Sexual abuse is a rampant problem in the United States, with millions of survivors living in Chandler, Arizona. The impact of sexual assault or abuse often lasts a lifetime, so holding abusers accountable for their actions is crucial to preventing future victims.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to supporting sexual abuse survivors as they file claims against their abusers. Our team has vast experience guiding victims through the claims process to pursue compensation for damages.
WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.
Table of Contents
IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
The impact of sexual assault or abuse can be physical, emotional, and even financial. You have the right to pursue an injury claim against the abuser to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. To win your case, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Each of our legal representatives understands the importance of being compassionate during this process.
| $21 Million Hotel sexual assault case | $15 Million Coach grooming and abuse | $6.5 Million Cruise ship rape settlement |
| $6.3 Million Negligent security assault | $6 Million Child sexual abuse lawsuit | $5 Million Therapist sexual abuse settlement |
We will start with a free consultation about your case, answering any questions you have about how to file a claim and if your situation merits compensation. Then, we will assess all damages, gather evidence, negotiate for a fair settlement, and represent you in trial if necessary, all while protecting your rights under state law.
Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault
Sexual abuse and sexual assault are terms that must be understood to consider a lawsuit. Under Arizona law, sexual abuse occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual contact with another without their consent.
Sexual assault is a little more specific and is defined as a person intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual oral contact without the consent of another.
The primary characteristics of both situations are a lack of consent and a power imbalance between the two parties. In the year 2017, 130 rape cases were reported in Chandler, AZ, so the issue is all too prevalent [1].
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse manifests in various ways. Here are a few examples of sexual abuse that Chandler, AZ, victims could pursue lawsuits for.
- Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex without consent is considered rape and can lead to both criminal charges and a civil suit.
- Unwanted sexual touching – A person who touches someone else inappropriately, either with a body part or object, is committing sexual abuse.
- Manipulation – Using threats of violence or harmful actions to force someone to perform sexual acts is a form of abuse.
- Exploitation – The use of power, trust, or vulnerability for sexual purposes.
- Sexual exposure – Forcing someone to view sexual imagery without their consent or as a minor.
Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur
Sexual abuse or assault often occurs in institutions where people are supposed to be safe. Here are some common settings where these incidents happen, based on cases we handle.
- Workplace – Workplaces typically have power imbalances between employers and employees, sometimes leading to abuse.
- Inpatient facilities – When patients must stay in treatment centers overnight, they may be targeted by staff or other patients who will take advantage of their vulnerability.
- Correctional facilities – Power imbalances among prisoners and guards in a correctional facility often lead to sexual abuse.
- Foster care – Foster parents can take advantage of the children they are responsible for.
- Daycare – When children are at daycare, there could be employees who sexually abuse them without the parents’ knowledge.
- Educational institutions – School districts and other teaching organizations create power imbalances between staff and students and even among staff.
- Religious institutions – Clergy abuse is a widespread problem, so even religious organizations are vulnerable to sexual abuse situations.
- Nursing homes – Staff and other residents may take advantage of vulnerable elderly individuals because they cannot stand up for themselves.
- Sports clubs – Coaches, trainers, and athletes occupy different levels of authority in sports clubs, which creates the conditions often present for abuse.
- Military institutions – Military bases and organizations often diminish reports of sexual abuse, making it hard for victims to seek justice.
- Hotels and rentals – Staying in a temporary living space could be dangerous if the wrong staff person has access to a room key.
- Shelters – Homeless or refugee shelters often lack supervision or security, so vulnerable individuals could fall victim to abuse or assault
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim
Stopping sexual abuse should be a top priority in Chandler, AZ. If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, there are several steps you should follow to take care of yourself and hold the abuser accountable.
First, you must get to safety, whether that means going to a hospital for medical treatment or contacting authorities after the abuse occurs. Second, report the abuse to the appropriate party. If possible, document everything you can about the event and the circumstances surrounding it, such as text messages with the abuser.
This documentation can be essential in building a solid case later.
Your next step should be to consult legal representatives about a possible claim. You can contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation, and we will discuss your legal options. During this process, you can expect your attorney to handle everything from investigations to court proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Finally, abuse and assault survivors can rely on multiple resources for support or counseling. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is open 24/7 if you call 800-565-4673.
Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims
Victims of abuse or assault can win compensation for numerous damages in a civil lawsuit. Potential damages include medical expenses, therapy bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A lawyer from our firm will assess these damages to determine fair compensation.
Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases
Liability in sexual abuse cases refers to the legal responsibility of individuals and institutions that played a role in the abuse and is the most complex aspect of a sexual abuse case. We must prove the defendant behaved negligently or intentionally and directly caused your damages. You can hold an individual or an entity responsible for the incident.
An institution may be liable if it fails to prevent abuse, report incidents, or respond adequately to complaints. Additionally, insufficient background checks, poor supervision, and toxic environments could make an institution liable for sexual abuse.
Other legal concepts could impact your case as well. Vicarious liability occurs when one entity is liable for another’s negligent actions based on their relationship. If the abuse occurs at an educational institution, Title IX regulations regarding the treatment of different sexes may factor in. Lastly, power dynamics in religious communities could affect the outcome of your claim.
How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case
To establish liability, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their conduct directly resulted in the damages you suffered. To prove all this, you need evidence.
Working with our legal team means having access to professionals who know what type of evidence is required to win a sexual abuse case. This can include eyewitness testimonies, expert consultants, DNA tests, images of the victim’s body, or other types of data.
The Role of a Chandler Sexual Assault Attorney
Our role as attorneys is to guide you through the legal process and give you the best chance of receiving fair compensation.
First, we will answer all your questions during the free and confidential consultation. Next, we will investigate the claim to determine what happened and collect evidence to support your claim. Then, we will help negotiate a fair settlement with the defendant’s team. If the case proceeds to civil court, we will represent and prepare you for the trial.
The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Chandler
If you plan to file a claim for sexual abuse, you have to be careful about running into the statute of limitations. In Arizona, you have two years from the incident date to file a civil claim for personal injury. This statute does NOT apply to a criminal proceeding.
For most classifications of sexual abuse or assault, victims can press charges within seven years of the event. If the victim is a minor or extreme sexual violence was involved, there is no statute of limitations for a criminal case.
Contact a Chandler Sexual Assault Lawyer Today!
An experienced Chandler sexual assault lawyer can be the difference between winning a substantial settlement and walking away with nothing. We work on a contingency fee basis at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, so there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our expert team knows how to build a strong case in your favor, so give us a call as soon as possible for your free case evaluation.
Our number is 888-424-5757, but you can also contact us online through this form.
Related Practice Areas
- Mesa Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Phoenix Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Scottsdale Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Tucson Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Arizona DHS – Sexual Violence State Profile
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.
