Sexual assault usually isn’t a random crime. Almost 90 percent of sexual assault victims knew their attackers. All sexual assaults cause serious physical and emotional injuries. Acquantaince rape injuries are usually worse, because of the betrayal of trust element. That’s especially true in Boy Scout, Catholic Church, or other organizational sexual assault matetrs. Usually, these victims spend many years in therapy as professionals help them piece together what happened, so they can move on with their lives. After so many years pass, many victims believe there’s no reason to hire a sexual assault lawyer in South Carolina.
However, no matter how much time has passed, a Columbia personal injury lawyer can still obtain compensation for these serious injuries, at least in most cases. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Fundamentally, however, sexual assault claims are about more than money. These claims hold the responsible parties accountable for what happened. These parties usually include the individual actor and the property owner who, like a set builder in a movie, set the stage for that assault.
Why Should I Partner With an Attorney?
Let’s dive a little deeper into the responsibility aspect of a legal claim, which is usually the best reason to hire a Columbia personal injury lawyer in these situations.
True justice in these cases is a two-part process. Criminal courts punish offenders. Civil courts compensate victims. Since no one can undo what happened, monetary compensation is the best available remedy.
Under South Carolina law, property owners who know about injury hazards, such as the possibility of sexual assault, are responsible for these acts. Legal actions force these defendants, who are usually bars or hotels, to step up their game and adequately protect people from sexual assault, just like they must protect people from falls and other such dangers.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer?
The multiple responsibility aspect of a sexual assault claim makes these matters extremely complex. Therefore, only a few lawyers are able to successfully handle these cases and obtain maximum compensation. The right lawyer to handle a sexual assault claim has the following qualities:
- Dedication: A few sexual assault and other civil cases settle almost immediately.But in most cases, the victim must go through the litigation process. Lawyers who handle a few sexual assault claims on the side are usually anxious to dump these cases, so they can focus on other matters. A victim doesn’t need a Columbia personal injury lawyer who’s looking for an easy way out.
- Accessibility: Your attorney should be physically and professionally accessible. Physically acceptable lawyers have several office locations and/or know how to use technology to connect with clients. This process is much more involved than simply turning on a webcam. Professional accessibility means your lawyer, not a less-experienced associate, does most of the day-to-day casework.
- Experience: Years of experience, the most common yardstick in this area, could be deceiving. A losing basketball team that returns all five starters is an experienced losing team. Lawyers who look for quick settlements or pawn casework off on assistants are losing lawyers.
Sexual assault victims, like other injury victims, have a limited amount of time to act. So, as you look for a lawyer, look carefully but quickly.
Count on a Hard-Working Richland County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Columbia, contact the Marc Brown Law Firm. We routinely handle matters throughout the Palmetto State.
Source:
aaets.org/traumatic-stress-library/perspectives-on-acquaintance-rape