Have you been the victim of a sexual assault in Lebanon, Pennsylvania? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other losses. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at (717) 995-8963 to schedule a free consultation with a Lebanon sexual assault lawyer today.
We have over 120 years of combined experience in personal injury law, and our compassionate team is ready to help you through every step of the claims process. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for innocent victims, and we are dedicated to helping victims pursue accountability and compensation through the civil justice system.
How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help After a Sexual Assault in Lebanon, PA?
Victims of sexual assaults are often left feeling afraid and confused. Not only do some victims suffer severe physical injuries, but the emotional effects can last for a lifetime. You have a right to hold the responsible party accountable, but many victims are unsure of where to even start.
Thankfully, the team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and pursue accountability and compensation from the parties responsible for your harm.
If you hire us, our experienced Lebanon personal injury lawyers will:
- Investigate the details of your assault
- Identify all potential defendants who may have liability
- Assess all available insurance coverage and sources of compensation
- Gather evidence to prove your claim
- Obtain copies of police reports and arrest records related to your assault
- Negotiate aggressively for a favorable settlement
- File a lawsuit and take your case to a jury when necessary
You should not be left to deal with the devastating consequences of a sexual assault on your own. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lebanon sexual assault attorney who is ready to help.
Overview of Sexual Assault Personal Injury Claims
Sexual assault personal injury claims are based on intentional misconduct rather than ordinary carelessness. In these cases, the focus is often on whether the defendant intentionally caused harmful or offensive sexual contact without the victim’s consent.
A civil sexual assault claim may require evidence showing that:
- The defendant intended to sexually assault the plaintiff
- Harmful or offensive sexual contact occurred without the plaintiff’s consent
Evidence such as witness statements, medical records, reports to law enforcement, and communications between the parties may help support these claims.
Can Other Parties Be Liable for a Sexual Assault?
In some cases, a third party may also be held liable if its negligence contributed to the assault. For example, a business, property owner, or manager may face liability if it failed to take reasonable security measures despite knowing about prior similar incidents or foreseeable risks.
Potentially liable third parties may include:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Apartment complexes
- Landlords and property managers
- Shopping malls
Liability in these cases depends on the facts, including what the third party knew, what safety measures were in place, and whether reasonable precautions could have prevented the assault.
For example, suppose a nightclub knew about similar assaults in its parking lot but failed to improve lighting or provide security. If someone is assaulted in that parking lot, the business may be held responsible if its security failures contributed to the harm.
What Types of Damages Can Victims of Sexual Assault Recover in Pennsylvania?
Victims of sexual assault may recover the same types of damages as other personal injury victims. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate victims for their monetary losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Future reduced earning capacity
Non-economic damages provide compensation for your physical and emotional trauma, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Sexual assault claims often have non-economic damages that are worth far more than the economic losses in the case.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we will perform a thorough review of your medical records along with the other available evidence to determine all the damages that may be available in your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
The deadline for filing a sexual assault lawsuit in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, including the age of the victim at the time of the assault, when the misconduct occurred, and the specific claims being asserted. Pennsylvania law provides different filing deadlines for certain sexual assault and sexual abuse claims, and recent legislative changes have expanded the time available for some survivors to pursue civil actions.
Because these deadlines can be complex and highly fact-specific, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your situation, determine which filing deadlines apply, and help protect your right to seek compensation.
Contact Our Lebanon Sexual Assault Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault in Lebanon, PA, contact the experienced team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates today. Our caring and compassionate team will be with you every step of the way, and we will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you are owed.
Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Lebanon sexual assault attorney and let us go to work for you.