Valley Stream Sexual Assault Lawyer

If you were the victim of a sexual assault, you may want to hold your attacker responsible for the costs you face as a result of your emotional and physical trauma. An experienced Valley Stream sexual assault lawyer could help you move forward with your life through a personal injury action. A legal advocate could fight for your right to recover damages and seek justice for what you have gone through.

Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Under New York law, sexual assault is a civil tort claim. This means that if a person was sexually assaulted by another person, they can file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation. If a person was the victim of a sexual assault, they can seek redress from their attacker to hold them responsible for their actions.

In a successful civil lawsuit, the plaintiff can win compensation to cover:

  • Medical expenses and future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Lost wages and future income
  • Disability
  • Therapy and rehabilitation costs

A knowledgeable sexual assault attorney in Valley Stream could determine how much compensation a plaintiff is entitled to and help them recover that amount from the responsible party.

Negligent Parties in Sexual Assault Claims

Property owners in the area have an obligation to run their property in a way that protects visitors, residents, and guests. Property owners are expected to protect against foreseeable acts of violence in addition to other standard safety concerns.

Landlords often do this by hiring security guards, ensuring that parking lots have proper lighting, installing video cameras, and other methods. When property owners refuse to take actions like these to protect people on their property, they can be held responsible for their negligence in a claim for negligent security. A civil lawsuit can include not only the assaulter, but the property owner who helped create the conditions that led to the assault.

Employer Responsibility for Sexual Assault

If an employee was working when they were sexually assaulted, they could have a cause of action against their employer for the assault. Under state law, employers can be held responsible for these types of incidents, depending on the situation.

Employers are typically held liable when the assault occurred during the plaintiff’s employment, when it was committed by another employee or supervisor, or when the employer was negligent in some way that contributed to the assault. Every situation is different, so consulting a a Valley Stream lawyer who is experienced in sexual assault lawsuits could help determine the plaintiff’s rights.

Time Limits to File a Sexual Assault Claim

The amount of time that a person has to file a claim for sexual assault depends on the target of the lawsuit:

  • Attacker: One year from the date of the sexual assault.
  • Employer: Three years from the date of the sexual assault.
  • Property Owner: Within three years of the assault for a premises liability or negligent security claim.

Other specific time limits may be applicable to a plaintiff’s situation that could lengthen the periods listed above. However, a person who has been sexually assaulted should contact an attorney as soon as possible after their assault to ensure the best possible outcome in their lawsuit.

Contact a Valley Stream Sexual Assault Attorney

If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you have rights that deserve to be protected in and out of court. An experienced Valley Stream sexual assault lawyer could fight for the maximum damages you may be entitled to and help you achieve a sense of justice after your assault. Contact the firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about your legal options.

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