Sexual assault is a harrowing experience. The impact of such a crime can be devastating, causing you to suffer extended psychological and emotional trauma long after the incident occurred and your physical injuries have healed. You should not have to deal with the aftermath alone. 

A Charlottesville sexual assault injury lawyer at MichieHamlett can help you pursue compensation for all that you have experienced. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys are committed to securing compensation from either the abuser or a third-party that was liable for allowing it to happen or failing to respond. Your consultation is private and you do not need to take part in reliving your assault through depositions or court appearances if you choose not to.

Understanding Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any form of nonconsensual sexual action or behavior that an abuser initiates against another person. This can be verbal, physical, or psychological in nature. A range of actions may qualify as sexual assault, such as:

  • Undesired touching or fondling
  • Forcing someone to participate in unwanted sexual acts
  • Drugging someone in order to sleep with them
  • Recording sexual acts against someone’s will or without their permission
  • Attempted rape
  • Unwanted sexual penetration
  • Forceful sexual actions

The basis of all sex abuse cases is the absence of consent. Even if a participant has previously given consent, if they then change their mind and withdraw consent, the law categorizes any continued action by the defendant as assault. A Charlottesville attorney experienced in handling cases involving sexual assault injuries can provide you with guidance on these delicate types of legal matters. 

What Options Are Available to Victims Seeking Justice?

If you experienced a sex crime, you can file both a criminal charge and a civil suit. A criminal charge is the first step toward punishing the perpetrator and often involves a state prosecutor seeking a conviction. If the court finds the defendant guilty, they will face the associated consequences, including a prison sentence, as sexual assault is a felony.

You can also file a civil lawsuit separately or simultaneously to extract financial compensation from your abuser or other liable parties to cover all costs and expenses that their actions caused. An experienced sex crime injury lawyer can advise you on the appropriate legal steps necessary to carry out a lawsuit in Charlottesville.

Identifying Liable Parties in a Sexual Assault Case

Although courts often hold the accused accountable in sex assault cases, the reality is that other parties may also be liable. For instance, a business owner or property manager may be partly responsible for your assault if they failed in their duty to provide reasonable security on their property.

An organization or company may bear partial liability if it either failed to curb or indirectly promoted a culture of sexual harassment. Employers may also be liable if they hired a sexual predator who went on to commit another sexual offense. We can help identify all liable parties and hold them accountable under the law.

Contact a Charlottesville Sexual Assault Compensation Lawyer for Guidance on Your Case

Dealing with the consequences of a sexual assault is extremely distressing. However, the support of an experienced Charlottesville sexual assault injury lawyer from our legal team can help you get closure.

We can assist you in building a case against your abuser or another negligent party while you focus on making a full recovery and moving forward with your life. Let our seasoned counsel fight for you and help obtain the justice you deserve. Call MichieHamlett today to speak to an attorney in a free and private consultation.