At Beckett, we stand with survivors. April is Sexual Abuse Awareness month, and this month, like every month, we want to ensure that survivors know that Beckett is there for them. Our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers will be by your side throughout the process if you choose to pursue legal action after being sexually abused or assaulted.
What Can I Do?
As a survivor of sexual abuse, you have the right to make a complaint to the police against the person who sexually abused or assaulted you. This complaint can be made by calling your local police station or by making a complaint in person at the station. In Canada there is no time limit on when you can make a criminal complaint against the person who assaulted or abused you.
In addition to making a police complaint, you may also have the right to bring a lawsuit to seek compensation for the personal injuries that you have suffered as a result of the sexual assault or abuse. When sexual abuse is involved, there are some circumstances in which people or institutions other than the perpetrator may also be held legally responsible. For example, the employer of the abuser may be held responsible in certain cases.
In any case, it’s best to contact a lawyer to help determine if there is the opportunity to pursue a viable lawsuit. In Ontario, along with many other provinces and territories, there is no longer a time limit on when you can bring a lawsuit for injuries caused by a sexual assault or abuse. A lawyer can help you figure out the best way forward for your unique case.
How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
It’s important to note that the general purpose of a lawsuit is based upon getting the plaintiff back to the place they would have been in had the wrongdoing not been committed. While there is clearly no amount of compensation that could undo the damage and pain caused by a sexual assault, it’s important to understand the basic principle of trying to make a person whole again, at least so far as our system can achieve that goal.
In terms of the compensation available, the most common areas that survivors of sexual assault seek out include:
- - Pain and suffering
- - Future income loss
- - Diminution of earning capacity
- - Punitive damages
If you are a survivor of sexual assault or abuse and think that you may want to seek compensation, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help to outline the specific options that are available to you and the next steps to take for your unique situation. Our experienced team at Beckett includes compassionate lawyers who have the knowledge and expertise necessary to be by your side throughout your case and to help you find justice and healing.
If you're ready to take the next step, reach out to Beckett today. Visit our contact us form for a free case evaluation.
Published on April 11, 2022
