After having suffered from traumatizing sexual abuse, you may struggle to cope and pick up the pieces of your life. Unfortunately, the recovery ahead will be a long one. But if you hope to regain control and hold your abuser and other liable parties accountable, you may have legal options.
When you’re still struggling physically, emotionally, and financially, the thought of pursuing a lawsuit can be overwhelming. With a dedicated Chicago personal injury lawyer by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we work tirelessly to help you get through these trying times. Continue reading to learn more about how to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Illinois.
Your Legal Representation
Before you can move forward with your civil claim, it may be in your best interests to contact an attorney to represent you. Although having legal representation is not required, when you are already dealing with so much, having an advocate could make all the difference.
Civil claims are different from any criminal charges your abuser and other liable parties may face for the abuse you’ve endured. In criminal cases, the state’s prosecuting attorney brings criminal charges against the accused, generally seeking prison or jail time. In order to be successful, the prosecutor must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, in civil sexual abuse claims in Chicago, your lawyer will file a civil lawsuit against those responsible for your sexual abuse. Here, we’ll advocate for your right to financial restitution for the suffering inflicted on you by the liable party. Our burden of proof is based on a preponderance of the evidence, a much lower burden than criminal cases.
Your civil claim is not dependent upon the state’s prosecuting attorney pursuing criminal charges, nor the outcome of a trial, should there be one. However, if your abuser is found guilty in criminal court, that could help your civil claim against them.
Building a Strong Lawsuit
If you hope to get justice for what has happened to you, you must be prepared to go through the various ways your life has been affected by the abuse you endured. Some losses you may be able to recover in your sexual abuse claim include:
- Mental health counseling costs
- Other related medical expenses and equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost income and earning potential
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Reputational damage
- Loss of household services
Although no amount of compensation will make up for what you’ve been through, it can go a long way in helping you get through these difficult times.
Get Help from a Lawyer
This traumatic time in your life doesn’t have to define you. Take your power back and get the justice you deserve. Contact a compassionate sexual abuse lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC to discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
Contact us by calling 312-332-1400 or through the online contact form included at the bottom of this page when you are ready to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
