If you have been sexually assaulted, you may be able to take action against your attacker in civil court as well as criminal court. Seek advice from a personal injury attorney who knows how to protect your rights. Do not delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney.
An Experienced Attorney for
Sexual Assault Victims in Central Texas
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse, the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer is a safe, supportive place where you can find legal help from an experienced lawyer — and resources to help you move past the abuse and start living a happier, healthier life. To arrange a free, confidential consultation about your case, contact us online or call our Austin law offices directly at either 512-551-1018 or 888-724-8710.
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At the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer , we help people who have been abused or assaulted by sexual predators in central Texas. Our attorney and staff are dedicated to this cause and will work hard to achieve the best possible results on your behalf. Call or contact our firm in Austin today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
You couldn't do anything to stop it then. It wasn't your fault. There is something you can do today. Call the Law Office of Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, at either 512-551-1018 or 888-724-8710. You can also fill out the brief form provided on the Contact Us page and our lawyer will be in touch with you shortly.
Sexual Assault of a Minor
The sexual assault of a child is an especially heinous act. As a parent, you may wonder about your legal options against the abuser and anyone who allowed the abuse to occur. In many cases, the law provides avenues for recovery against these parties. If your child has been sexually assaulted, contact an attorney at Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, to discuss your legal options.
Claims by the Child's Parents against the Abuser
When the victim of a sexual assault is a child, the child's parents may be able to recover monetary damages on the child's behalf. Depending on the circumstances, the parents may be able to bring an action against the child's abuser or against a negligent establishment, such as a school, store, child care service, church or medical institution. The establishment in question may have failed to provide adequate security, or it may have negligently hired an employee with a violent criminal record or otherwise unacceptable background.
If another minor committed the sexual assault, the attacker's parents could be liable for negligence. If a child is assaulted in a private home, compensation may be available under a homeowner's insurance policy.
The availability of these claims is often dependent upon state law.
Timing of the Claim
The amount of time a victim has to bring a legal claim against the abuser also varies from state to state. Determining the applicable period can be complicated. For example, in some states a person who was younger than 18 years old at the time of the sexual assault has a number of years after becoming an adult to bring the action. In some states the claim period is quite long, but in others it is as short as one or two years.
Repressed Memories
If the victim's memory of the abuse was repressed, the clock may not start ticking until the victim knows or reasonably should know of the abuse. Not all states, however, provide this exception to the time limit.
Some people who have suffered sexual abuse experience consequences such as difficulty in relationships or employment. When they make the connection between the abuse and these problems, they may decide to take legal action against the abuser. In certain states, even if the period for filing a lawsuit would have expired, the survivor still has the opportunity to take legal action for a period of time after making this key connection.
In the case of repressed memories and delayed realization of injury, an attorney who practices in the state where the sexual assault occurred can offer insight into whether a valid cause of action exists.
Testifying in Court
A child's testimony may be necessary to support the case against the abuser. This is particularly true in criminal cases. Before the first court appearance, administrators may provide the child with a court tour to familiarize the child with the surroundings and procedures. This will help to minimize the emotional impact on the child, as will the possibility of using closed-circuit television during the child's testimony. Closed-circuit television allows the child to testify without being in the courtroom and facing the defendant, judge and jury.
Contact an Attorney
Speaking with a lawyer can help you determine your strongest course of action. An attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, can explain your state's laws and how they apply to your unique situation.
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