THE FIRM YOU GO TO WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH
ATLANTA SEX ABUSE ATTORNEYS
Representing Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Atlanta, GA
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can have lifelong consequences for survivors. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, survivors often face significant financial burdens as a result of their abuse. In many cases, survivors are entitled to compensation for their losses.
At Levy Konigsberg, our Atlanta sex abuse lawyers are committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse obtain justice and compensation. We have been representing survivors of sexual abuse for nearly 40 years and have a proven track record of success. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are ready to fight for you.
Were you sexually abused?
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a broad term that refers to any unwanted sexual activity that is forced or coerced. This act can occur at any age and can involve any type of sexual activity. It can involve adults, adults and children, or between children.
Sexual abuse can take many forms, including:
- Rape: Rape is a form of sexual assault that involves sexual intercourse or penetration without the victim’s consent. Rape can occur between strangers, but it is often committed by someone the victim knows, such as a friend, family member, or intimate partner.
- Child molestation: Child molestation is a form of sexual abuse that involves sexual contact between an adult and a child. Child molestation can involve a wide range of sexual activities, including fondling, oral-genital contact, and penetration.
- Sexual harassment: Sexual harassment is a form of sexual abuse that involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can occur in the workplace, at school, or in other settings.
- Sexual exploitation: Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse that involves taking advantage of a person for personal or financial gain. Sexual exploitation can involve a wide range of activities, including prostitution, pornography, and sex trafficking.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is a criminal offense that can result in severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. In addition to criminal charges, survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to compensation for their losses by filing a civil lawsuit.
There are several parties that may be held liable for sexual abuse, including:
- The perpetrator: The person who committed the sexual abuse can be held liable for the victim’s losses. In many cases, however, the perpetrator does not have the financial resources to pay a judgment or settlement.
- An employer: An employer may be held liable for sexual abuse committed by an employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of the employee’s job duties. Employers may also be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a non-employee if the employer knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it.
- A school: A school may be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a teacher, coach, or other school employee. Schools may also be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a student if the school knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it.
- A religious institution: A religious institution may be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a priest, minister, or other religious leader. Religious institutions may also be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a member of the congregation if the institution knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it.
- A youth organization: A youth organization may be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a volunteer or employee. Youth organizations may also be held liable for sexual abuse committed by a member of the organization if the organization knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it.
How Can I Protect Myself from Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from sexual abuse:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any potential dangers. If you are in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and leave.
- Set boundaries: Set clear boundaries with others and make sure they understand what is and is not acceptable behavior. If someone crosses a boundary, speak up and let them know that their behavior is not okay.
- Be cautious with new relationships: Be cautious when entering into new relationships, especially with people you do not know well. Take the time to get to know the person and make sure you are comfortable with them before becoming intimate.
- Teach your children about sexual abuse: Talk to your children about sexual abuse and teach them how to protect themselves. Make sure they know that it is okay to say no to unwanted sexual advances and that they should tell a trusted adult if someone touches them inappropriately.
- Report suspicious behavior: If you witness suspicious behavior, report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting suspicious behavior could help prevent others from becoming victims of sexual abuse.
What Should I Do If I Am a Survivor of Sexual Abuse?
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, it is important to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
Here are some steps you should take if you are a survivor of sexual abuse:
- Seek medical attention: If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can evaluate your condition, treat any injuries, and test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Report the abuse: Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. In Georgia, you can report the abuse to your local police department or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. If the abuse occurred at a school, church, or other institution, you should also report the abuse to the appropriate officials at the institution.
- Preserve evidence: If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to preserve any evidence that may be used to prove your case. Do not shower, bathe, or change your clothes before seeking medical attention. If you have been sexually assaulted by a stranger, try to remember as many details as possible about the person, including their appearance, what they were wearing, and any distinguishing features.
- Document your injuries: Take photographs of any visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or bite marks. You should also keep a journal of your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life.
- Do not post about the abuse on social media: It is important to avoid posting about the abuse on social media. Anything you post on social media could be used against you in court, even if you have the best of intentions.
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced Atlanta sex abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. An attorney can also help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
How Can I Help My Child Recover from Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on a child’s life. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, child survivors of sexual abuse often face significant financial burdens as a result of their abuse. In many cases, child survivors are entitled to compensation for their losses.
Here are some tips to help your child recover from sexual abuse:
- Believe your child: If your child tells you that they have been sexually abused, it is important to believe them. Many children are afraid to tell anyone about the abuse because they are afraid they will not be believed.
- Reassure your child that they are not to blame: Many child survivors of sexual abuse blame themselves for the abuse. Reassure your child that they are not to blame and that they did nothing wrong.
- Get your child the help they need: Sexual abuse can have a lifelong impact on a child’s life. It is important to get your child the help they need to recover from the abuse. A therapist who specializes in working with child survivors of sexual abuse can help your child work through their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced Atlanta sex abuse lawyer can help you understand your child’s legal rights and options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. An attorney can also help you gather the evidence you need to prove your child’s case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case?
Sexual abuse is a criminal offense that can result in severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. In addition to criminal charges, survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to compensation for their losses by filing a civil lawsuit.
There are several key differences between a criminal case and a civil case, including:
- The burden of proof: In a criminal case, the prosecutor must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s liability by a preponderance of the evidence. This is a much lower burden of proof that requires the plaintiff to prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant is liable.
- The purpose of the case: The purpose of a criminal case is to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. The purpose of a civil case is to compensate the victim for their losses.
- The parties involved: In a criminal case, the prosecutor represents the state and is responsible for proving the defendant’s guilt. In a civil case, the plaintiff represents the victim and is responsible for proving the defendant’s liability.
- The potential penalties: A defendant who is found guilty in a criminal case may be sentenced to imprisonment, fines, probation, or other criminal penalties. A defendant who is found liable in a civil case may be ordered to pay the victim compensatory damages, punitive damages, or both.
How Our Atlanta Sex Abuse Lawyers Can Help You
Sexual abuse is a deeply personal and sensitive matter. At Levy Konigsberg LLP, we understand the unique challenges that survivors face, and we are here to provide the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need. Our Atlanta sex abuse lawyers will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, one-on-one attention: We are committed to providing the personalized legal guidance you need and deserve. Our attorneys will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Aggressive representation: Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take on powerful individuals and institutions. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests at every stage of the legal process.
- Proven results: Our attorneys have a proven track record of success. We have recovered billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Atlanta Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Like other personal injury claims, sexual abuse lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your losses.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits is as follows:
- Adult survivors: Adult survivors of sexual abuse have two years from the date of the abuse to file a lawsuit.
- Child survivors: Adults who were abused as children have until they turn 23 years of age to file a civil lawsuit.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations is a complex area of law, and there are many exceptions that may apply in your case. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Atlanta sex abuse lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.