Levittown Sexual Assault Lawyer

Levittown is known for being a quiet community with plenty of beautiful parks and safe neighborhoods in Bucks County. Unfortunately, no place is immune from sexual assaults.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. While criminal proceedings can hold perpetrators accountable, civil actions provide a way for survivors to get justice and compensation.

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, our team of legal professionals is ready to handle your case. We understand the struggles that you have faced, and we want to make the path to justice easier for you.

Schedule a consultation with a Levittown sexual assault lawyer to see how we can assist with your civil claim. That meeting won’t cost you a thing.

How Civil Actions Differ from Criminal Cases

Unfortunately, sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in the United States, per the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Survivors of these incidents can seek justice through a civil lawsuit, along with a criminal trial.

Unlike a criminal trial, where the defendant can face punishment for their actions, a civil case allows survivors to be compensated for their injuries, losses, and other damages. With a lawsuit, you can get financial restitution from the person or entity that was negligent in their actions that led to an attack. These legal actions are another way to hold these parties responsible and to help victims get justice for the crime committed against them.

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We are always here to provide a free consultation to help you determine your legal options.

Can I File a Lawsuit?

Under these circumstances, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Like most of these cases, you will need to establish the following elements:

• Duty of care: The perpetrator owed you a duty not to cause harm.
• Breach of duty: The perpetrator breached this duty by committing sexual assault.
• Causation: There is a direct link between the assault and the physical, emotional, or financial that you suffered.
• Damages: You suffered losses from those damages.

Depending on your circumstance, you could be entitled to compensation, whether it is economic or noneconomic, for:

• Medical expenses
• Therapy costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life or loss of consortium

In rare cases, you could be awarded punitive damages. If the perpetrator’s conduct was particularly egregious, this type of compensation punishes the defendant and deters similar behavior.

Who May Be Held Liable in These Cases?

When it comes time to file a lawsuit, usually the first party named is the person who committed the criminal offense. However, in civil cases, you can name others who may have failed to prevent the assault. Most often, these parties can include:

• Churches and religious institutions: These institutions have a duty to protect their members. They can be held liable for their actions or inactions when they fail to do so.
• Schools and universities: Students should feel safe on school-related premises. These institutions can also be held accountable if an attack occurs at a sponsored event or on the school grounds.
• Employers: All employers need to take complaints seriously. When they fail in their duty to respond or take appropriate action, that is a liability issue.

Depending on the evidence, many more parties can be liable for any damages you have suffered. Make sure to contact a Levittown sexual assault lawyer to see who may be legally liable for your incident.

What You Can Expect During This Time?

We understand that you have had a traumatic experience. For that reason, it is important to know what to expect during this process. Here’s a breakdown of the civil legal process:

• Filing a complaint: The lawsuit is initiated by filing a complaint in civil court. This document details the allegations against the perpetrator and the requested compensation. This is served to the defendant. They will have an opportunity to respond.
• Discovery: During the discovery phase, both sides can gather evidence to support their case. The process includes conducting depositions, submitting written interrogatories, and requesting documents.
• Negotiation and settlement: Sometimes, going to trial is not viable. In these cases, both parties may start negotiating to reach a settlement. Often, this is the best possible option, as it allows a victim to avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial.
• Trial: However, challenges can persist. In these situations, the case proceeds to trial. The legal team for both sides will present evidence, call witnesses to testify, and argue their positions. A jury or judge will decide the outcome of the claim.

These cases can be difficult for sexual assault survivors, but they can help many to get the justice they deserve, no matter the outcome of a criminal trial. If you would like to talk to one of our compassionate attorneys, we’re here waiting to connect with you. So, contact Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan today.

Get the Compassionate Legal Help You Need

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we want to give you another avenue of hope. You have the right to seek financial damages from these individuals, and our team is ready to help.

With a free consultation with our Levittown sexual assault lawyer, you can discuss your options. Contact us to schedule a consultation.