Chicago Sexual Assault Lawyers

Sexual assault can devastate victims’ lives, but victims can still seek justice through the legal system. At Lane Brown, our expert sexual assault lawyers specialize in protecting your rights and getting justice for your emotional damage and physical injuries. Call us today to speak to one of our sexual assault attorneys.

In Illinois, sexual assault is a crime punishable by years in prison and other sentences. But even if the perpetrator is locked up, victims are often left with lingering emotional difficulties, damage, injuries, and trauma. What recourse do they have?

Victims of sexual assault can take the perpetrator to civil court to recover compensation for their physical suffering, emotional suffering, and all costs associated with recovering from those traumas. However, anyone who attempts a sexual assault claim must be prepared for the legal challenges that lie ahead.

For one, the person who committed the crime is likely to have a defense attorney of their own, so you’ll want to consider hiring a sexual assault lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. At Lane Brown, LLC, our lawyers are wholeheartedly committed to helping the victims of sexual assault and their families find financial justice. We’ll use every resource our law firm has to prove the perpetrator’s liability and wrongful acts.

Sexual assault cases can be difficult and overwhelming for victims to combat in the courtroom, but remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to provide support and help you pursue justice every step of the way.

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• How Can a Chicago Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Me?
• Differences Between Criminal and Civil Court for Sexual Assault
• Facing Someone Who Sexually Assaulted You
• Sexual Assault Can Take Many Forms
• Red Flags Associated With Sexual Assault
• What You Should Do if You Suspect Someone Is Being Sexually Assaulted
• Compensation for Sexual Assault Damages
• Answers to Common Concerns About Sexual Assault Claims
• Chicago Sexual Assault FAQ

How Can a Chicago Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Me?

When you’ve been injured or traumatized, you deserve compensation; however, that compensation isn’t easy to get. Even if the other person is given a conviction and jail time, it’s possible to make a mistake and lose your chance at winning your sexual assault civil suit.

When you’re thinking of fighting back against the perpetrator, a sexual assault lawyer makes that process easier and more efficient in several key ways:

• We’re well versed in how to best handle these cases and fight for victims of sexual assault.
• We’re prepared to bring our skills and honed strategies to best advocate for your case.
• We believe victims of sexual assault deserve fair compensation, and we fight to help you obtain it.

Working with a trusted sexual assault lawyer in Chicago offers a myriad of advantages. When you’re in the middle of a civil case and dealing with the aftermath of your traumatic event, it’s easy to lose track of laws, statutes, and deadlines. Unfortunately, if you wait too long to file, you could lose your chance for future compensation. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the incident or the discovery of the harm, although exceptions apply. Partnering with a lawyer as early as you feel comfortable can help ensure you have the best chance at fighting the sexual assault case and getting fair compensation.

Our lawyers can also help you keep track of the laws that will affect your case to ensure that you don’t have to. You’re dealing with a terrible situation, so we do our best to handle as many aspects of your case as possible so you can focus on your recovery.

Finally, a legal professional will be especially helpful when it’s time to stand up to your abuser. If you’re dealing with someone you knew and trusted, such as a teacher, nurse, or family member, it’s often difficult to face them and fight for the compensation you deserve. When you’re struggling with a sensitive case, you can rest easy knowing that we’re on your side and will ensure you get compensated.

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Differences Between Criminal and Civil Court for Sexual Assault

It’s likely that the perpetrator is in the process of, or has already been, tried in a criminal court for their wrongful actions and the injuries they inflicted on you. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction often does nothing to financially compensate victims. Unlike civil courts, criminal courts are strictly meant to punish the perpetrator and prevent them from causing further harm.

To receive compensation for your damages, you must have a sexual assault lawyer pursue a civil claim and perhaps file a civil lawsuit. These claims focus on the serious bodily harm, injuries, or mental trauma done to you. This will be your main chance to get the financial compensation you need to recover, so it’s important to get started as early as possible. Even if the criminal trial is ongoing, our lawyers can still formulate an effective response and build a case to prove the perpetrator’s liability.

