Buffalo Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Sexual abuse, or unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact, can impact your life and the lives of your loved ones for years to come. You may feel the trauma of this experience for a long time, and getting justice can feel impossible.
If you or someone you love has suffered from sexual abuse, you are not alone. You deserve justice and recompense for the suffering you’ve experienced. While nothing can undo the trauma your abuser inflicted, a lawsuit can help you get compensation for your suffering, taking the pressure of recovery off your shoulders.
If you are looking for someone to fight for you, look no further than Brown Chiari LLP. Your Buffalo sexual abuse lawyer is here to help you get answers without dealing directly with your abuser. We want to help you get the compassionate justice you deserve.
What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse covers a wide swath of actions. While many marginalized groups have worked hard to point out injustice and dangerous behavior, it can still be difficult to feel sure you have grounds for a lawsuit after the suffering you’ve experienced.
Unfortunately, anyone can perpetrate sexual abuse, including people who are supposed to care for you. Doctors, therapists, parents or guardians, religious leaders, coworkers, and partners can be held liable for abuse.
Sexual abuse can take many, many forms, but below are some of the most common types you may have suffered:
- Rape
- Marital rape
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Sexual contact with minors, who are unable to consent
- Incest
- Sexual harassment
- Forced exposure to pornography
- Showing someone’s private photos to others without that person’s consent
- Soliciting minors using the internet
- Exposing oneself to another non-consensually
- Stalking
If you are unsure if something you’ve experienced qualifies as sexual abuse, talk to a lawyer about your situation and whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. We can discuss your situation during a free consultation and help you determine your next steps.
Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges in Buffalo
There are two kinds of cases you may choose to file: civil, or criminal. You may choose to file both. Each has its specific purposes when seeking compensation and justice.
A criminal case takes the form of a legal battle between the abuser and the state of New York. If found guilty, the abuser will face prison time. The victim will be minimally involved in a criminal case, and a criminal trial only decides whether the person has committed a crime and will be facing criminal penalties.
A civil case is for those seeking to recover damages from their abuser for the damages they’ve inflicted. This type of legal action won’t inflict penalties like jail time. The focus is instead on proving you were injured by their actions and should be awarded compensation for your suffering.
While you’ll be required to wait for the criminal trial to end before you can sue, a criminal trial can help you recover compensation even if they’re found not guilty. Civil lawsuits have a lower threshold to success—you’re simply proving they hurt you, not that they broke the law. Additionally, any evidence from the criminal trial can be used for your lawsuit. Your lawyer will help you navigate these claim types.
Adult Survivors Act
The Adult Survivors Act was passed in New York to give survivors of sexual abuse a chance to legally confront their abusers, even if they are beyond the statute of limitations.
So long as the case is filed before November 24th, 2023, it does not matter when the abuse occurred. The abuser, or the institution that protected the abuser, such as a church or school, can be held accountable. If you’re a Buffalo sexual abuse victim and you’re afraid the time limits have expired for your case, talk to an attorney about your options to sue.
Contact a Buffalo Sexual Abuse Attorney
If you or someone you love have suffered sexual abuse in New York, know that you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are allies and resources available to you to get the justice you deserve. While nothing can take back the trauma you’ve experienced, you can seek out legal and financial support through a lawsuit that can aid in your recovery.
At Brown Chiari LLP, we know how difficult it is to trust someone with your trauma, and how terrifying it can be to come forward. We’re here to help, starting with a free consultation about your case. When you’re ready to speak with a Buffalo sexual abuse lawyer, contact us by calling 716-681-7190 or by filling out the online contact form below.
