According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual abuse leaves lasting impacts on a victim’s life, often for years after the incident took place. If you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse, it may be possible to hold the perpetrator responsible. A sexual abuse lawyer may handle your case so that you can focus on your recovery. We can listen to the details of what happened to you or your loved one and answer any questions that you may have about the process of filing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit.
Understanding Your Legal Options After Sexual Abuse
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we understand that coming forward after experiencing sexual abuse takes immense courage. We are here to listen, to believe you, and to fight for the justice you deserve. Every survivor’s story is unique, and while no two cases are the same, there are certain legal factors that help determine how we may be able to assist you.
If you are considering legal action, the following guidelines may help clarify whether we can pursue a claim on your behalf:
- Abuse Within an Organization or Institution
We focus on cases where the abuse occurred within an institution or organization —such as a church, school, hospital, or similar setting—where the abuser used their role or position of authority to gain access to and harm the victim.
Please know: We are unable to assist with cases where the perpetrator was a family member, family friend, or neighbor, or where the abuse occurred within a workplace setting. - Survivors Who Are Currently Minors
If you are under the age of 18 today, we may be able to pursue your case no matter when or where the abuse occurred. Protecting young survivors is a priority, and we encourage you or your trusted advocate to reach out. - Adults Abused as Children
If the abuse happened during your childhood but you are now an adult, we will carefully review your situation. Your ability to file a claim may depend on the laws in your state, including the statute of limitations. We approach these cases with care, respect, and attention to your individual circumstances. - Adults Abused as Adults
If the abuse occurred while you were an adult, the timeframe for filing a claim is often limited. In most states, legal action must be taken within a specific period (commonly two years from the date of the incident), though exceptions may apply. - Childhood Physical Abuse
If you experienced physical abuse (rather than sexual abuse) as a child, the law generally allows you two years after turning 18 to pursue a claim. - Single or Repeated Incidents of Sexual Misconduct
If you experienced a single incident of sexual misconduct as an adult—such as inappropriate touching or groping—the conduct must have involved direct contact beneath clothing to meet legal criteria for a claim. If the misconduct happened multiple times or was part of a pattern, your case may still be eligible.
We know that no checklist can capture the full weight of what you’ve been through. If you are unsure whether your experience meets these guidelines, we invite you to contact us for a private, compassionate, and confidential conversation. You are not alone—and we are here to help you explore your legal options when you’re ready.
Consult D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 to determine your legal options.
Types of Sexual Abuse
Not all sexual abuse cases are the same. Some types of sexual abuse cases include:
- Sexual assault
- Intimate partner sexual violence
- Child sexual abuse
- Incest
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Elder sexual abuse
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault
Other types of sexual abuse are possible. If you experienced a form of sexual abuse not included on this list, you could still have a legal case. You have a right to seek legal recourse with a sexual abuse lawyer.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sometimes, victims of sexual abuse do not initially come forward to disclose what happened to them. This can be an especially difficult admission from young children. Some signs of sexual abuse to look out for are:
- Bruises
- Scars
- Chafing
- Bite marks
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- Rectal bleeding
- Anal tears
- Anal dilation
- STD symptoms
- Behavioral changes or regression
- Fear of being alone or being touched
- Excessive genital play
- Self-mutilation
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tantrums
- Irritability
This list highlights just some of the signs of sexual abuse; however, trauma can manifest in different ways. If your loved one or child exhibits strange behaviors or signs, it is a good idea to discuss any concerns that you may have with their doctor.
Understanding Your Rights
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) defines the difference between rape and sexual assault. No matter what you call what happened to you, you have the right to live your life free of sexual abuse. Depending on the nature of the case, you may qualify for recovery for a variety of losses stemming from your abuse. You can discuss the best options for your case with your sexual abuse lawyer.
Steps to Take After Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse, the most important step that you can take after being sexually abused is to disclose what happened and file a police report. Be sure to request of rape kit if the event took place within the last few days. Any evidence, such as DNA found in the rape kit, can be used later in the course of a legal trial. Even if you are not sure that you want to press charges against the person responsible, you will never have the ability to retrieve this DNA again.
Additionally, you may need to seek medical attention. Sometimes sexual abuse does not include rape. Talking with your doctor or law enforcement about other signs of sexual abuse that could be prevalent or filing a report could get the process of investigation started. They can be uncomfortable to disclose what happened to you, but all of these steps create evidence and support your case.
After talking to the appropriate authorities or soon after the incident occurred, you can contact a sexual abuse lawyer to discuss possible actions of recourse. In some cases, you do not need to make a decision about filing a civil case right away; however, it can be helpful to know what options are available to you and to start the process of evidence collection before too much time passes.
Sexual abuse can have a significant impact on your life. Even if you have yet to experience the full extent of your injuries and trauma, you may later decide that you wished that you took action. Taking these steps preserves your choice. It does not necessarily force you to make a decision before you are ready.
Potential Recovery
In addition to potential criminal charges, you could receive recovery from your civil sexual assault case. Some applicable losses may include:
- Hospitals stays
- Cognitive therapy
- Medication
- Ongoing medical needs
- Pain and suffering
Every sexual abuse case is different. The types of recovery that you might be entitled to will vary based on the details of your case. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600 to discuss what types of recovery could be possible.
If you have any questions about how the statute of limitations applies in your specific case or about other aspects of your case, you can discuss your questions with a sexual abuse lawyer. Statutes of limitation for sexual abuse cases, especially those involving children, often provide a much longer period of time for victims to file lawsuits.
Contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ for Legal Help
If you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse, it might be time to seek the support of a sexual abuse lawyer to see what options are available in terms of a civil case. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ at (713) 850-8600. We can discuss what happened to you and help you handle your legal case while you can focus on your recovery.