If the abuser is convicted of a crime despite their defense, that’s more evidence that they harmed you and violated your rights. This can increase your chances of winning compensation. Speak to one of our sexual assault lawyers today to discuss your legal options during a free and confidential consultation. We’ve helped thousands of Chicagoans through this difficult situation and will do the same for you.

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Facing Someone Who Sexually Assaulted You

To get the compensation you deserve, you must name the perpetrator or perpetrators in your sexual assault claim. This will allow your sexual assault attorney to gather evidence, such as legal documents, medical records, criminal histories, and witness statements, to prove your claim. A sex assault lawyer will help obtain these items while you focus on healing.

Naming the perpetrator can be especially difficult if your attacker was close to you or is a person with authority. Sadly, this is often the case. The following are some of the most common perpetrators of sexual assault:

• Acquaintances
• Family members
• Spouses and partners

In the vast majority of cases, victims of sexual violence know their abusers, although cases involving aggravated assault by strangers do occur.

As difficult as it can be to name your abuser, you can rest assured that any information you provide about them will help our sexual assault lawyers assess your case.

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Sexual Assault Can Take Many Forms

Sexual violence is a broad term that refers to any unwelcome sexual contact. Actions that could be considered sexual violence may provide grounds for a sexual assault claim for damages. No matter what form of assault you’ve suffered, our lawyers can help. While it may be difficult to think about what happened, you deserve to be compensated for the injuries and trauma you’ve experienced. The following are some common types of sexual assault for which you can pursue compensation:

• Rape – Rapists can be held accountable in criminal and civil court for their egregious actions and the traumatic damage they cause.
• Sexual Abuse of Minors – These cases often involve a religious institute, school, or youth sports organization. Sexual contact with a minor is a crime that can and should be punished in both civil and criminal court. If your child has been victimized by an adult, our childhood sexual abuse lawyers can help you file a claim.
• Unwanted Touching – Sexually touching someone against their will is a form of sexual violence that may warrant a civil claim and a criminal case.
• Drug-Facilitated Assault – More commonly known as “date rape,” this form of sexual violence is most often perpetrated in bars and parties. It is a vicious abuse and should not go unpunished.
• Intimate Partner Violence – Partners and married couples must give consent for sexual contact. An abusive partner can be held accountable in criminal and civil court if they force their spouse to perform or experience an unwanted sexual act.
• Sexual Assault of Elders – Sexual assault against the elderly often takes place in nursing homes and retirement communities. This heinous act is commonly perpetrated by staff members of nursing homes whose job is to help and care for elderly residents.

If you have experienced sexual assault, whether through negligence or malice, you may still have a viable claim, even if what happened to you is not listed here. A sexual assault attorney can advise you on the next steps in filing your claim when you decide it’s time to litigate.

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Red Flags Associated With Sexual Assault

If you suspect that someone you love has been sexually assaulted, there are certain warning signs you can keep an eye out for. Keep in mind that a person exhibiting just one of these red flags may not have been assaulted, but the more signs you see, the greater the chance that they’ve been sexually assaulted or experienced something traumatic.

Some of the signs that someone may be a victim of sexual assault include:

• A loss of or increase in appetite
• Sudden depression or anxiety
• Social isolation
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Substance abuse
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs)
• Nightmares
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Age regression

There are also signs that you can look out for when a perpetrator knows their victim, as most do. Some red flags that perpetrators have been known to display around their victims include:

• Not respecting boundaries
• Discussing inappropriate topics
• Acting with an inappropriate sexual interest in the victim
• Engaging in unwanted harassment and physical behaviors like touching, hugging, kissing, and other contact

There is no defense for these wrongful, hurtful actions, and they are not accidents. The abusers need to be held responsible, which is possible with help from our experienced sexual assault lawyers.

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What You Should Do if You Suspect Someone Is Being Sexually Assaulted

When you have reason to believe that someone you love is being sexually assaulted, you have to act. First and foremost, you need to get the victim to safety and see that they are protected. Next, you can search “sexual assault attorney near me” to find a dedicated legal team that’s ready to fight for them.

