A thorough investigation of your case
• An assessment of all legal damages suffered
• A strong negotiation for fair compensation
• Representation in a trial, if necessary
• Protection of your rights under Louisiana law

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Baton Rouge

Each state has different statutes of limitations regarding sexual abuse and personal injury. For a civil claim in Louisiana, you have one year from the incident date to file your lawsuit against the abuser. 

Contact a Baton Rouge Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!

Call our office at 888-424-5757 or fill out the online form. 

Resources: [1] LCLELSAC