You have the right to fight for justice and compensation if you are the victim of a Mormon Church sex abuse case. There are also a number of steps that you can take that can protect your rights in a Mormon Church sex abuse case.
If you are able to gather any evidence that could help support your case, you should do so right away. Evidence can be any communication via text or email between you and your abuser, witness statements, or anything else that is relevant to your case. There may even be others that suffered abuse by the same perpetrator.
If the abuse happened recently, consider going to a doctor or a therapist. This cannot only help you with your recovery process but having a doctor or psychologist’s report can also help you prove a potential claim.
Hire a Sex Abuse Lawyer
Getting in touch with a sex abuse lawyer can be a great first step in helping you to protect your rights. Your lawyer will work hard to pursue justice as well as compensation on your behalf. A sex abuse lawyer may also know where you can find assistance and resources locally that can help you with your recovery, one of them being the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).
Legal Guidance
When it comes to getting legal recourse, your lawyer can determine whether you are within the statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit in your state. States have various timelines for filing lawsuits, and in some cases, these timelines can prevent victims from filing suit.
Your lawyer will look at your case in great detail in order to find out which legal options you have and what the best approach might be to fight for your rights. They can help you gather the evidence needed to build a case against a sexual predator. However, not having any tangible evidence is not unusual in sexual abuse cases. If the only evidence of the crime is your testimony, your lawyer can discuss a strategy with you to help you hold the perpetrator to account.
Negotiating Settlements
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), many civil lawsuits never make it to trial and are instead settled with an out-of-court settlement. This may suit the victim and the defendant, as it will keep the case out of the public eye and, in some instances, can be a quicker way for recovering compensation. However, you should let a lawyer handle these negotiations in order to protect your rights. The other side may try to take advantage of you if you do not have adequate legal counsel. Your lawyer will know your damages, determine what your case is worth, and negotiate with the other side.
Sex abuse cases can be tough to litigate. However, having a Mormon Church sex abuse lawyer by your side can protect your rights and help you fight for what you deserve.
You Could Pursue Compensation
Protecting your rights when seeking justice can help you recover damages. If you had to endure sexual abuse at the hands of a Mormon Church member, you could potentially recover compensatory and punitive damages. Compensation depends on your individual case and the damaging effect that the sex abuse had on your life. Types of compensation could include, for example:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of life enjoyment
You could also receive punitive damages, for example, if the Church was grossly negligent or recklessly protected the abuser who went on to commit further offenses. Your Mormon Church abuse sex lawyer can help you find out which damages may apply in your individual case.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Call Us Today for Help
While there are some actions you can take to protect your rights in a Mormon Church sex abuse case, it can be a good idea to hire a sex abuse lawyer who can work on protecting your rights immediately. Being a victim of sexual abuse can be devastating, no matter how long ago the offense took place. A lawyer can shelter you from attempts of the other side to discredit your testimony.
Do not wait, and contact us today for help with your Mormon Church sex abuse case. The sooner you take action and find professional help, the sooner you could potentially receive compensation and move on with your life.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free evaluation of your case now at (800) 219-9622.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
