Fort Worth Sexual Abuse Lawyer

If you or your loved one have experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual violence, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® can help you hold the perpetrators accountable. Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Fort Worth can pursue your medical bills, lost wages, and more. 

We understand that financial recovery cannot remove your suffering or undo the harm done; however, you have a right to seek justice. Taking legal action may also help you access the treatment you need to recover. Our legal team can handle your case so you can focus on healing.  

Sexual Abuse Encompasses Many Non-consensual Activities

Sexual abuse encompasses more experiences than some people realize. According to Psychology Today, sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual activity, including unwanted touching, forced sexual acts, and rape. Furthermore, any sexual activity with a minor is child sexual abuse. 

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse of any kind, you have a right to seek justice, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our personal injury attorneys can handle your case while you focus on yourself. 

Sexual Abuse Is Prevalent in Texas

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is prevalent. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports that 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men experience sexual harassment or sexual assault during their lifetime. 

In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) received more than 18,000 reports of sexual assault in 2017. Additionally, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas served more than 68,000 child abuse survivors in 2021. 

Sexual Abuse Survivors Experience Physical and Psychological Injuries

Survivors of sexual abuse can suffer physical, mental, emotional, and financial difficulties due to what they have endured. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), survivors may experience a range of health consequences, including:

  • Depression
  • Flashbacks
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Panic attacks
  • Substance abuse problems
  • Sleep disorders
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation

Survivors of sexual abuse can also suffer physical injuries. If you have injuries caused by sexual violence, seek medical treatment. For more information and resources for survivors, contact RAINN’s confidential, 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673. You can also reach RAINN through online chat at online.rainn.org.

Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys Will Fight for the Recovery You Deserve

Sexual abuse, assault, and violence are illegal under Texas law. Survivors of abuse can also take civil action against their abuser and those who aided or allowed their wrongful acts. Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Fort Worth can assist you with an insurance claim or lawsuit and fight for fair recovery for your losses. Awards may include:

  • Medical expenses. You should not have to pay for medical bills stemming from sexual abuse. Our lawyers can help you recover awards to pay for past and future medical needs, including emergency transportation and treatment, medical procedures, testing, doctor visits, specialist services, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and mental health care. 
  • Pain and suffering. We can pursue losses related to your physical and psychological pain and suffering. Pain and suffering may include financial recovery for depression, stress, anxiety, chronic health problems, permanent or disabling injuries, scarring, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. 
  • Lost wages. Physical injuries and mental health problems caused by sexual abuse can result in time lost at work. We can recover your back pay, including lost bonuses, tips, and benefits. In addition, we can seek awards for the loss of your earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or cause you to reduce your hours or leave the workforce.

Texas’s Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations

In general, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Texas is two years. However, Texas law allows adult survivors of sexual assault or sexual trafficking up to five years to take civil action. 

The law allows an even longer window for survivors of child sexual abuse. According to Child USA, child sexual abuse survivors rarely disclose abuse while it is happening. The delay in reporting is due to various factors, including lack of knowledge about what they are experiencing, inability to communicate about abuse, and feelings of fear, shame, confusion, and embarrassment. 

Increased understanding of the challenges in reporting child sexual abuse, even years into adulthood, has led many states to extend the statute of limitations for minors who suffered sexual abuse. In 2019, Texas updated its laws to allow child sexual abuse survivors up to 30 years from when the abuse occurred to pursue a case in civil court. 

How Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys Serving Fort Worth Can Help

We do not want your case to put you under worse stress or lead to further suffering. Let us handle your legal issues so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Our sexual abuse lawyers can help:

  • Hold perpetrators accountable. We can seek awards from your abuser or the business or institution that abetted their actions. Liable parties may include employers, teachers, religious leaders and churches, health care providers and medical facilities, colleges, universities, local, state, and federal government agencies, and anyone else who harmed you or allowed abuse to occur. 
  • Collect evidence. Our legal team will investigate your case and gather available evidence, which may include medical records, police reports, physical data, photographs and video, witness statements, and expert testimony. We will also obtain proof of your losses, including bills, receipts, and other expense records. 
  • Be your voice. We will be your advocate and aggressively represent you and your best interests. Letting us handle your case-related emails, phone calls, and meetings can save you from giving multiple statements and protect you from interactions with opposing parties. Additionally, we will fight during negotiations to achieve the most advantageous outcome possible for your case. However, we are not afraid to go to trial if necessary.

Miller & Associates, PLLC®

Miller & Associates, PLLC® has advocated for personal injury clients since 2002. Our Texas attorneys assist survivors of sexual abuse, assault, violence, harassment, and trafficking in Fort Worth and across Texas. We know what it takes to hold perpetrators accountable while serving clients and their families with professionalism, compassion, and respect. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you seek justice and secure financial recovery. A member of our team is available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. Our sexual abuse lawyers serving Fort Worth are ready to help.