Lake Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you are sexually abused or assaulted, you may deal with the emotional impact for the rest of your life. Victims of sexual abuse and assault suffer physical, mental, and emotional injuries, all of which take time to heal. You have the right to pursue a civil claim against your abuser to seek compensation for legal damages.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is prepared to guide you through the claims process in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We understand the sensitivity surrounding these issues and will treat you with compassion. You stand a better chance of winning your claim with our legal expertise. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

The right legal team on your side can make all the difference between full compensation and walking away with nothing to cover your losses. We aim to pursue the maximum settlement so you can focus on healing without worrying about your financial future. 

Our process starts with a free consultation about your case so you can make an informed decision. Then, we will conduct a thorough investigation to assess all damages and ensure the settlement amount addresses them. Throughout the claims process, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will protect your rights under Louisiana law. 

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault

Legal definitions are essential if you plan to pursue action against your abuser or a liable institution. Sexual abuse is defined under state law as sexual activity or contact without the other person’s consent. Sexual assault involves any sexual act that may include threats, tricking the other person, or unwanted touching for sexual gratification.

Abuse and assault involve the lack of consent from the victim and the imbalance of power between two parties. One statistic to note is that there are 415 registered sex offenders in the Lake Charles area [1]. 

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is common, and it can come in many forms. According to state laws, here are a few scenarios that might be considered abuse.

• Physical contact – Any physical contact of a sexual nature, with either a body part or object, without consent is abusive behavior
• Exploitation – Using power, trust, or vulnerability to achieve sexual purposes is exploitation of a sexual nature
• Exposure – Exposing someone to sexual imagery without their permission, such as images or flashing, is a type of sexual abuse
• Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact without consent is usually considered sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse – Taking advantage of children is one of the worst forms of abuse or assault, so the standard for what constitutes abuse is lower
• Incest – Any sexual abuse committed by a family member, often resulting in deep emotional harm due to the betrayal of trust
• Clergy abuse – Sexual abuse by religious leaders who exploit their authority and the trust placed in them by the community

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

Based on the cases we’ve handled, sexual abuse happens more frequently in certain institutions, such as:

• Workplaces – Workplace harassment and abuse are common, especially when there are strong hierarchical structures that create power dynamics between employers and employees
• Inpatient treatment centers – Patients who stay in medical facilities overnight are often more vulnerable to abusers because of their medical conditions
• Prisons – Correctional facilities house criminals, and the dynamics among the prisoners and guards often lead to abuse or assault
• Daycare facilities – When parents drop off their kids at daycare, they run the risk of improperly vetted individuals taking advantage of the children
• Educational institutions – Schools and other academic facilities involve power structures that place administrators and staff in positions of authority over students, which can be dangerous if abusers are employed
• Religious institutions – Clergy abuse is prevalent enough that people should think twice about trusting priests or ministry staff too easily
• Nursing homes – Nursing homes are supposed to be safe environments for the elderly, but they often end up being locations rampant with abuse by staff and other residents
• Sports clubs – Youth sports organizations, in particular, often fall victim to abuse scandals when coaches or trainers take advantage of their authority over kids
• Military institutions – Military hierarchies are very rigid, which means the power imbalances create opportunities for abusers to get away with mistreatment
• Hotels and short-term rentals – When you stay at overnight accommodations, make sure you know who may have access to your room to prevent dangerous situations
• Shelters – Refuges for those less fortunate typically lack security and supervision, making them hotbeds of sexual abuse or assault

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, taking the proper steps in the aftermath can prioritize your well-being and civil claim status. First, get to a safe location as quickly as possible. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. 

After ensuring your safety, seek out medical attention if you have been hurt or raped to focus on your physical health. Keep a detailed record of the abuse, including dates, times, locations, and any communications with the abuser. 

This documentation will be critical if you decide to pursue legal action. Then, report your abuse to the Lake Charles Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673). 

Consult with a sexual abuse lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights. They will assist in gathering evidence, filing a claim, and representing you in court if necessary.

If you need local resources for emotional support, you can connect with Lake Charles sexual abuse therapists or Oasis a Safe Haven, which provides various services for survivors.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

Attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you seek maximum compensation for legal damages suffered from sexual abuse or assault. 

Types of damages include medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Some factors that may impact your settlement include the extent of your injuries, the amount of damages, and the evidence in your claim. 

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

Proving liability in a personal injury lawsuit requires four elements – Duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and the existence of damages. Individuals and institutions can be held liable for sexual abuse or assault. 

An institution may be responsible if it fails to prevent abuse, conduct sufficient background checks, report incidents properly, provide adequate supervision, or respond to complaints. When institutions allow these failures, they create environments where abuse can occur, making them complicit.

Vicarious liability, a legal principle that holds one entity responsible for the actions of another, could also impact your case. If the abuse occurred within an educational institution, Title IX regulations will be relevant, especially if sex-based discrimination is involved. 

In cases involving religious institutions, legal precedents regarding power dynamics within these communities may also play a role in establishing liability. 

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

To prove negligence in your sexual abuse case, you need evidence. This data must demonstrate a link between the abuse and the harm suffered. It must also prove that negligence or intentional misconduct occurred.  Legal experts and investigators play a vital role in this process by helping to collect, analyze, and present evidence. 

Working with an experienced lawyer ensures that you have the best chance of building a solid case and filing a successful claim against your abuser.

How Our Lake Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to guide you through the claims process to pursue maximum compensation. The first step is a free consultation with a knowledgeable lawyer who can recommend legal options. 

If you hire our law firm for your case, we will thoroughly investigate the claim and seek as much information about the incident as possible. Our team will gather evidence, assess your damages, negotiate with the defendant and their team, and even represent you in a trial if needed. 

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Lake Charles

In Louisiana, plaintiffs in personal injury civil suits have one year from the date of the incident to file their claims. This is true for most sexual abuse cases in Lake Charles. An experienced lawyer can help you understand whether you’re eligible to file a claim.

Contact a Lake Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!

We work on a contingency fee basis, so victims do not have to pay any upfront costs to file their claims with our legal guidance. We only receive payment out of the settlement if we win your case. Working with us allows you to focus more on physical and emotional recovery while we handle the logistics of your claim. 

To get your free consultation with an experienced lawyer, call us at 888-424-5757 or complete the online form. 

Resources: [1] City Data