Surviving molestation can be devastating, and long-lasting consequences of the abuse may linger for years—even a lifetime—after the abuse has ended. This can result in psychological damage, stress, loss of wages and a mountain of therapy bills after the fact. The attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can assist you if you need a molestation victim attorney in Hermosa Beach or anywhere else in the greater Los Angeles area. Even if you did not pursue criminal charges against the person who harmed you, you may be entitled to damages in a civil court case.
The purpose of the criminal court is to determine guilt or innocence and to penalize guilty parties with fines, imprisonment, probation and other punishments for the crimes they have been convicted (found guilty) of. However, a civil court’s purpose is to establish liability or negligence and to reward damages to the parties who are entitled to them. Many times, criminal behavior can result in damages, and these damages can be awarded by the civil court—even if the criminal behavior was never prosecuted in criminal court.
Molestation survivors can choose to file a civil suit whether or not they have filed criminal charges against their abusers. Victims can also choose to file both suits simultaneously. In criminal court, your abuser would be charged with specific offenses under the California Penal Code and if convicted, would be given penalties under the applicable sections of the PC. In civil court, your abuser could be held liable for the suffering you endured as a victim, and if third parties’ negligence or liability facilitated your abuse, these other parties could also be held responsible for damages against you in a civil suit. Damages are usually paid out in the form of monetary compensation, which is intended to help ease the financial burdens that surviving molestation can lead to.
A knowledgeable attorney can fight for you in court, helping to prove the liability and negligence of the offending parties that led to your pain and suffering. At Okabe and Haushalter, we understand that each case is as unique as the person seeking to file it, and we will review the details of your case and tailor a plan geared toward a civil courtroom victory together. We will strive to make your abuser take responsibility for their actions and get you the maximum award possible.
Contact the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter if you need a molestation victim attorney in Hermosa Beach. We can help you file a civil suit against your abuser so you can get justice for the hurt that you suffered. As a survivor, you may be qualified to receive monetary compensation for things like pain and suffering and loss of wages caused by your abuse. You don’t have to suffer alone anymore—we offer free consultations to all potential clients, so call today to learn more about your rights in the civil courtroom.
