Understanding Your Legal Rights – How a Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help
Sexual abuse can have lifelong effects, leaving survivors with emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. Many struggle with the decision to seek legal action due to fear, shame, or uncertainty about their rights. However, survivors deserve justice, and legal action can help hold abusers and negligent parties accountable.
Sarah Flack Law provides legal representation for survivors and can guide them through the process with compassion and professionalism. A sexual abuse attorney can help survivors understand their options, pursue compensation, and take legal action against those responsible. We are based out of Atlanta, GA, so if you or someone you know needs these services in the Atlanta area, we can help.
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse Under Georgia Law?
Sexual abuse is broadly defined under Georgia law and includes any non-consensual sexual act, inappropriate touching, or coercion. Georgia law recognizes different types of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, molestation, and harassment. These crimes vary in severity but all involve violating a person’s rights and bodily autonomy.
Consent plays a central role in defining sexual abuse. Any sexual activity without voluntary, informed, and clear consent is considered unlawful. Certain individuals, such as minors or those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may be unable to give legal consent.
Sexual abuse differs from sexual harassment, which involves unwanted verbal or physical advances, often in a workplace or institutional setting. While harassment may not always lead to criminal charges, it can still be grounds for a civil lawsuit. Survivors may be able to seek damages for emotional distress, financial losses, and harm to their well-being.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What’s the Difference?
When a person experiences sexual abuse, they may have both criminal and civil legal options. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the state, aiming to punish the offender with penalties such as jail time or probation. The government handles the case, and the survivor serves as a witness rather than a plaintiff.
Civil cases, on the other hand, allow survivors to take legal action against their abuser or any negligent parties. A civil lawsuit seeks financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not lead to a conviction, survivors can still file a civil claim.
Pursuing a civil case can provide closure and financial support for therapy, medical care, and lost wages. A sexual abuse attorney helps survivors navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
Who Can Be Sued in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?
Survivors often assume that only the perpetrator can be sued, but other parties may also be held accountable. Employers, institutions, and property owners may be legally responsible if their negligence contributed to the abuse. Examples include:
- Negligent security cases: If an assault occurs in an apartment complex, hotel, or parking garage due to poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel, the property owner may be liable.
- Workplace liability: Employers can be held responsible if they ignore reports of harassment or fail to take action against abusive employees.
- Schools and institutions: If a school, church, or youth organization fails to protect students or members from known predators, they may be sued for negligence.
Sarah Flack Law thoroughly investigates each case to determine liability beyond the abuser. Holding institutions accountable not only helps survivors but also prevents future harm by exposing patterns of misconduct.
What Evidence Helps Build a Strong Case?
A successful sexual abuse claim requires strong evidence. The more documentation a survivor has, the stronger their case will be. Some key types of evidence include:
- Medical records: Immediate medical care can document physical injuries and provide critical evidence of the abuse.
- Police reports: If the survivor filed a report, law enforcement records can support the claim.
- Witness testimony: Statements from people who saw or suspected the abuse may strengthen the case.
- Psychological evaluations: Expert testimony from mental health professionals can demonstrate the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse.
- Communication records: Emails, text messages, or voicemails from the perpetrator or institution may serve as evidence.
Sarah Flack Law works closely with experts and investigators to gather the necessary evidence to support survivors’ claims.
Financial Compensation for Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse may be eligible for financial compensation to help them recover from the harm they have suffered. Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses: Hospital visits, therapy, medication, and long-term care.
- Lost wages: If the trauma affects a survivor’s ability to work, they may receive compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and other long-term effects of abuse.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, courts may award additional damages to punish the responsible party.
The financial impact of sexual abuse can be significant, and survivors should not have to bear the costs alone. A civil lawsuit can help them recover the financial support they need.
How Sarah Flack Law Helps Survivors
Filing a sexual abuse claim can feel overwhelming, but survivors do not have to go through the process alone. Sarah Flack Law provides legal support every step of the way and offers guidance and advocacy to help survivors seek justice. The firm:
- Handles cases with sensitivity and discretion: Survivors are treated with respect, and cases are managed confidentially.
- Negotiates settlements with responsible parties: Many cases settle outside of court, providing survivors with financial compensation without a trial.
- Takes cases to trial when needed: If a fair settlement is not possible, Sarah Flack Law fights in court to hold abusers and institutions accountable.
- Offers one-on-one legal support: Clients receive direct attention and a personalized legal strategy.
Sarah Flack understands the emotional and legal challenges survivors face. She works tirelessly to help them regain control over their lives and seek the compensation they deserve.
How to Take the First Step
Sexual abuse survivors have legal rights, but there are deadlines for filing claims. Georgia law sets time limits for civil lawsuits, so it is important to act as soon as possible. Speaking with an attorney early can help survivors understand their options and gather the necessary evidence before it is too late.
Sarah Flack Law offers confidential legal guidance to survivors seeking justice. Based in Atlanta, GA, the firm is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal system with professionalism and care.
To learn more about your legal options, call Sarah Flack Law at 404-999-GOLD or visit contact us online to schedule a consultation. Survivors deserve to be heard, and legal action can be a step toward healing and justice.