Once they’re safe, you should bring your concerns to their attention. Do not be surprised if they deny your claims or get angry that you communicated your suspicions to them – this is a normal reaction, even if you’ve kept things confidential. If they can open up to you, consider involving the police. You can call your local police department to make a report so they can begin a criminal investigation.

Finally, call a sexual assault lawyer. We’ll begin building a case with all the evidence we have so you can secure the compensation the victim will need to move past the damage that resulted from the abuse.

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Compensation for Sexual Assault Damages

Victims deserve compensation for any sexual assault damages they have suffered as a result of the abuse. In addition to economic damages, sexual assault claims often involve non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, which do not have a financial impact on victims but need to be compensated nonetheless.

These non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify, but our lawyers know how to factor them into an assault claim. These emotional damages are often even more difficult to work through than the physical ones and can haunt victims for decades.

Getting compensation for negligence and abuse may not heal the mental wounds you suffered when you were assaulted, but it can help you pay for the treatments you need and cover your expenses while you’re handling the aftermath of your sexual assault.

The following are some common damages awarded in sexual assault claims:

• Any medical bills related to the assault
• The cost of therapy
• Emotional distress, including trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Diminished current and future quality of life
• Pain and suffering caused by the assault

Sex assault cases often end with large financial awards to victims because the actions of the perpetrators are so horrific. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can ensure your settlement fairly compensates your suffering and exposes the liability of the perpetrator.

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Advocating for Clients in Chicago and Throughout Illinois

Answers to Common Concerns About Sexual Assault Claims

Will I have to see the person who assaulted me in court?

The short answer is that you might. In some cases, we’ll be negotiating outside of court to get you the settlement you deserve. If the other side meets our demands for full compensation, you won’t have to go to court or see the perpetrator. However, in other cases, the opposition will refuse to negotiate fairly, especially if they haven’t been convicted of a criminal charge yet. In this scenario, you will likely see the perpetrator in an Illinois court. It’s worth noting that many survivors of sexual assault report that, while initially terrified, they left court that day feeling empowered when they looked their abuser in the eye and told their story. In either case, your attorney will be an invaluable resource right by your side at every moment to ensure your safety and comfort.

How much does it cost to hire a sexual assault attorney?

At Lane Brown, LLC, we work with clients on a contingency fee basis. This enables us to work together without receiving any upfront payment. Instead, our fee will be a percentage of your settlement or court award. Once we have an agreement on the fee, we will build and present your case so that the perpetrator compensates you fully. You won’t have to pay us a cent until we win your case. After you win, our fee can be deducted straight from your award, so you won’t be burdened with a bill later. Though hiring a sexual assault attorney may add to the final fees you’ll owe at the end, doing so greatly increases the likelihood of you earning fair compensation.

How will my damages be calculated in a sexual assault claim?

Your attorney will need to quantify your damages. This will be relatively simple to do for economic damages, but we’ll also need to calculate the value of your non-economic damages, such as your pain and suffering. This can be difficult because these damages are intangible. However, we have tools and formulas that can quantify these intangibles to maximize your compensation. We understand the pain and other negative emotions you may be feeling as you determine how your damages will be calculated, and we’re here to support you with key insights to ensure you feel comfortable.

It’s been a few years – can I still fight for compensation?

Illinois does have a two-year statute of limitations for civil claims related to sexual assault. However, in some cases, this statute doesn’t apply. To receive a definite answer on whether you may still obtain compensation from a sexual assault case, connect with a trusted lawyer to ensure you’re getting tailored solutions for your unique circumstance. A lawyer can inform you of what your options are and how to strategically navigate them.

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Contact a Chicago Sexual Assault Attorney Today

The days, months, and years after a sexual assault are often extremely difficult for victims. The emotional trauma and pain alone warrant compensation. On top of that, you’ve been hurt, and chances are good that you feel threatened and frightened. For some victims of sexual assault, the idea of fighting for fair compensation may feel difficult or impossible. We’re here to make sure you don’t have to fight alone.

Holding the perpetrators of sexual assault accountable in civil court is important. Not only does it ensure victims see financial justice, but it also holds abusers accountable and disincentivizes others by showing the cost of these horrible actions.

