Victims of sexual abuse can often suffer from long-term physical and psychological pain, as well as emotional suffering. When this type of abuse is sustained at the workplace, victims may have the right to not only hold the perpetrator liable, but also their employer responsible for the damages.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you may have the right to pursue compensation to pay for medical bills, psychological therapy, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Speaking to a qualified attorney is highly recommended so that he or she can help you seek the full compensation that you deserve for a swift recovery.
At the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our licensed attorneys take pride in protecting the rights of sexual abuse victims in the Pompano Beach area and throughout the state of Florida (by appointment only). Our aim is to help you hold negligent parties accountable for your damages. We offer a free initial consultation and all of your information is always kept completely confidential. There is no obligation to retain our services, so there is no risk in calling our firm today.
Below, we discuss the steps you should take if you suspect sexual abuse at the workplace and if you are a victim of sexual abuse. It is important to understand your legal rights in this type of situation and what you can do to protect the value of your claim.
What is Sexual Abuse?
Unwanted or inappropriate touching, molestation, sexual battery, and rape are just some forms of sexual abuse. Victims are often traumatized for the rest of their lives as they may never recover emotionally or psychologically. Perpetrators could be charged with multiple crimes, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Victims of sexual abuse can be from any age group or sexual orientation. Even if you are an adult who was sexually abused as a child, you may still be able to hold the at-fault party liable for your damages.
Unfortunately, victims of sexual abuse often suffer from a lifetime of physical and mental health issues, such as:
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Suicide attempts
Whether a child or adult has been victimized by sexual abuse in Florida, he or she may have the right to hold the abuser and possibly a third party liable for assault. Depending on where the abuse occurred, the third party could include any one of the following organizations:
- Your employer
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Churches
- Schools
- Dance studios
- Gyms
- Daycare centers
- Spas
- Massage parlors
Steps to Take Action
If you or someone you love was a victim of sexual abuse at the workplace, it is important to take these steps to ensure you are protected from further harm:
Step 1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you were injured or physically assaulted, it is important to seek an immediate medical examination from a healthcare professional. Seeking medical attention immediately after the assault keeps you safe from further harm and adds more validity to your claim. If you delay seeking medical treatment, your injuries could worsen, and it may be more difficult to prove your case.
Step 2. Report the Incident
After ensuring you are in a safe situation, it is crucial to report the incident to your employer and the police. You can also notify the Florida Department of Children and Families by calling their hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or you can fill out an online web report. If you were terminated by your employer because you reported a sexual abuse crime, you could be eligible for compensation to recover your losses. If you are worried about the abuser finding out about the report, Florida Statute 415.107 says all sexual abuse reports must be kept completely confidential.
Step 3. Preserve Evidence
As the plaintiff, it is up to you and your lawyer to provide evidence of the abuse to prove your claim. This could be in the form of medical reports, images of your injuries, video footage of the attack, or any ripped or torn clothing you were wearing when the abuse took place. Witness statements could also play a significant role in the outcome of your claim. Record the contact information of any possible witnesses and/or ask for permission to record a video statement with your phone.
Step 4. Avoid Social Media
To maintain the full value of your claim, try not to post anything regarding the incident on social media as it may hurt your case. If you post something controversial online, it could be held against you and your compensation could be reduced by the court.
Step 5. Contact a Lawyer You Can Trust
If your claim has merit, discussing your situation with a lawyer you can trust could help you learn your legal rights to pursue the compensation you need for a healthy recovery. Lawyers can communicate the details of your claim on your behalf to protect its value. Experienced lawyers know how to apply the appropriate laws so that they can accurately calculate your damages for you to pursue the correct amount of compensation you may deserve and make at-fault parties liable.
Learn Your Rights From a Reputable Attorney
Every human being in the United States has the right to be safe from sexual predators, especially while at the workplace. Individual perpetrators and employers who tolerate this behavior could be heavily penalized and held liable for significant amounts of compensation. Inquiring with a reputable attorney who has success working with these types of cases is highly recommended.
At the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our compassionate attorneys understand the difficulties sexual abuse victims and their families face on a daily basis. This is why we are here to help fight for your rights to seek legal compensation. Our firm has more than four decades of legal experience while recovering over $100,000,000 in successful verdicts and settlements.
If you have any questions, contact our firm anytime, 24/7, to discuss your claim in a no-cost initial consultation. You will not be required to hire us for legal representation and all of your information is kept private, so there is no risk in contacting us today.
Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers to learn your rights to seek legal compensation. Ph: (561) 800-8000.