If you experienced sexual assault in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you may be facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges in the aftermath. When you are ready to explore your legal options, Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to help. Contact us at (717) 616-2954 for a free, confidential consultation with a Lancaster sexual assault lawyer.
Our attorneys can explain your rights and help you determine whether you may have a civil claim against the person who harmed you or another party that may share responsibility. We can handle the legal process on your behalf while treating your case with the privacy, care, and respect it deserves.
How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After a Sexual Assault in Lancaster, PA
Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault can take a serious toll on you, and the last thing you should have to worry about is handling a complicated legal claim. Marzzacco Niven & Associates has over 120 years of combined experience helping injury victims in Lancaster, PA. Our team is ready to handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
A Lancaster personal injury lawyer from our team can help by:
- Investigating the details of your assault
- Identifying all potential defendants who may have liability
- Assessing any available insurance coverage
- Evaluating your damages and the value of your claim
- Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Negotiating for a settlement that accounts for your losses
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to a jury when necessary
Your time to file a claim after a sexual assault may be limited. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Lancaster sexual assault attorney.
Overview of Civil Claims After a Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults are a little different from some other types of personal injury claims. A sexual assault is not an accident. Instead, someone’s intentional conduct was involved. This means that you can hold your assailant responsible for your injuries.
A civil claim is separate from any criminal case that may be brought against the assailant. Its purpose is to seek compensation for the harm and losses you suffered.
However, many assailants lack the financial means to compensate you for your injuries. The good news is that other parties may face liability. If someone else’s negligence led to your assault, then they may be held responsible. This is common in cases involving premises liability or negligent security.
How Can Negligence Lead to Liability for a Sexual Assault?
Holding another party responsible for negligence usually requires showing:
- Duty of care: The defendant was legally required to act in a manner to keep you reasonably safe.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold the accepted standard of care. Essentially, they did not act as a reasonable person would under the circumstances.
- Causation: Your injuries were both a direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s actions or inactions.
- Damages: You suffered some actual damages, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, or more.
Each of these elements must be supported by evidence before another party can be held responsible for negligence.
What Types of Damages Can Victims of Sexual Assault Recover?
Victims of sexual assault may experience many types of damages. Thankfully, victims may be entitled to recover the full amount of their losses, including both economic and non-economic damages.
This includes things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Counseling or mental health services
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The non-economic damages in these cases can be significant because of the severe emotional and psychological effects a sexual assault can have on a victim. At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we can help put an accurate value on your claim in order to pursue the compensation available to you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law sets specific deadlines for civil claims arising from sexual assault. Under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, the amount of time available to file a lawsuit can depend on several factors, including the victim’s age when the assault occurred. This means the filing deadline is not necessarily the same for every sexual assault claim.
Because different deadlines may apply depending on the circumstances, it is important to determine the time limit that applies to your specific case. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your situation and help you take legal action before the applicable deadline expires.
Contact Our Lancaster Sexual Assault Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault in Lancaster, PA, contact the experienced team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates today. We will stand up for your rights and help you recover the compensation you are owed.
While money cannot undo what happened, it can help ease some of the financial stress of this terrible situation. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster sexual assault attorney and get started.