If you want to seek compensation for injuries you suffered due to a sexual assault, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in these matters can help you to achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more about our legal services, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation.
Learn More About Sexual Assault at Hartley Hampton, P.C.
In Houston, Texas, attorney Hartley Hampton has provided representation to the victims of sexual assault and child sexual abuse for more than 30 years. At Hartley Hampton, P.C., we are dedicated to helping our clients find the justice that they deserve and obtaining compensation for their physical, emotional and psychological injuries. We represent clients in Texas and across the United States. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation at 713-574-8660 or toll free at 866-635-0811.
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According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. Only ten percent of these children are abused by strangers. Learn more about child sexual abuse by speaking with the law firm of Hartley Hampton, P.C., in Houston, Texas. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse, we will help you review your options and guide you through the process of recovery.
Houston lawyer Hartley Hampton represents the victims of child sexual abuse in Texas and across the United States, including California, New Mexico, New York, Nevada and Oregon. Our firm is dedicated to helping those who have been abused find justice and compensation for their injuries. You are not alone. Contact us toll free at 866-635-0811.
Sexual Assault of a Minor
The sexual assault of a child is an especially heinous act. As a parent, you may wonder about your legal options against the abuser and anyone who allowed the abuse to occur. In many cases, the law provides avenues for recovery against these parties. If your child has been sexually assaulted, contact an attorney at Hartley Hampton, P.C. in Houston, Texas, to discuss your legal options.
Claims by the Child's Parents against the Abuser
When the victim of a sexual assault is a child, the child's parents may be able to recover monetary damages on the child's behalf. Depending on the circumstances, the parents may be able to bring an action against the child's abuser or against a negligent establishment, such as a school, store, child care service, church or medical institution. The establishment in question may have failed to provide adequate security, or it may have negligently hired an employee with a violent criminal record or otherwise unacceptable background.
If another minor committed the sexual assault, the attacker's parents could be liable for negligence. If a child is assaulted in a private home, compensation may be available under a homeowner's insurance policy.
The availability of these claims is often dependent upon state law.
Timing of the Claim
The amount of time a victim has to bring a legal claim against the abuser also varies from state to state. Determining the applicable period can be complicated. For example, in some states a person who was younger than 18 years old at the time of the sexual assault has a number of years after becoming an adult to bring the action. In some states the claim period is quite long, but in others it is as short as one or two years.
Repressed Memories
If the victim's memory of the abuse was repressed, the clock may not start ticking until the victim knows or reasonably should know of the abuse. Not all states, however, provide this exception to the time limit.
Some people who have suffered sexual abuse experience consequences such as difficulty in relationships or employment. When they make the connection between the abuse and these problems, they may decide to take legal action against the abuser. In certain states, even if the period for filing a lawsuit would have expired, the survivor still has the opportunity to take legal action for a period of time after making this key connection.
In the case of repressed memories and delayed realization of injury, an attorney who practices in the state where the sexual assault occurred can offer insight into whether a valid cause of action exists.
Testifying in Court
A child's testimony may be necessary to support the case against the abuser. This is particularly true in criminal cases. Before the first court appearance, administrators may provide the child with a court tour to familiarize the child with the surroundings and procedures. This will help to minimize the emotional impact on the child, as will the possibility of using closed-circuit television during the child's testimony. Closed-circuit television allows the child to testify without being in the courtroom and facing the defendant, judge and jury.
Contact an Attorney
Speaking with a lawyer can help you determine your strongest course of action. An attorney from Hartley Hampton, P.C. in Houston, Texas, can explain your state's laws and how they apply to your unique situation.
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