Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Victims often suffer for years
We want to help you after a Sexual Assault
Sexual assault survivors in West Palm Beach need support. When these crimes get committed against individuals, they leave lasting impacts. Sexual assault survivors are often able to recover compensation for their monetary and pain and suffering losses through a civil personal injury lawsuit. At GOLDLAW, we are here to help when you need assistance from a West Palm Beach sexual assault lawyer. Our compassionate team wants to listen to your story and help you through this. Let us help you gain back your voice and power to hold the at-fault party or parties responsible for what happened.
The Data Reveals Alarming Trends
In 2015, there were 10,732 sexual offenses reported in the state of Florida. However, the actual numbers are likely much higher as many sexual crimes go unreported. Sexual assault and battery survivors do not often report their attacks for many different reasons, and our lawyers understand that. The overwhelming majority of sexual battery around the world is inflicted against women. Often, those who have been victimized by sexual battery or assault may feel too embarrassed to press charges against the accused. They might even feel like they “deserved it.”
The reality is that sexual battery and assault are never deserved. This is not only a serious crime in Florida, victims can also sue their abusers and other responsible parties in civil court.
Our personal injury law firm has represented dozens of violent sexual assault survivors as a personal injury case. Our objective is to obtain compensation for our victims by holding the responsible parties liable. We accomplish this by establishing liability on the part of the Defendant, and file a lawsuit against the Defendant’s available insurance company (or, in rare cases, against the Defendant personally).
The circumstances of any sexual assault personal injury lawsuit will be the determining factor on who the named Defendant(s) in the lawsuit will be.
Sexual Assault Case Types
The Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. have a team of attorneys dedicated to evaluating your sexual assault case. This means we examine the physical evidence and police report, and talk with eyewitnesses.
Sexual assaults may be enabled by negligent security in a public place, like a mall, store, club, or hotel. People hosting parties may be negligent if their guests are drugged and assaulted. Hotels, motels, massage parlors, and sometimes other establishments may be negligent if their properties are used for sex trafficking.
Businesses may also be liable if they fail to conduct proper background checks and hire an employee who goes on to assault a client. Last year, for example, there were multiple news stories about delivery drivers sexually assaulting customers while making deliveries.
The injuries associated with sexual assaults can vary widely. Often, individuals sustain more than one type of injury as a result of these types of incidents. However, we do want to caution individuals about relying too much on outwardly visible injuries after a sexual assault occurs. These types of incidents can leave long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma, and we will talk about that in a moment.
Some of the physical injuries associated with these types of incidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Soft tissue damage
- Fractured or dislocated bones
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Unwanted pregnancies
In conjunction with, or even in the absence of physical injuries, it is not uncommon for injury victims to suffer from long-term emotional and psychological trauma. This can include symptoms of PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and a range of other psychological and emotional disorders.
Sexual Assault and Long-Term Consequences
Above, we discussed the possible injuries that could occur as a result of a sexual assault. However, some injuries that arise as a result of these incidents could lead to significant long-term consequences for a survivor. Yes, the physical injuries may heal, but the long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences can follow survivors for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately, these emotional and psychological consequences can manifest in many different ways. Sexual assault survivors show a much higher likelihood of developing substance abuse problems later in life.
Symptoms of PTSD are also common among survivors and can last for years after the incident occurs. PTSD symptoms can manifest in different ways, including extreme anxiety, negative thoughts, nightmares, insomnia, and even thoughts of suicide.
Possible Liable Parties
In cases of sexual assault, while the perpetrator is likely directly responsible, there may be other parties whose negligence contributed to the conditions allowing the assault to occur (or covering up the assault after the fact). Identifying all liable parties is crucial for ensuring victims receive full compensation and justice. These parties could include:
- Employers. If the assault happened at the victim’s workplace, the employer might be held liable, especially if they failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored previous complaints against the perpetrator, or did not provide a safe working environment.
- Educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities can be held responsible for sexual assaults that occur on their premises or during their activities. This liability can stem from inadequate security measures, failing to respond appropriately to reported threats, or not following Title IX regulations.
- Religious institutions. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations can be held liable if they do not protect their members from sexual predators within the institution, especially if they neglected to act on prior allegations or knowingly allowed the perpetrator to remain in a position of authority.
- Property owners and managers. In cases where an assault occurs on commercial property, such as a shopping mall, hotel, or living complex, the owner or manager of the property may be liable if inadequate security or lighting contributed to the assault.
- Daycare and childcare facilities. These institutions have a high duty of care to protect the children in their charge. They can be held liable for sexual assaults if they fail to properly vet employees, neglect to monitor interactions between adults and children or ignore signs of abuse.
- Correctional facilities. Prison and jail officials have a responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of inmates. A facility can be held liable for sexual assaults that occur due to inadequate supervision, poor staff training, or failure to segregate vulnerable inmates from known predators.
- Transportation services. Companies that provide transportation, such as bus services, taxis, and ridesharing apps, can be liable if an assault occurs due to their failure to properly background check their drivers or neglect to ensure passenger safety.
The West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. will take the time to study the details of your case. We will then work with you to determine the best legal strategy to help you get the most compensation possible for your injuries. Contact us today to get started.
If you or a loved one have suffered a sexual assault, the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. may be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Sexual assault personal injury compensation may include:
- Hospital and Other Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Costs of Future Care
Be careful about the negligent party’s insurance company. Their agents and adjusters work for the insurance company—not you. Always consult an experienced West Palm Beach sexual assault attorney before accepting any offer.
A sexual assault lawyer in West Palm Beach who practices in the area of law that protects the survivors of sexual battery or rape can play a very important role in your recovery following an attack.
First, we can help connect you with the proper authorities to investigate the battery or the assault and possibly help bring charges against the perpetrator. If the attacker is unknown, we can assist in investigation of the matter to try and determine who the Defendant might or could be.
Second, we can help you file a legal claim against the Defendant or other associated Defendants in the civil court of law. The purpose of a civil claim is to hold the attacker accountable for their actions and secure restitution for the pain, suffering, and mental and physical agony an attacker has inflicted upon you.
Third, we are advocates for the rights of the sexually assaulted. Our West Palm Beach sexual assaultattorneys have represented survivors of sexual assault of various backgrounds, circumstances, and outcomes. We have been featured in national and international press and media for high-profile sexual battery cases. Our West Palm Beach sexual assaultlawyers have also spoken at women’s and victim’s rights seminars and workshops about the law and the civil protections for those who have been raped or assaulted. You want a sexual assault lawyer in West Palm Beach with experience, compassion, and dedication to fight for your rights.