Scottsdale Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of sexual abuse often deal with lifelong suffering because of their ordeal. There may be physical damage to their bodies, but there is also an emotional impact. Victims who live in Scottsdale, Arizona, may not know what legal options they have to hold their abusers accountable. According to a 2018 study, the rate of reported rapes in Scottsdale was 47,85 per 100 population [1].  

Sexual abuse attorneys from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can guide you through the process of filing a civil claim. This legal action aims to hold the perpetrator accountable and recover compensatory damages for your suffering. Our firm is committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

When you have nowhere else to turn for legal recourse, a team with extensive experience is the key to your personal injury claim success. We work hard to obtain the highest compensation possible for our clients to cover their damages. We also understand compassion and confidentiality are essential to survivors of sexual assault or abuse. 

Once we have all your questions answered, we can discuss legal options and investigate your case. We will ensure all the legal damages you have suffered are addressed in the settlement, and your rights under Arizona law are protected. While we handle the legal side of things, you can focus on healing physically and emotionally. 

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault

Sexual assault and abuse are two different things under Arizona law, though they are very similar. Both involve a lack of consent and a power imbalance between the abuser and the victim. 

For sexual abuse, a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact with another without their consent. Sexual assault, on the other hand, occurs when someone knowingly or intentionally engages in sexual intercourse or sexual oral contact with someone else without their consent. 

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Many forms of sexual abuse fall within the realm of civil lawsuits. Here are a few examples of situations involving sexual assault or abuse. 

• Unwanted sexual contact – Touching someone sexually with either a body part or object could be defined as abuse.
• Manipulation – Using threats or coercion to force someone into sexual acts is considered abusive.
• Sexual exploitation – The use of power, trust, or vulnerability for sexual purposes is a form of abuse.
• Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact with an unwilling victim is assault.
• Sexual exposure – Flashing someone or forcing them to look at sexual imagery without their consent is abuse.
• Child sex abuse – The bar for sexually abusing a child is much lower due to their innocence and vulnerability.

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

Our firm handles all types of sexual assault or abuse cases, including those involving the following institutions.

• Workplace – Relationships between employers and employees often result in abusive situations.
• Inpatient care facilities – Medical patients are often vulnerable to abuse due to health conditions.
• Correctional facilities – Many power dynamics exist between guards and prisoners, often leading to assault or abuse.
• Foster care – Sometimes, foster families take advantage of the situation to abuse the children they are supposed to care for.
• Daycare – Children are vulnerable to staff and other parents at daycare centers because they may not understand what constitutes sexual abuse.
• Educational institutions – Schools and other academic organizations are frequently affected by sexual assault or abuse scenarios between administrators, teachers, and students.
• Religious institutions – Many religious members place trust in clergy and end up in abusive situations.
• Nursing homes – Staff or residents can easily take advantage of seniors with physical and mental vulnerabilities.
• Sports clubs – Coaches and trainers are not always adequately vetted before working with children from positions of authority.
• Military institutions – The military is based on a strict hierarchy, which can cause assault or abuse to be swept under the rug.
• Hotels and rentals – When staying somewhere as a paying guest, the wrong people could have access to your room with a key.
• Shelters – Shelters often lack adequate security, making it easier for abusers to go after their victims.

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim

If you are a victim of assault or abuse, you must take the proper steps to prioritize your health and legal options. 

First, you must ensure your safety, so contact emergency services for treatment. Reporting the abuse to law enforcement or the National Sexual Assault Hotline(800-656-4673) is also an important step. Document everything you can think of regarding the event. 

You should then seek out sexual abuse lawyers from our firm to discuss your case. We can also recommend that criminal charges be brought against the perpetrator, a separate process from a civil claim. Leaning on local resources for support can be incredibly beneficial after suffering from sexual assault or abuse. The Scottsdale Family Advocacy Center is helpful for victims of rape, assault, or domestic violence.

Compensation for Sexual Assault or Abuse Victims

Pursuing a civil claim with the help of our sexual abuse lawyers can help you receive compensation for legal damages. These damages may include medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, therapy bills, and loss of enjoyment of life. The settlement amount will be affected by the evidence provided, the extent of your damages, and the perpetrator’s defense. 

Choosing a sexual abuse attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers ensures you have an experienced legal representative to strengthen your case. We have a strong track record of success in acquiring large victim settlements. 

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

The legal process requires you to prove liability to recover compensation. In sexual abuse cases, the at-fault party could be an individual or an institution. Institutions may be liable due to insufficient background checks on employees, inadequate responses to complaints, a failure to report incidents, poor supervision, or creating an environment that is open to sexual abuse. 

Other principles may influence the outcome of these legal proceedings. Vicarious liability occurs when one party is held liable for the actions of another party due to the relationship between them. Title IX regulations govern how different sexes are treated in academic facilities. Religious institutions have specific power dynamics that can affect the legal process in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

Establishing liability requires evidence the defendant had a duty of care toward you, that they breached that duty, and that their actions directly caused the damages you suffered. Your sexual abuse attorney will help you prove these elements by gathering evidence. This evidence must demonstrate the link between the defendant’s actions and the consequences you have suffered. 

Through our investigation and knowledge of solid evidence, we will ensure you have a strong case against the abuser to have the best chance of winning compensation. Our team can also bring in expert witnesses to strengthen your claim. If you have documented everything about the incident, it will be easier for your sexual assault attorney to gather substantial evidence. 

The Role of Scottsdale Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Your sexual assault attorney will play a crucial role in filing a successful claim. First, we will provide legal help to help you decide the best course of action. A thorough investigation will follow where we collect evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, eyewitness testimonies, and therapy notes. Your attorney will also negotiate the maximum compensation to cover all legal damages in your case. 

Usually, these cases do not go to trial. If yours does, you will have experienced legal representation from your sexual assault attorney throughout the process. We will prepare you for the trial and ensure you understand your rights during the proceeding. 

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Scottsdale, Arizona

Lawsuits can only be filed if they fall within the statute of limitations in Arizona. Sexual abuse falls within the larger category of personal injury, for which you have two years from the incident date to file your claim. There are few exceptions to this rule, so contact a sexual assault attorney right away to avoid having your case dismissed. 

The statute of limitations for a crime is not the same as a civil claim. If the justice system is being used to punish the abuser for their crime, victims have a much longer timeframe to press charges. For rape or sexual abuse involving a minor, there is no statute of limitations. For most other classifications of assault or abuse, victims have seven years to press charges for a crime. 

Contact a Scottsdale Sexual Assault Lawyer Today!

To get your free consultation with a sexual assault lawyer, call us today at 888-424-5757 or fill out the contact form. 

Resources: [1] Macrotrends – Scottsdale Rape Statistics