Buffalo Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our sexual abuse lawyers in Buffalo understand the stress and challenges you may be facing after sexual abuse. We can help you hold your abuser financially accountable for their actions.

At Morelli Law Firm, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients since our founding in 1998. Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers can help you get justice and compensation for the abuse you went through so you can begin healing.

What Acts Qualify as Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is most common among minors when there is a power imbalance between them and an adult. However, adults can be survivors of sexual abuse, too. Some of the most common forms of abuse include:

• Non-consensual sexual contact or penetration
• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Fondling or touching of genitals without consent
• Unwanted sexual advances
• Groping or grabbing in a sexual manner
• Sexual exploitation or coercion
• Child molestation
• Child pornography production or distribution
• Grooming of a child for sexual purposes

If you’ve suffered any of these acts, our sexual abuse attorneys in Buffalo can help you get justice and compensation for your pain. We offer a free consultation where we can help you understand what damages you’re entitled to. Keep in mind that these acts are not an exhaustive list and that if you suffered another form of abuse, you still may have a case.

How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

The deadlines for filing a sexual abuse claim can vary depending on when the abuse occured. If the abuse occured when you were a child, under New York’s Child Victims Act, you have until you are 55 years old to file a claim. 

However, it’s best to file your claim as soon as you’re able to. By filing a claim shortly after the abuse, your chances of increasing your compensation are higher.

If the abuse occured when you were older than 18, you have three years from when the abuse occured to file your claim. Deadlines for sexual abuse cases are not set in stone, so before filing a claim, you should talk to our team at Morelli Law Firm to ensure that you have the correct deadline for your specific case.

What Is the Legal Process for Sexual Abuse Cases?

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse seeking justice, it is important to understand the legal process involved in pursuing a sexual abuse case. While each case is unique, this is the typical process for a sexual abuse case:

Consultation with a Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The first step is to seek legal representation from a skilled Buffalo sexual abuse lawyer. During an initial consultation, you will discuss the details of your case, share any evidence or documentation you have, and provide a comprehensive account of the abuse you experienced. 

Our lawyers will evaluate the validity of your case, explain your legal rights and options, and guide you through the next steps. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions in your free consultation.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

After you agree to carry on with your case, our team will do an investigation where we gather relevant evidence to support your story. This may involve collecting medical records, obtaining witness statements, reviewing any available documents or photographs, and conducting interviews with relevant individuals. The goal is to build a strong case by establishing the credibility of your allegations.

Negotiations and Settlement Discussions

In many cases, negotiations and settlement discussions may take place with the defendant or their legal representatives. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and seek a fair and just settlement that compensates you for the damages you have suffered. This process may involve back-and-forth negotiations to resolve issues that are acceptable to all parties involved.

Resolution and Compensation

If we reach a settlement, the case will be resolved without going to trial. The terms of the settlement, including the amount of compensation, will be determined and documented. Your lawyer will ensure that your interests are protected and that the settlement adequately reflects the harm you have experienced.

It’s important to note that the legal process for sexual abuse cases can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of your case. Your lawyer will provide personalized guidance throughout the process, ensuring that you are well-informed and empowered to make decisions that are in your best interest.

What Compensation Can a Buffalo Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help You Recover?

If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, a skilled and compassionate sexual abuse lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for the damages you have suffered. While every case is unique, here are some types of compensation that a Buffalo sexual abuse lawyer can assist you in seeking:

Economic Damages

Economic damages aim to compensate you for the tangible financial losses you have incurred as a result of the sexual abuse. This can include:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatments, therapy sessions, medications, surgeries, and ongoing healthcare needs related to the abuse.
• Counseling and therapy: Reimbursement for the expenses associated with mental health counseling, therapy, and other necessary support services.
• Loss of income: Compensation for the income you may have lost due to the abuse, including missed work, decreased work productivity, or the need to leave a job as a result of the trauma.

We will work closely with you to thoroughly evaluate your economic losses and ensure that all relevant expenses are considered when seeking compensation.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological harm you have endured due to the sexual abuse. These damages reflect the intangible losses and suffering experienced and can include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, trauma, and distress you suffered due to the abuse.
• Emotional distress: Damages awarded for the psychological impact of the abuse, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health effects of sexual violence.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life, loss of happiness, and inability to engage in activities that were once enjoyed due to the effects of the abuse.

We will work diligently to understand the full extent of the emotional and psychological impact you have endured to seek appropriate compensation for your non-economic damages.

Contact Our Buffalo Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today

If you’ve been sexually abused at any point in your life, you may have the right to financial compensation, even if your abuser isn’t facing criminal charges. Our Buffalo sexual abuse attorneys at Morelli Law Firm can help you recover compensation for the pain you’ve endured.

Contact us for a free consultation.