Civil Remedies for Victims of Crime and Sexual Abuse

Taking legal action and filing a suit against a person who assaulted you or a loved one is an incredibly brave act. It can be intimidating for sexual assault victims to come forward. Every person who stands up for their rights and protects others from future violence is doing an admirable thing and the right thing. The Baltimore crime victim lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP know how difficult and emotional the process can be and will let you know what to expect each step of the way.

Sexual Assault Laws In the State of Maryland

Acts of sexual assault are crimes in the state of Maryland, this includes rape and other offenses. There is not a statute of limitations in Maryland for criminal sexual assault charges. This means the victim can report at any time, even if the event happened years ago. Whenever the report is made, the offender can be charged and prosecuted.

While that is true of criminal charges, the law is different in civil lawsuits. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for a civil suit is three years for the date of the incident. The three year limit is for adults. For minors, the statute of limitations is up to seven years after reaching the age of majority.

Reasons to File a Civil Suit for Sexual Assault

When a victim files a civil suit for sexual assault, what the victim is moving forward with is a demand for compensation from the individual who committed the assault. In many sexual assault cases, the victim is entitled to damages, both economic and non-economic.

An economic damage could the expenses incurred because of lost wages and physical or mental health treatment. Emotional suffering and trauma are examples of intangible losses, which are also sometimes referred to as non-economic damages.

Another reason to move forward with a civil suit for sexual assault is it can help to prevent others from being assaulted. When a victim is able to hold individuals responsible, it can stop a cycle of violence. Sometimes there is a criminal case as well. If a person is already convicted of an assault, it can aid a civil suit as a guilty verdict has already been decided upon.

Talk to a Maryland Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

Deciding on an attorney is an important step when a victim decides to file a civil suit after a Maryland sexual assault. If you or someone you love experienced sexual violence, contact a Baltimore crime victim lawyers to discuss your case.

There are a lot of emotions involved when an individual is a victim of sexual assault. They may feel fear, anger, confusion, or a mix of many emotions at once. A lawsuit during recovery can be difficult, but there can be feelings of empowerment when an assaulter is finally brought to justice.

Are you a victim of sexual assault who is interested in filing a civil suit? You need a Maryland victim’s right lawyer on your side. Contact the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to understand your options. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

https://www.iamelelawfirmbaltimore.com/what-is-a-baltimore-personal-injury-claim/