Sexual Abuse Lawyer Shreveport LA

Being sexually abused or assaulted is a traumatizing experience. Victims often face physical and emotional consequences, some of which can last a lifetime. Under Louisiana law, if you have been abused or assaulted, you may be eligible for a civil claim against the perpetrator to pursue compensation for legal damages.

Injury Lawyer Team is a law firm committed to supporting sexual abuse and assault survivors. Our team can guide you through the claims process in Shreveport, LA, to give you a better chance of earning compensation for your lawsuit.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Sexual abuse and assault can have severe consequences for the victim, and your financial future may be at stake due to legal damages. Injury Lawyer Team is here to help you secure maximum compensation so you can overcome those losses. We also understand the importance of compassion when working with survivors of abuse or assault.

Your experienced attorney will investigate the claim to assess all damages and determine a fair settlement amount. Our knowledge of state laws and sexual abuse cases will give you a better chance of succeeding with your claim. We will also handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Assault

Sexual abuse and assault are slightly different under Louisiana law, though they both involve the lack of consent. Similarly, there is typically a power imbalance between the two parties involved in the incident.

Sexual abuse is defined as unwanted exposure to sexually explicit material, language, or content. Sexual assault is considered any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the victim.

Sexual abuse is likely more common than you think. In the Shreveport area alone, there are roughly 865 registered sex offenders [1].

Common Forms of Sexual Abuse

Many forms of sexual abuse could be cited in a civil claim. Here are a few scenarios that may result in legal damages for the victim.

• Unwanted sexual contact – Physically touching someone with a body part or object in a sexual manner without consent is abuse
• Sexual exposure – Exposing someone to sexually explicit imagery, such as photos or flashing, is also considered sexual abuse
• Sexual intercourse – Penetrative sex or sexual oral contact without the consent of the individual is sexual assault
• Sexual manipulation – A person using trust, power, or vulnerability to achieve sexual ends with another is likely abusing them
• Child sexual abuse – Children are innocent and less likely to recognize many forms of sexual abuse, so they are easier targets for perpetrators
• Clergy abuse – This sexual misconduct is perpetrated by religious leaders who exploit their authority and the trust of the community.

Institutions Where Sexual Abuse Is Most Likely to Occur

Sexual abuse and assault can occur in many institutions where individuals are vulnerable. Here are the settings where abuse is most likely to happen based on the cases we handle:

• Workplaces – Employees and employers often face power dynamics within the ranks that can lead to abusive situations
• Inpatient treatment facilities – Patients are often vulnerable due to their condition, and abusive staff or other individuals may take advantage of the situation
• Correctional facilities – It is no secret that prisons and correctional facilities feature massive power imbalances among prisoners, guards, and staff, which can lead to sexual assault or abuse
• Foster care – When families take in foster children, they are responsible for their care, but some abusive individuals may have ulterior motives
• Daycare facilities – Daycare is a service for parents to drop off their kids, but abusive staff or other adults may take advantage of less supervision to abuse those children
• Educational institutions – Schools often have power dynamics between students, teachers, and administrators, sometimes leading to inappropriate behaviors and abuse
• Religious institutions – Clergy abuse has been an issue for a long time since priests and other ministry staff are usually highly trusted by members, parishioners, and others
• Nursing homes – Nursing home staff and residents can sometimes abuse or assault other residents, especially those who are vulnerable and unable to advocate for themselves
• Sports clubs – Sports programs, especially youth clubs, can involve power imbalances between coaches, trainers, and athletes, making them vulnerable to abuse
• Military institutions – Some military branches have a poor record of responding to allegations of sexual abuse, mainly because of the hierarchies of power at play
• Hotels and short-term rentals – Staying in overnight accommodations carries the risk of unauthorized access if someone with a key enters your room without permission
• Shelters – Various types of shelters are meant to help people in desperate situations, but the lack of security and supervision can create opportunities for abusers

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

As a victim of sexual assault or abuse, your priority in the aftermath of an incident should be your well-being. Get to safety as quickly as you can. If necessary, seek medical treatment for physical injuries or rape. You should consider reporting your abuse to the Shreveport Police Department or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673).

After ensuring your safety, document as much information about the abuse or assault as possible. Anything that might be relevant could strengthen your civil claim. You should then contact Injury Lawyer Team to discuss your legal options and determine if compensation for damages is possible. Many survivors need emotional support after suffering from abuse or assault. Shreveport sexual abuse therapists are available for one-on-one counseling, or you can connect with Project Celebration for other support services.

Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims

You may be eligible for compensation for damages in a civil claim, depending on the aftermath of the abuse or assault.

Your attorney can help you claim compensation for medical expenses, therapy bills, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, lost income, and loss of enjoyment of life. The extent of the damages, the defense, the evidence, and the skill of your lawyer will influence the settlement amount.

Liability in Sexual Abuse Cases

Liability is the key to your sexual abuse lawsuit. You must prove that the perpetrator behaved with negligence or intent to harm you, resulting in legal damages. An individual or institution may be held liable in your claim.

An institution may be responsible for poor supervision, insufficient background checks on employees, a failure to report incidents, inadequate response to complaints, or negligence in preventing abuse.

Several legal principles could also impact liability in your case. Vicarious liability occurs when one entity is held responsible for another entity’s actions. Title IX regulations govern the treatment of sexes in academic institutions. Legal precedents regarding power dynamics may play a role if your abuse or assault occurred within the context of a religious institution.

How to Prove a Sexual Abuse Case

Establishing liability requires four elements – Duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and the existence of damages. Evidence must prove that it is more likely than not that these elements are true about the defendant in your case.

Working with an attorney from Injury Lawyer Team will make it easier to gather substantial evidence, prove negligence or misconduct, and demonstrate the link between the abuse and the legal damages. Our legal experts and investigators will help gather key evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, and uncover institutional failures.

By proving negligence or misconduct and linking it directly to the harm suffered, they build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Our Shreveport Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

Hiring one of our legal representatives will make a huge difference in your claim. First, we will handle all the logistics so you can focus on healing. Before hiring us, you can get a free consultation about your case to ask every question upfront.

Then, we will thoroughly investigate the incident and start gathering evidence. Our team knows what evidence will strengthen your claim. We have the experience necessary to negotiate a fair settlement if full compensation is needed. Although most cases are settled outside court, we will represent you in a trial if necessary.

The Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Shreveport

These types of cases have a statute of limitations in Louisiana. For a typical personal injury case, plaintiffs have one year from the incident date to file their claims. If you wait until after this deadline, your case may not be eligible for compensation.

This statute does not apply to criminal charges. Severe cases of sexual assault or child sexual abuse do not have statutes of limitations, and even less severe charges can be brought up to six years after the incident date.

An experienced attorney from our legal team can help you better understand the statute of limitations applicable to your case.

Contact a Shreveport Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!

To get your free consultation with an experienced attorney, call our office today at 866-757-6452 or fill out the contact form.

Related Practice Areas

Baton Rouge Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Lafayette Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Lake Charles Sexual Abuse Lawyer
New Orleans Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Resources: [1] City Data – Shreveport Sex Offenders