South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Sexual assault and abuse continues to be a growing problem in every town and city across America, including in West Palm Beach, Florida. Victims of sexual assault are often left with physical and psychological damage that could last a lifetime.
Although many would disagree, it is possible for a woman to be found guilty for a sexual assault crime just as a man could. Whether the assault was committed against another female or male, the punishment is the same and the perpetrator could face harsh penalties and possible prison time, depending on the details of the situation. Oftentimes, a third-party is involved with a sexual assault case, which means you may need to file multiple sexual abuse claims against the at-fault parties.
This is why it is important to speak to a qualified attorney about a sexual abuse claim. Hiring a lawyer at the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers could help you hold the abuser(s) at-fault and seek the proper amount of compensation you may be justified to receive. If your claim has merit, you could recover funds to pay for medical care, including psychological assistive therapies, lost wages if you were unable to work due to the assault, pain and suffering associated with the crime, and any other financial losses related to the incident.
Read on to learn more about how women can be found guilty of sexually assaulting a man and some steps you could take to help strengthen your claim with the help of a knowledgeable attorney from our firm. Knowing your legal rights combined with taking these steps to preserve your claim, could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What is Considered Sexual Assault in Florida?
According to Florida law, sexual battery or assault can take many forms. Depending on the age of the victim, the punishment can vary in severity. For example, if the crime was committed by an adult against a minor, the penalties increase exponentially.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and every nine minutes, the victim is a child. If you need to report a sexual abuse crime against an adult or minor, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673) or you join a confidential online chat. You can also report sexual assault and abuse crimes to the Florida Department of Children and Families by calling their hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or you can fill out a free online web report.
Unfortunately, sexual assault and abuse can occur in almost any setting where people frequent. Many times the assault could happen within the victim’s home and the perpetrator is usually a family relative, friend or other caretaker. Sexual assault has also been known to occur at work, school, gyms, dance studios, churches, and other places of worship.
Whether the crime was committed by a male or female, if the victim did not give consent to perform any of the acts below, it could be considered as a sexual assault or abuse crime:
- Incest
- Intentionally exposing a minor to pornography
- Making verbal comments that have a sexual undertone to a minor
- Non-consensual touching or fondling
- Uninvited kissing
- Revealing or exposing genitalia
- Voyeurism and exhibitionism
- Making verbal, non-consensual sexual demands (especially being in a position of power, such as a law enforcement official, teacher, instructor, supervisor/manager, healthcare professional, or coach)
- Any sexual acts that are forced upon a man, woman or child, such as sexual harassment, assault, or rape
If you or someone you know was the victim of any of the above forms of sexual assault or abuse, financial compensation could be available to help alleviate the damages. If your claim is viable, you could be eligible for medical expenses, including mental health assistance, physical pain and emotional suffering you endured during the assault and while recovering, and loss of income if you were forced to miss work because of the assault.
What are the Penalties for Sexual Assault in Florida?
Whether the perpetrator is a male or female, the penalties for a sex crime in Florida could include hefty fines, prison time, felony charges, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. When someone is registered as a sex offender in Florida, it could be extremely difficult for them to find quality employment, housing, and personal relationships.
Depending on the severity of the crime and details of the situation, sexual assault perpetrators in Florida could face the following penalties:
- $10,000 in fines
- Minimum second-degree felony charge
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender
- 10-15 years imprisonment
It is important to understand that as the plaintiff, it is up to you with the help of your lawyer to provide clear and convincing evidence to support your sexual abuse claim. However, proving these types of cases can be extremely difficult without the help of a seasoned legal professional. Be sure to retain copies of any related medical reports and expenses, along with any other helpful evidence that may help prove your claim.
Dial (561) 800-8000 to Learn Your Rights to Seek Compensation
If you need legal advice on how to handle a sexual assault situation, contact the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today. We offer free, initial consultations and your information is kept completely private. There is no obligation to retain our legal services, so there is no risk in giving us a call today.
Our compassionate lawyers understand the physical and mental trauma that can be associated with a sexual assault crime. While it may be difficult and embarrassing to talk about, it is important to learn your rights to fight for the full and fair amount of compensation you may legally deserve. You may need these funds to recover from physical and psychological damages that may not become apparent until later in life.
The accomplished attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers have more than 600-plus, five-star reviews, so you can see how well we work with some of our past clientele. We have recovered over $100 million combined in successful verdicts and settlements on behalf of our past clients. Our experienced lawyers have more than four decades of combined legal experience, while handling more than 6,000 cases combined, which includes cases involving sexual assault and abuse crimes.
Let our knowledgeable staff guide you through these difficult times to help you hold at-fault parties accountable for your damages so that you can focus on your recovery. Whether you are a man or woman, there is no shame in fighting for your rights to seek compensation in a sexual assault case.
At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we never settle for less when fighting for justice. Call us any time at (561) 800-8000.