Unfortunately, abuse is a big problem in our society. According to the CDC, one in seven children have experienced abuse or neglect in the past year and one in four women and one in seven men experience domestic violence during their lifetime. In addition, one in ten seniors will experience abuse.
Abuse is a crime and the criminal justice system can pursue perpetrators. But survivors may also have the option of seeking a civil claim in court. This can help them seek justice and it allows them to seek compensation for their injuries. If you’re an abuse survivor, we invite you to contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation with a compassionate, experienced Hollywood personal injury claims attorney.
Why Should I Pursue a Personal Injury Claim as a Survivor?
Abuse has a lifelong impact on survivors, and at Flaxman Law Group we feel it’s about time we acknowledge that. Survivors may suffer from trauma, PTSD, or complex PTSD. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to work and earn a living. They can also affect relationships and quality of life.
In addition, many types of abuse can result in long-term or permanent injuries that can require complex and expensive medical care. Some survivors of physical and sexual assault, for example, may sustain broken bones, complex fractures, scarring, head injuries, and other types of serious injuries requiring rehabilitation, surgery, and other care. Most survivors also need ongoing therapy and care for their mental health as well.
Pursuing a civil claim means you may be able to seek compensation from the abuser and any other liable parties, which may provide you with the resources you need to cover lost income, medical care, and any other losses. For example, if you’ve been the victim of financial abuse, pursuing a civil claim is one way to seek compensation for the assets that were taken from you. Your financial recovery can help you rebuild your life.
A civil claim allows you to also pursue punitive damages, which is a monetary award above and beyond your losses. It’s a way to send a message to perpetrators that their actions are wrong.
For many survivors, a civil claim is also another way to pursue justice. Whether or not a perpetrator is found guilty in a criminal case, a civil claim is a way to hold that person and any liable parties accountable. For many survivors, a civil claim can provide a sense of closure and justice.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to pursue a claim. There’s no denying that discussing the painful events and facing a perpetrator is difficult. Working with a compassionate and experienced Hollywood personal injury attorney is important. Your lawyer can make the process as smooth as possible and can explain every step, so you’re prepared. Your attorney puts you and your interests first.
Do I Have a Claim?
In Florida, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so the sooner you can file a claim, the better. Filing a claim quickly also means more evidence may be preserved, which can help your claim. However, abuse cases are difficult and the law acknowledges that, which is why in Florida has removed many of the time limits on childhood sexual abuse cases.
In addition, in cases where abuse was fraudulently concealed by the abuser or where a survivor’s memory was affected by trauma, survivors have additional time to bring their cases forward. For example, in Hollywood nursing home and abuse cases, abuse isn’t always revealed quickly and some nursing homes try to hide their liability. In these cases, you may have more time to file a claim.
The best way to determine whether you have a case is to speak with an experienced Hollywood personal injury attorney who has handled many assault and abuse cases before. You can do this by calling Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to schedule a free accident consultation. Our team has more than 60 years of combined experience and we’ve handled many multi-million-dollar claims, including claims filed by survivors. Our family-based team is also sensitive and caring. We work hard to make sure you feel comfortable while we pursue justice. Reach out today to speak with a Hollywood personal injury attorney about your potential claim.