Columbus Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer

A Columbus childhood sexual abuse lawyer at The Fitch Law Firm LLC is ready to explore your legal options if you have suffered from sexual abuse during your childhood. 

With our firm on your side, you can hold the liable party accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Although no amount of compensation will change what you have been through, it may ease some of your financial burdens. We offer free case reviews where you can meet our team and explore your options at no obligation. A Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer can provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Childhood Sexual Abuse in Columbus

Childhood sexual abuse has become a silent epidemic in the U.S. It occurs in homes, churches, hospitals, and more. Sexual abuse of children is tragically common; one out of every three girls and one out of every eight boys will be sexually abused by age 18. Of these incidents, 80 to 90 percent are committed by a family member or close family friend.

Perpetrators typically begin to abuse a child by gaining his or her trust and that of the parents. The offender may then gradually behave in increasingly inappropriate ways around the child. This can include sexual jokes, exposure to pornography, “accidental” physical touching, back rubs, hugging, and other means. If the child does not know that these activities are inappropriate, the offender may continue to escalate into abuse. 

Perpetrators purposely seek out victims who are young and unlikely to defend themselves or tell an authority figure. However, a child who is well-informed and able to resist may be able to prevent abuse from occurring.

What to Do When You Discover Childhood Sexual Abuse

If a child you know has been sexually abused, it is crucial to obtain medical treatment and possibly obtain DNA evidence of the perpetrator. Sometimes, abuse does not leave a physical trace or cause physical injuries, such as bruises. If you suspect that a child is being abused by a parent, family member, church official, educator, or anyone else, it is imperative that you contact the authorities to investigate.

The Impact Sexual Abuse Has on Children

Sexually abused children face lifelong psychological problems related to the violations committed in their childhood. Sometimes, they block out the memories due to the trauma, and it takes years before they remember. Counseling is an important step in overcoming the extreme trauma and pain caused by childhood sexual abuse.

The most important step in stopping this horrific epidemic is to stop abuse before it starts. Make sure that children are taken care of by trustworthy family members or caregivers. Check in with children, especially if you see any signs of physical abuse. If a child confides in you about possible sexual abuse, make sure the child is safe, and call the police immediately.

Your Civil Case Is Different Than the Criminal Case Against the Abuser

Childhood sexual abuse claims are much different from criminal charges the abuser may be facing. For example: 

• In criminal court, the state’s prosecuting attorney will be responsible for filing criminal charges against the person (or persons) responsible for committing the abuse. 
• If the prosecuting attorney is successful, they will prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury convicts, the defendant will face criminal penalties, including prison time, registration as a sex offender, fines, and other consequences.

But your civil childhood sexual abuse claim is different. With help from a childhood sexual abuse lawyer in Columbus, you can pursue compensation from your abuser and those responsible for facilitating the abuse. Your attorney will need to prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence if you hope to secure a favorable outcome in your case. 

This means that evidence must show that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for the sexual abuse you endured. If your lawyer wins at trial, the liable party could be compelled to compensate you for your damages in their entirety.

How Long do You Have to File Your Lawsuit?

Your case’s filing deadline will depend on: 

• The age when the abuse occurred 
• How old you are now 
• How many instances of sexual abuse there were 
• The types of abuse you endured 
• When you discovered the abuse 

When you partner with our injury firm, we can evaluate your situation and determine how long you have to act. Even if several years have passed between now and the sexual abuse, we may sill be able to help. 

Compensation Should Account for Each of Your Injury-Related Losses

With our team’s help, you could recover everything you need to move forward with your life. We’re ready to seek: 

• The cost of your necessary healthcare expenses, including mental health counseling 
• The time you missed from work to focus on your well-being 
• Pain and suffering and inconvenience 
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium 

We will assert your losses’ cost by reviewing your medical bills and other financial records. When determining what you’re owed for pain and suffering, we will listen to your story and consult with sexual assault advocates and psychologists. 

We Secured One of the Highest Sexual Abuse Verdicts in Ohio History

The Fitch Law Firm LLC has more than 30 years of legal experience we’re ready to put to work for you. During that time, we’ve recovered millions for injured claimants. We resolved one case through one of the biggest sexual abuse verdicts in Ohio history. 

Here’s what happened: 

• Our client came to us after she had suffered sexual abuse between the ages of 11 and 12 years old. 
• The trauma of the abuse set her on the path to substance abuse, homelessness, and suicidal ideation.

We’re ready to secure everything you need. You can learn more about your case’s potential during your free case review. 

Get Help from a Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Columbus Today

If you were abused as a child or know a child who has been sexually abused, contact an experienced attorney who can review your case and advise you on whether to pursue legal action. For a free consultation, call The Fitch Law Firm LLC now.