Molestation is a crime in the state of California, and the damage done to the victims of this crime can last long after the abuse itself has ceased. The trauma of being victimized in this way can stay with you for a lifetime. Many survivors find that they need years of intensive therapy to cope with trust issues or other psychological trauma caused by what happened to them, and those therapy bills can cause major financial strain over time. If you have been molested and you are ready to open a civil case, contact a molestation victim attorney in Venice at Okabe and Haushalter. We have several locations throughout L.A. ready to serve you.
The purpose of the criminal court is to determine who is guilty of a given criminal offense and to sentence the guilty parties to the applicable penalties. However, the purpose of the civil court is to determine which parties were liable or negligent and caused damages in a given case. These damages can to property or to a person, including physical injuries and emotional suffering. The damages are assessed in a way that assigns a monetary value to them, with factors such as damaged property, lost wages, resultant medical bills, etc. is taking into consideration. Then, the responsible party (the person who was found liable or negligent in the case) is compelled by the court to pay out those damages in the form of cash.
You do not have to have filed criminal charges against your abuser in order to seek damages in civil court. A victim may choose to opt out of pursuing justice in the criminal court for many reasons, but that doesn’t mean that civil justice cannot be sought after. Regardless of whether or not you plan to file criminal charges, you have the right to file a lawsuit in the civil court over the pain and suffering you endured as a result of your abuse.
Many survivors face extreme challenges returning to normalcy after being harmed. Even with therapy, the suffering you experienced can lead to struggling with daily life. Security and confidence are priceless, but if you are experiencing financial strain, filing a civil suit could result in monetary compensation paid out to you in the form of damages.
If you were abused and want to take action in the civil courtroom, the skilled attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can assist you with your legal case. If you are in need of a molestation victim attorney in Venice or elsewhere in the greater Los Angeles area, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Our attorneys will work hard to get you the maximum award possible in the civil courtroom. Call now and let us show you why we are renowned for our courtroom excellence.
