Crime Victim Damages
Yes, you might be able to sue your perpetrator
Few things, if any, can cause as much destruction to a person’s life as a sexual assault or rape or other violent crime. The Shaw Law Group attorneys have personally convicted and locked up numerous rapists on long prison sentences. If this has happened to you, you have our heartfelt condolences. We know that your life has changed forever. The criminal process may take a criminal off the street, but it offers little to help the victim recover. Though the Victim Compensation Assistance Program may reimburse you for medical and counseling bills, it does not cover damages for pain and suffering.
We are here to help you recover everything the legal system offers. You do have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against the parties responsible for your attack. Our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience, including sexual assault, and we are ready to fight for what you need to rebuild your life. We know coming forward against your abuser is difficult, but we will stand by you every step of the way. If you can sue your perpetrator, we want to help you get what you deserve.
The Burden Of Proof When Suing The Perpetrator
You have several options regarding your civil suit, and your path depends on the situation surrounding your assault. You always have the option of bringing a case against the perpetrator.
No matter the outcome of your attacker’s criminal case, you can bring a civil lawsuit against them. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than the high bar of a criminal case. You only need to convince a jury that the defendant more likely than not committed the act. If your perpetrator was convicted in criminal court, you can use that as evidence to bolster your civil case. If charges were not filed or the criminal case was not successful, you can still pursue your attacker civilly. The Shaw Law Group attorneys have successfully proven rape changes in jury trials numerous times. We have your back and are skilled at cross-examining lying perpetrators.
Claims Against Third Parties
Were you or a loved one a victim of assault by a person working for an organization? Was the assault caused or facilitated by third-party negligence?
The best defense against assault and abuse is vigilance, strict protocols, and security measures. If you, your child, or a vulnerable adult in your family was assaulted or abused, we can assess your situation ans can explain your legal remedies. We handle premises liability and negligence lawsuits for rape, robbery, physical assault, and child molestation enabled by negligent security or negligent hiring.
Were you the victim of an attack? Request a free consultation by calling us today.
Holding the Responsible Party Accountable
Whether you were victim of a violent crime or you suspect that a child, elderly parent, or disabled adult has been victimized, we will help you seek justice. Did a rape or mugging occur because of a broken or unlocked door, lack of surveillance or other inadequate security? Or did a bar fight or assault occur because of insufficient security staffing or a “look the other way” policy? Was your child molested because no one did a proper background check? Was your parent sexually assaulted or physically abused in a nursing home because of lapses in hiring and supervision?
You may also have a claim against the property owner where the attack occurred. Owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe. If you can show that they should have provided better lighting, security, cameras or locks, you may have a premises liability claim against them for not providing adequate security.
If your assault happened at work or by a co-worker, you may have a claim against your employer. An employer must also keep a workplace reasonably safe. That includes a safe premises, as well as due diligence when hiring employees. If they should have known the risk your co-worker posed, but hired them anyway, you could bring a claim for negligent hiring. Some of the types of businesses that may be liable:
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels and resorts
- Other businesses and property owners
Pursuit of Justice for Victims of Abuse
Our experienced assault and sexual abuse attorneys works to aggressively pursue compensation for all parties who bear responsibility for allowing the attack or the abuse to happen. We aim for an out-of-court settlement that meets your needs while protecting your privacy, but we do not shy away from litigation if you want your day in court and public accountability.
How We Can Help
We hold these people and these facilities accountable for any physical injury and for medical bills, lost income and other economic damages, but the real harm is the long-term psychological and emotional trauma. Our firm also works with counselors, psychiatrists and other professionals to detail the tangible effects of depression, anxiety, fear, nightmares and other post-traumatic sufferings.
Our experienced lawyers can pursue action against:
- Nursing homes and hospitals
- Schools and day care providers
- Church organizations
- Youth centers and youth organizations
- Bars and nightclubs
We can come to you if necessary for your initial free consultation. Contact us 24/7 to schedule an appointment.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
You must bring your civil lawsuit within a certain amount of time, so we recommend you talk to us soon to find out your options. As time passes, evidence disappears and memories falter. It is imperative to start your fight as soon as the injury occurs. We offer free consultations and we will guide you regarding what we see as your most successful path forward.
Discuss Your Lawsuit With Us
We have three convenient locations in Pennsylvania where we can meet with you. You pay nothing unless we win!
