The damages you can collect in your Mormon Church sexual assault lawsuit settlement case will depend on your specific circumstances. Still, your victim of crime compensation may include those for measurable financial consequences, intangible losses, and the heinous behavior of your perpetrator. Sexual abuse typically leaves victims of all ages with long-term effects that can require costly treatments and prevent or impair their ability to earn a living. If you suffered sexual abuse in the LDS Church, a lawyer can help you determine the types of damages you may qualify for in your case.
You May Collect One or More Types of Damages in Your Mormon Church Sex Abuse Settlement
Even in sexual abuse cases, the sexual assault survivor carries the burden of proof, which means they must prove that the perpetrator more likely than not committed the acts alleged by the victim. This may prove difficult for sexual assault survivors who have a hard time reliving the incident. Still, an attorney can help by gathering evidence on their behalf to establish liability and move forward with seeking the sexual assault compensation they deserve. The types of evidence that may support your Mormon Church sex abuse case include:
● Sexual assault evidence collection kit
● Medical records
● Police report
● Church documentation
● Witness testimony
● Criminal background
● DNA
● Emails and texts from the perpetrator
Once they have helped you collect the appropriate evidence in your case, a lawyer can assess your damages and help you seek financial awards.
Economic Damages
In some sexual abuse cases, sexual assault survivors qualify for economic damages, which refer to the financial losses that the court can measure. For example, suppose you had to miss time at work or your physical or psychological condition left you unable to perform at your job. In that case, you may have the opportunity to seek economic damages such as lost wages or loss of earning capacity. You may also receive financial recovery for medical care and other treatments you received due to your assault.
Non-Economic Damages
Sexual abuse often leaves victims with long-term psychological damage and other non-economic damages that impede the enjoyment of life. These effects can occur for years or even decades after the abuse occurs and, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), may include conditions such as:
● Depression
● Flashbacks
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Self-harm
● Suicidal thoughts
● Dissociation
● Panic attacks
● Eating disorders
In these cases, the victim may qualify for non-economic damages, which refer to those that the court cannot quantify for their immense pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages may include recovery from mental anguish, loss of quality of life, anxiety, or loss of sexual function, among others.
Punitive Damages
In cases in which the court finds the perpetrator’s actions particularly egregious, they may also impose punitive damages. These additional damages the perpetrator must pay serve as a form of punishment and intend to function as a deterrent, as well, to prevent similar instances from taking place in the future. Sexual abuse has an inherently heinous nature, so you and your lawyer may choose to request punitive damages in your Mormon Church sexual abuse case.
You May Have a Limited Amount of Time to Seek Damages
Depending on your current age, where you live, and when the abuse occurred, you may have a limited amount of time to pursue a lawsuit against the Mormon Church or others involved in your sexual assault case. Each state has its own statute of limitations on this type of case, which means sexual assault survivors have a certain amount of time to file a civil claim.
In recent years, courts have given greater credence to the proven impact of sexual abuse on victims. As a result, many states have begun changing their laws on assault cases to allow sexual assault survivors and their families more time to pursue legal action. In late 2019, the Associated Press reported 15 states that had extended their statutes of limitations on sex abuse cases or suspended them altogether, particularly those that involved minors. These states include:
● Montana
● California
● Arizona
● Texas
● Hawaii
● Alabama
● Tennessee
● North Carolina
● Vermont
● Maine
● Michigan
● New York
● Connecticut
● Rhode Island
● New Jersey
Washington, D.C., and Utah have extended statutes of limitations on child sex abuse cases, as well. However, if you suffered sexual abuse as an adult, you may have a shorter amount of time within which to file your claim. For example, Utah allows victims only four years to file a claim against their assault perpetrator.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-794-0444
A Lawyer Can Help You with Your Mormon Church Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement Case
The Mormon Church officially denounces all forms of abuse by Church members and threatens Church membership loss for those who violate this policy. Unfortunately, many sexual assault survivors have come forward to report instances of abuse that have taken place over the years, some of which involve Church leaders, who victims allege have either committed abuse or intentionally covered up reported incidents.
The economic and non-economic damages you may collect in your Mormon Church sex abuse settlement vary, but the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can assess your damages and help you seek just sexual assault settlement amounts for the harm you have suffered. Contact us today at 800-219-9622 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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