If you are a victim of molestation or sexual abuse, you may be struggling to cope emotionally. But you also have an opportunity to make sure your abuser, and anyone who may have facilitated the abuse, pays for what they’ve done.
They may or may not be facing criminal charges, but you can pursue a civil claim against them seeking financial restitution for their egregious acts.
We understand how overwhelmed you must be feeling at the thought of going to court or facing your abuser. Civil claims can be a great option for people who want to feel empowered and in control of their lives again.
Below, we go into further detail about what is considered molestation under Illinois’ law, what happens when you file a sexual abuse claim and how a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help.
What Is Molestation Under Illinois Law?
Molestation is a type of criminal sexual abuse. A person can face criminal charges for criminal sexual abuse in Illinois if they commit an act of sexual conduct through force or the threat of force and/or they know the victim is unable to give consent.
The state’s prosecuting attorney may decide to pursue criminal charges against your abuser for sexual abuse after carefully examine the evidence in your case. Sadly, the burden of proof is much higher in criminal court, and the prosecutor will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant is guilty to persecute.
Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
The good news is filing a sexual abuse lawsuit is quite different from the criminal charges the defendant could be facing. Your lawyer will assist you as you file a formal civil lawsuit against anyone who may have contributed to the criminal sexual abuse you endured.
In your lawsuit, you’ll be seeking monetary restitution for what you’ve been through as opposed to the criminal penalties the prosecutor could seek if criminal charges are brought against the liable party.
The burden of proof is much lower in civil claims, so your lawyer need only prove that the evidence shows the accused party is responsible for the sexual abuse you suffered. This is called a preponderance of the evidence.
If you have additional questions about what does in to a civil sexual abuse lawsuit, you can address them during your initial case review.
Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Chicago
If you have been sexually abused or molested and need a strong legal advocate in your corner, you’ve come to the right place. An experienced Chicago sexual abuse lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC could help you bring your abuser to justice.
Schedule your free claim review by calling our office at 312-332-1400 or completing the quick contact form provided at the bottom of this page.
