Compassionate Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Scranton, PA - For Survivors Of Sexual Assault

Advocates For Abuse Victims - Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Scranton, PA

At our Scranton, Pennsylvania law firm, we are dedicated to providing experienced and compassionate legal representation to survivors of sexual abuse. Our team of highly skilled attorneys understands the profound emotional and psychological impact of sexual abuse, and we are committed to helping survivors secure justice and the compensation they deserve.

As one of the most trusted sexual abuse law firms in Scranton, PA, we have built a strong reputation for aggressively advocating on behalf of our clients and ensuring their voices are heard in the legal process. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing you with the legal expertise and empathy you need during this difficult time.

Guy D'Andrea, Esq.

Sexual Assault Lawyer

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Understanding Sexual Abuse - Learn Your Right To File A Civil Lawsuit

Sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of non-consensual sexual acts, including rape, molestation, sexual assault, and harassment. Perpetrators can be acquaintances, family members, coworkers, or even strangers. Sexual abuse can cause severe emotional and psychological harm, with many survivors suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other long-term effects.

It is important to remember that sexual abuse is never the fault of the survivor. Our team of dedicated sexual abuse lawyers in Scranton, PA, is committed to holding abusers accountable and ensuring survivors receive the justice they deserve.

Types Of Sexual Abuse Cases Our Personal Injury Legal Team Handles

Sexual abuse can manifest in various forms, with each case being unique. Below are some common types of sexual abuse cases:

1. Child abuse: This involves any form of sexual act or form of abuse of children by an adult or an older child. Child sexual abuse can include molestation, grooming, incest, and child pornography.
2. Rape: Non-consensual sexual intercourse, committed through force, threats, or coercion, or when the victim is incapable of giving consent due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or intellectual disability.
3. Sexual assault: Non-consensual sexual contact or acts that do not involve penetration. This can include unwanted touching, groping, or fondling of a person's intimate parts.
4. Statutory rape: Sexual intercourse with a minor who is below the age of consent, regardless of whether the act was consensual or not.
5. Marital rape: Non-consensual sexual intercourse within a marriage, where one spouse forces the other to engage in sexual acts against their will.
6. Workplace sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that occurs in a work setting, creating a hostile work environment.
7. Online sexual harassment and cyberstalking: Unwanted and persistent sexual advances, explicit messages, or threats through digital platforms, such as social media, email, or messaging apps.
8. Sexual exploitation: Taking advantage of an individual's vulnerability for sexual purposes, which can include sex trafficking, forced prostitution, or the creation and distribution of non-consensual explicit indecent images or videos.
9. Elder sexual abuse: Sexual abuse targeted at older adults, often occurring in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or within the individual's home by caregivers, family members, or others in positions of trust.

These are just a few examples of the many forms sexual abuse can take. In each case, the impact on the victim may be traumatic, devastating, and long-lasting. It's essential to seek support from a qualified sexual abuse attorney who can help navigate the legal process and advocate for justice on behalf of the survivor. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation.

How We Help Victims Of Sexual Abuse Get Justice & Compensation

When you choose our PA sexual abuse lawyers to represent you, we will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our comprehensive legal services include:

Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your abuse, gather evidence, and identify all potential liable parties. This may involve obtaining medical records, police reports, witness statements, and other relevant documentation.

Legal Guidance: Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys will explain your legal rights and options, helping you make informed decisions throughout the process. We will also keep you updated on the progress of your case and answer any questions you may have.

Negotiation: In some cases, it may be possible to resolve your case through a negotiated settlement with the responsible parties or their insurance companies. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure a fair and just settlement on your behalf.

Trial Advocacy: If your case goes to trial, our sexual abuse lawyers will aggressively advocate for your interests in court. We will present a compelling case, using the evidence gathered during our investigation to demonstrate the extent of your suffering and the responsibility of the abusers and any other liable parties.

Financial Recovery: Our ultimate goal is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered. This may include compensation for punitive damages, medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your abuse.

Statute Of Limitations For Sexual Assault in PA

As of 2021. the statutes of limitations for sexual abuse and assault in Pennsylvania are as follows:

1. Criminal Statutes of Limitations:

• For most sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations for criminal prosecution if the offense is committed when the victim is under 18 years old.
• In cases where the victim is 18 years or older, the statute of limitations is generally 12 years from the time the crime was committed for major sexual offenses.

2. Civil Statutes of Limitations:

• For civil claims related to childhood sexual abuse, Pennsylvania law allows victims to file lawsuits until they reach the age of 30. This applies to both survivors who have experienced the abuse directly and those who have suffered losses due to the abuse of a loved one.
• In 2019, Pennsylvania extended the time limit for future victims of child sexual abuse, allowing them to file civil lawsuits until they reach the age of 55. However, this extension does not apply retroactively to past victims who have already reached the age of 30.
• For civil claims related to sexual abuse or assault of adults, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of the incident.

It's important to note that laws and regulations can change over time. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable sexual abuse and/or a child abuse attorney in Pennsylvania to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information on the statutes of limitations applicable to your specific case.

Local Resources For Survivors Of Sexual Abuse

There are several resources that may be available to help victims of abuse in Scranton and its surrounding areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. These organizations offer support, counseling, and assistance to survivors, ensuring they receive the help they need during a difficult time. Some of these resources include:

1. Women's Resource Center (WRC): The Women's Resource Center offers support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education.

Website: http://wrcnepa.org/ 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (570) 346-4671

2. The Victims Resource Center (VRC): The VRC provides comprehensive services to victims of crime, including sexual abuse and assault, in Luzerne, Carbon, and Wyoming counties. The center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, medical treatment and legal advocacy, and public education programs.

Website: https://vrcnepa.org/ 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-866-206-9050

3. Lackawanna County Victim/Witness Program: This program provides support and information to crime victims and witnesses in Lackawanna County. Services include crisis intervention, accompaniment to court hearings, assistance with filing for compensation, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

Phone: (570) 963-6717

4. National Sexual Assault Hotline: Operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the National Sexual Assault Hotline offers confidential support, information, and referrals to local resources for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.

Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Website: https://www.rainn.org/

Please note that the availability and contact information for these resources may change over time. It's essential to verify the information before reaching out for assistance. Additionally, a local sexual abuse attorney can help provide further guidance on local resources and support services in the Scranton, PA area.

Contact Our Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Law Firm - We Are Ready To Help

If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Pennsylvania has strict statutes of limitations for sexual abuse claims, including sexual abuse of a child, which means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. By contacting our experienced sexual abuse lawyers in the Scranton area, you can ensure that your case receives the attention and dedication it deserves.

We understand that coming forward as a survivor of sexual abuse takes immense courage, and we are here to support victims and their families throughout this process. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your story, provide you with the legal guidance you need, and work tirelessly to hold your offender accountable.

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our dedicated sexual abuse lawyers in the state of Pennsylvania, please call us or complete our online contact form. We are committed to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve for cases involving abuse, and we are prepared to stand by your side every step of the way.

Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons