Child Abuse

Santa Monica Sex Abuse/Child Abuse & Molestation Attorney

Sex abuse and child abuse are among the most heinous crimes one can commit. If someone has been a victim of such a crime, in California, they often have the right to seek compensation from their abuser.

Have you been a victim of sexual abuse? Has your child? If so, review your case with a Santa Monica sex abuse and child abuse and molestation attorney at Randolph and Associates.

The professionals at our firm understand that this experience can be extremely devastating. While we can’t change the past and prevent abuse from occurring, we can aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.

Santa Monica Sex Abuse and Child Abuse & Molestation Cases: Common Perpetrators

Virtually anyone can commit sex abuse or child abuse. However, due to their relationship with their victims, some types of people are more likely than others to commit such crimes.

Perpetrators of sex abuse when victims are adults are often:

• Dates
• Acquaintances
• Friends
• Long-term romantic partners
• Coworkers and bosses
• Medical professionals
• Family members

Perpetrators of child abuse are often:

• Relatives
• Teachers
• Coaches
• Doctors
• Neighbors
• Any adult who has power over a child

Warning Signs of Sex Abuse & Molestation

Victims of sex abuse and molestation are often reluctant to speak about their experiences. This is particularly true when victims are children. Thus, it is important for those who suspect their loved ones have been abused to monitor for signs of abuse. They include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Injuries or discomfort affecting the genitalia
• Sleeping difficulties
• Bloody clothing, particularly bloody undergarments
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Upper thigh bruises
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
• Anger
• Mood swings

Some victims of abuse also begin exhibiting new behaviors in response to their experiences. These may include:

• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Diminished performance in school, work, or both
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Bedwetting

Additionally, it’s not uncommon for child molestation victims to possess seemingly abnormal knowledge or understanding of sexual topics.

None of these signs confirm that someone has been abused. However, they can give you a reason to investigate the matter further.

Compensation Available to Victims of Sex Abuse or Child Abuse & Molestation in Santa Monica

The specific losses and damages for which a victim may seek compensation in these
circumstances can vary depending on numerous factors. A qualified Santa Monica sex abuse and child abuse and molestation attorney can review your case and explain in greater detail the types of damages which may be available to you.

That said, the following are common examples of losses victims may recover compensation for:

• Medical bills: Some who’s been the victim of sexual abuse or molestation may be in need of various medical treatments to address both the physical and mental injuries they’ve sustained as a result of their experience. They may take legal action to recover compensation for bills associated with their treatment.
• Lost income: The trauma of being a sexual abuse victim can negatively impact one’s ability to work and earn an income. Thus, lost income and earning potential is another loss a victim might recover compensation for.
• Pain and suffering: This is a general term for the pain a victim might endure in the the aftermath of being abused.
• Loss of consortium: It’s not uncommon for sex abuse and child molestation victims to
  struggle to maintain healthy relationships with others. Compensation is available when
  this happens.
• Emotional distress: The emotional consequences of being a sex abuse victim can be profound. A victim may seek financial compensation accordingly.
• Lost quality of life: It’s certainly possible for victims of sex abuse and child molestation to live fulfilling and healthy lives in the future. However, being a victim of such a terrible crime is a major setback that can result in diminished quality of life for a relatively long period of time. Recovering compensation for this painful experience can help a victim
  begin getting their life back on track.
• Punitive damages: Most compensation available to anyone filing a claim or lawsuit is meant to cover specific losses they’ve incurred as a result of someone else’s negligence or actions. Punitive damages are different. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive
  damages serve as a means of punishing someone for violating the law.

That last point is an important one to consider. Although stepping forward to pursue justice when you’ve been the victim of sex abuse or child molestation may intimidate you, it’s worth remembering that holding your abuser accountable can deter them from committing similar crimes in the future. This minimizes the chances that others will be victimized.

Additionally, the points above highlight the value of working with a Santa Monica lawyer who has specific experience handling cases like yours.

Many of the losses for which a victim can seek compensation after being sexually abused have no objective dollar value. To recover the full amount of compensation for which you’re eligible, you need representation from an attorney with the skills and experience necessary to determine the approximate “value” of such non-economic losses as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, etc.

How a Santa Monica Sex Abuse and Child Abuse & Molestation Law Firm Helps

Pursuing compensation on your own after you or a loved one have been the victim of sex abuse or molestation can be a very overwhelming prospect. Fortunately, you can hire a lawyer to handle a case on your behalf.

A Santa Monica sex abuse and child abuse and molestation attorney can:

• Investigate your case to gather evidence showing you were abused
• File a lawsuit
• Review your losses and damages to determine how much compensation you may deserve
• Handle all correspondence with your abuser, their attorneys, and any other relevant parties, shielding you from further contact with them

Contact a Santa Monica Sex Abuse and Child Abuse & Molestation Attorney

At Randolph and Associates, you’ll find a Santa Monica sex abuse and child abuse and molestation law firm whose professionals are committed to helping victims like yourself or your child recover proper compensation after being abused. Learn more about what we can do for you and your family by contacting us online or calling us at 310-395-7900 to schedule a free consultation.