In Need of a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our experienced South Carolina sexual abuse attorneys know that these difficult circumstances affect men, women, and children of all ages throughout the state.
Sexual abuse is widespread and can occur in a school or church or office or spa, which is why it is important for all survivors to know their legal rights and options to hold their abuser liable for their behavior.
Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers in South Carolina listen to each of our client’s stories and understand how their injuries have affected their day-to-day activities and their overall quality of life, so we can seek justice and the compensation they are entitled to from the individual, company, or institution that failed to protect them.
Who is More Vulnerable to Sexual Abuse in South Carolina?
Sexual abuse is any type of non-consensual sexual activity, which is typically committed by force or manipulation, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere.
When children, teenagers, and young adults suffer from sexual abuse, it is often at the hands of a trusted adult or authority figure, which leaves them hurt, confused, and afraid to tell their loved ones what is happening to them, so they can get the help they need. Unfortunately, this often prolongs the abuse and their suffering.
Sexual predators count on this response, so they can continue to hurt kids who trust them while keeping their reprehensible behavior from becoming public.
Adults can also be sexually abused in scenarios that are equally as confusing, including during spa visits, doctor’s appointments, at work, and on school campuses, where they believe their surroundings are safe.
Unfortunately, sexual abuse can occur anywhere, and while children are more vulnerable to these hurtful circumstances, anyone can be victimized by a sexual predator.
At David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our sexual abuse attorneys in South Carolina give survivors a safe place to tell their story by providing the tools and resources they need to hold their abusers accountable for their actions by pursuing the financial recovery they need to begin the healing process.
If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual abuse, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers today to discuss your circumstances during a consultation, so we can begin building your case for success.
Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families who have been hurt or have lost a loved one in:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Boat Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Negligent Security
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Truck Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Rideshare Sexual Assault
Where Does Sexual Abuse Occur in South Carolina?
Sexual abuse can occur anywhere a sexual predator lives, works, socializes, or volunteers.
Most abuse survivors suffer these painful circumstances at the hands of someone they know, or should inherently trust to keep them safe, including:
- Coworkers, employers, or another third party in the workplace
- Camp leaders and/or counselors
- Childcare providers
- Clergy
- Coaches
- Family members
- Healthcare providers
- Nursing home staff
- Neighbors
- Spa employees
- Teachers
Holding the liable party accountable for the pain and suffering you have endured because of their abusive actions begins with partnering with a compassionate South Carolina personal injury attorney who will listen to your difficult story and provide real solutions to seek the justice you deserve. That is what we provide: Legal remedies that put your quality of life first, so you can move forward with confidence.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in South Carolina?
First, it is important to understand that children are unable to consent to any type of sexual activity. That means any form of sexual contact is abuse.
Most adults can provide consent unless their physical, emotional, or psychological composition precludes them from giving consent, which could include anyone with any type of special needs. When they do not — or are not initially aware they are being sexually abused, which is common in doctor’s offices or day spas — agree to the behavior, it too is abuse.
Sexual abuse can present itself through multiple inappropriate and harmful acts that can be both physical and psychologically damaging.
That may include:
- Fondling
- Sex trafficking
- Exposure of private parts
- Sexual intercourse and other sexual acts
- Masturbation by or in front of another individual
- Any possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography
- Digital communications, including taking or sharing sexual photos
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused, contact our experienced South Carolina attorneys today to learn how we can help you build your case and hold the abuser liable for your injuries, so you can start rebuilding your life with confidence.
South Carolina Sexual Abuse Survivors Can Seek Justice in Civil Court
Many sexual abuse cases are criminal in nature, and certainly should be.
However, survivors can also pursue their abusers in civil court, to seek financial compensation for the suffering they have endured.
A South Carolina sexual abuse civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case.
During criminal proceedings, if found guilty, the abuser may face jail time and other punishments, including registering as a sex offender, probation, and heavy fines.
In a civil sexual abuse case, the survivor and their family may receive monetary settlements or other compensation from the abuser, or other at-fault parties that allowed the abuse to happen.
The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than that necessary to obtain a conviction in criminal court, so even if the perpetrator was not convicted of criminal charges, they may still be found liable for civil damages.
We are here to help your family navigate this difficult process, so you can get your lives back.
What Type of Damages Can I Pursue During a Civil Sexual Abuse Case in South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our sexual abuse attorneys in South Carolina are committed to pursuing customized legal solutions for each of our clients, so they know their voice is being heard, and their full financial compensation needs are met.
Damages for sexual abuse survivors may include:
- Medical care costs, including ongoing therapy and counseling
- Payment for physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lost wages for parents of child sexual abuse survivors, or adult survivors who cannot maintain employment because of their injuries
- Substantial awards of punitive damages in cases that involve a company, institution, or organization that grossly mishandled reports of abuse
Contact Our Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorneys in South Carolina Today to Schedule a consultation
If you, your child, or someone you love has suffered from sexual abuse, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers today by calling 803-258-6199. We provide consultations for all South Carolina residents, and never charge any legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case. Call us today to learn how we can help you tell your story and pursue your abuser for the justice you deserve.