Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The last thing that is expected after trusting your child with a teacher, coach, leader, or even close family member is that he or she would prey on your child with deplorable actions of child sexual abuse and molestation. This is a nightmare that has to end now!
Victims of sex assault and abuse are often unaware that they have the legal right to file both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.
The key difference between these two types of cases is the outcome.
The sexual abuse of children, whether at school, at church, or at home, is a deplorable action that has not only criminal consequences, but civil ones as well.
Some common child sex offenses and related issues can include:
Sexual Assault – Performing a sex act that involved penetration with a child. This is typically a second-degree felony that results in years in prison and registration as a sex offender.
Indecency with a Child – Sexual contact with a child, though not involving penetrative sex, or the child’s sex organ or anus were exposed for the purpose of arousal or gratification, , a third- or second-degree felony.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child – Engaging in two or more sex crimes involving a child younger than 14 over a period of at least 30 days, These crimes can be indecency with a child, sex assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual performance with a child, aggravating kidnapping, or burglary with the intent to commit a sex offense. The punishment can range from 25 years to life in prison. There is no possibility for parole on the sentence for this serious charge.
Child Pornography – It’s illegal to create, purchase, distribute, or possess pornography that depicts minors under the age of 18 involved in sexual acts.
Online Solicitation of a Minor – Sending an electronic message to solicit the minor that is under 17 years old with the intent to engage in a sexual act or intentionally communicating with a minor online in a sexually explicit manner or distribute sexually explicit material. This offense is a third- or second-degree felony.
Sex with a Minor – Sex with a minor under the age of 17, can be a felony.
Sexting and Minors – Sending explicit materials, usually via cell phone. When the person in the images is under the age of 18, even if the people sending and receiving the messages are also under 18.
The Statute of Limitations in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
All lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, that determines how long you will have to pursue a case. In Texas, there is a five-year statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Although, the tolling provision states that, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will not begin until they have reached their 18th birthday.
More info about STATUTES can be found by clicking on the link below.
https://www.childusa.org/2019sol
In 2007, Texas passed what came to be known as Jessica’s Law. This made the penalties more harsh for registered sex offenders who molest children under the age of 12.
The sexual abuse of a child whether at school, at church, or at home, is a deplorable action that has not only criminal consequences, but civil ones as well.
Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit starts by securing sound legal counsel.
Child sexual abuse cases can involve:
- Teacher abuse
- School security guards
- Coaches
- Clergy abuse
- Scout/troop leaders
- Relatives
- Child care providers
- Child molestation
With thorough investigation all aspects of your case in order to pursue compensation from all liable parties. Even if the case occurred some time ago, we have the resources to investigate your case.
Child sex abuse case can be very sensitive to the delicate issues that can arise. We understand that there can be lifelong psychological and emotional problems that have to be handled appropriately. Part of this is helping you seek compensation that can help cover the cost of treatment, counseling, and allow you to move forward in your life.
We take in the consideration the pain and suffering endured though this traumatic experience. An experience like this can even be held a secret for many years, the pain and suffering in a lot of instances can continue through adulthood.
We aim to hold all negligent parties accountable for the harm caused to your child. Along with the abuser, we will also pursue actions against their employer for negligent hiring, failure to supervise, and other relevant issues. Civil lawsuits against criminal perpetrators, civil lawsuits may be filed against indirect perpetrators. In many sex abuse and assault cases, especially those involving children, other individuals hide the abuse or worse, protect the abuser. These individuals and the entities that employ them are often guilty of allowing the abuse to occur. Consequently, they can be held liable also.
Child injuries that involve child molestation are a serious and emotionally painful issue that needs to be handled with care and confidentiality. This is especially true when the person is someone in a position of authority who has been entrusted with the well-being of the child. These abusers break the law in order to commit these horrid crimes, while doing so they also destroy innocent lives.
Some children never recover from the emotional trauma of being abused, and many end up being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Your family is not without options. Our firm can help you and your loved ones seek damages for all of the pain, suffering, and losses experienced.
With the help from our firm, you will be able to seek compensation for:
- Therapy, counseling expenses
- Child’s diminished future earning capacity
- Continued pain and suffering
- Mental/emotional anguish (PTSD)
This can be a difficult call to make. We want you to know that we are sensitive to your situation, and that we are here to listen to your story. Being a compassionate and results-driven law firm is a gold standard that we base our principals upon.
We understand the painful emotions that are caused by sexual abuse. Fear, anger, shame, depression – these are natural reactions. You did nothing wrong. We have no other goal but to see justice done the way it should be.
Here’s a quick video of some steps on child sex abuse prevention.
