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.
Victims' Financial Concerns
In addition to the emotional stress that a sexual assault causes, financial problems also may result. This is one reason that taking legal action to recover compensation can be a positive step. If you have been sexually assaulted and feel overwhelmed by financial worries, contact an attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, to help you seek compensation for your losses.
Damages
When a sexual assault survivor files a lawsuit against the perpetrator and wins, the judge or the jury will determine the extent of the plaintiff's injuries and the defendant's responsibility for them. Damages, or monetary compensation for the plaintiff's injuries, may then be awarded.
Items for which the plaintiff could be compensated include:
- Expenses: Sexual assault can result in significant expenses for the survivor, sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Medical costs may include bills for emergency and ongoing care and prescription drugs. The victim also may have expenses for short- or long-term mental health care. He or she may be absent from work for a lengthy period, resulting in reduced wages or job loss. If the victim is a student, he or she may experience declining grades, resulting in lost scholarships or financial aid. Finally, a victim may need to move, causing further expenses.
- Emotional Injuries: The victim of the abuse also may suffer less tangible but no less significant emotional injuries. The victim may have sleeping problems; experience fear, anxiety, shame and guilt; and suffer from harm to his or her personal relationships.
- Physical Injuries: The victim may have been physically injured during the assault, resulting in pain and suffering and possibly disfigurement, disability or aggravation of a preexisting condition.
In some circumstances, the victim's spouse can sue the assailant for loss of consortium. In this type of action, the spouse seeks to recover for the loss of companionship, support and affection that would have been provided by the survivor if he or she had not been emotionally or physically injured by the sexual assault.
Other Means of Compensation
Many states have a victims' compensation fund. These funds assist victims who file a report for specified expenses that were incurred because of a crime. These state funds typically give the victim a short period in which to apply for aid. A sexual assault victim, therefore, should not delay in investigating whether a state fund is available.
A victim may be able to receive restitution as part of a civil protective order or as the result of a criminal case. He or she also may recover damages from a legally responsible third party.
Consult an Attorney
Although numerous options for seeking compensation exist, not every one is relevant to every case. A lawyer can tell you what is practical in your situation. Speak with an attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, for more information.
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