When you’re seeking justice for your assault and resulting injuries, call a lawyer who can support your needs and act quickly to get you the care and attention you need. Our attorneys will fight to ensure you get fairly compensated and can finally experience closure.

The attorneys at Lane Brown, LLC, understand how sensitive these matters can be, and we are fully prepared to handle your case with the care and efficiency necessary for a successful outcome. While we have experience with all practice areas of personal injury law, our law office has a unique focus on the service of helping victims of sexual assault and their families get justice.

To schedule a fully confidential, free, no-pressure consultation with a Chicago sexual assault lawyer, call us at 312-332-1400 or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page. We are available 24/7 to speak about your case and will make every accommodation to ensure your comfort during our consultation. If you don’t feel comfortable traveling to our office, we offer secure video conferencing and will travel to you if necessary. When you are ready to take that step, we will be here to support you.

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Chicago Sexual Assault FAQ

How long does a sexual assault claim in Illinois take to resolve?

A sexual assault claim in Illinois can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the specific facts involved.

How does the process unfold?

Sexual assault claims in Illinois are both emotionally and legally complex. The journey begins when a victim contacts a sexual assault attorney, who will evaluate the claim, gather evidence, and determine if deadlines for filing are approaching. In many cases, lawyers conduct interviews, documentation requests, and investigations before filing the official civil lawsuit. This preparatory phase alone can take several weeks or even a few months.

Once filed, the pace of a civil sexual assault case varies based on current caseloads. Illinois courts process these alongside other civil matters, which can impact the timeline of your claim. Additionally, your case may move faster or slower based on the volume of evidence gathered and the willingness of the other party to negotiate or settle. Some defendants and their legal teams may drag out proceedings in an effort to get a more favorable settlement. Ultimately, if both sides settle before trial, the claim may be resolved within months. If the case goes to trial, it can take several years to conclude, especially if appeals follow.

What factors influence the length of a sexual assault claim in Illinois?

Several factors affect how long a sexual assault claim takes in Illinois:

• Evidence – Cases that involve institutions, such as schools or religious groups, require more evidence, which can extend the preparation timeline.
• Negotiation – If the opposition is quick to respond to settlement demands and negotiates fairly, settlement timelines are shorter. When the perpetrator and their representation drag out negotiations or outright refuse your demands, it can make your claim take longer.
• Need for trial – Finally, cases that go to trial take far longer than those that don’t. In some instances, cases that go to trial can take years to conclude.

What should victims expect emotionally and practically?

The process of a sexual assault claim can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, victims are not alone. Their attorneys will walk them through every step, help answer legal questions, and support them as they face their abuser in negotiations or court.

Victims need to focus on their healing and well-being while trusting their legal team to manage the case’s logistical and procedural aspects. Regular check-ins and transparent communication regarding the case’s status can make the journey more bearable for victims seeking closure.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Pursue a Sexual Assault Claim in Illinois

1. Ensure your safety and seek medical attention immediately following an assault.
2. Record all details of the incident, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved.
3. Preserve any physical evidence, such as clothing, photographs, and communications with the perpetrator.
4. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a crisis counselor specializing in sexual assault.
5. Contact police if you wish to pursue criminal charges. This is not required for a civil claim, but it can support your case.
6. Research and contact a sexual assault attorney in Illinois.
7. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options, legal rights, and possible outcomes.
8. Give your attorney any medical records and witness information you have.
9. Work collaboratively with your lawyer as they investigate and gather further evidence to build a strong claim.
10. Decide with your attorney whether to pursue an out-of-court settlement or proceed with filing a civil lawsuit.
11. File your claim within Illinois’ statute of limitations, generally within two years of the assault or discovery of harm.
12. Participate in necessary meetings, mediation, or interviews as requested by your attorney.
13. If no settlement is reached, prepare for court proceedings, hearings, and possibly a trial.
14. Be prepared to provide testimony or statements, if required.
15. Have your lawyer present evidence of your damages.
16. Await the judge or jury’s verdict if your case reaches trial.
17. Discuss next steps with your attorney if appeals or additional motions arise after the verdict.
18. Receive compensation through a settlement or court award.

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