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.
What To Do If You Are a Sexual Assault Survivor
If you have experienced a sexual assault, you understand the trauma it can involve. Surviving the ordeal is only the first step in dealing with long-lasting emotional effects. There are, however, many ways to work through the recovery process. If you have been the victim of sexual assault, read on to learn how you can protect your rights from the beginning so that the legal process has a better chance of success. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a sexual assault, preserve all evidence, call the police, get immediate medical attention and contact an attorney at Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, as soon as possible.
Legal Options
In our legal system, in addition to participating in a criminal case against the assailant, the victim of a sexual assault can seek monetary damages through a civil lawsuit. Further, third parties such as the assailant's employer or the property manager of the scene of the assault may share legal responsibility for the incident. These civil remedies are available whether or not a criminal trial took place or even if the assailant was acquitted at trial; civil cases require a lower standard of proof.
Contact Help
It is wise to call emergency medical services and the police right away. Personnel who are trained to deal compassionately with the situation should be available. Crisis counseling is also offered in many communities. Sexual assault counselors can help victims deal with the emotional consequences of an attack and help with many aspects of the crime's aftermath.
Get a Medical Exam
A medical exam soon after an assault can identify the victim's injuries; document evidence of the assault in case the victim chooses to press charges or pursue a civil claim; provide treatment in case of sexually transmitted diseases; and provide information on how to deal with the possibility of a resulting pregnancy. In some states or at some hospitals, a victim who is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy may need to request information on emergency contraception.
Analyze the Options
A survivor's specific legal options vary from state to state. In addition to suing the assailant for compensation for harm that resulted from the attack, the victim also may be eligible for benefits from a state victims' fund.
The victim may have rights against third parties who share responsibility for the assault. These third parties might include a landlord, bar, restaurant, store, parking garage, school, bus or train station, hospital, employer or other business that owed a duty to the victim and is partially responsible for failing to prevent or deter the attack. For instance, a landlord typically has a duty to provide sufficient security so that a potential assailant cannot simply walk through the front door of an apartment building.
Speak with an Attorney
No one should suffer through the consequences of a sexual assault alone. Friends, family, medical and law enforcement personnel and attorneys are sources of support. An attorney from Robert D. Kizer in Austin, Texas, can help you take advantage of the services and options available.
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