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Molestation Claims
Florida Child Molestation Victim Compensation
Our Florida victim’s rights attorneys have represented countless victims of child molestation in civil claims for compensation. If your child was molested by a day care worker, or by a neighbor, teacher, pastor, or anyone else, you may be able to file a civil claim in addition to a criminal case. Feel free to call us anytime at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation. We handle Florida civil child molestation claims throughout the entire state of Florida, whether it happened in Key West, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Pensacola or in between.
It is impossible for a person to argue that a child consented to sexual activity because, in the eyes of the law, children are unable to consent to sexual activity. Florida courts take sexual offenses involving minors very seriously, and people who are convicted of these offenses can expect to end up facing very strict penalties, including life imprisonment. The state of Florida has also created legislation that eliminates the statute of limitations related to both civil and criminal actions relating to sexual battery against a child.
One type of civil action initiated against individuals who have molested others is a suit for compensation for the numerous types of damages often faced by sexual abuse survivors. To help obtain compensation when a child is molested, our office focuses on the crime itself. Our experienced Florida crime victim rights lawyers look to see whether the incident was preventable, and seek to hold those who contributed or could have prevent.
What Constitutes Molestation?
Molestation affects two groups of individuals:
- Children: Child Protective Services reports that it finds evidence to support a child molestation claim every eight minutes, which equates to over 63,000 children being subject to molestation each year. Unfortunately, a large number of these cases involve children who are molested by family members. Sometimes, this category includes other adults who the children knows and trusts, including coaches, counselors, teachers, and religious leaders.
- Adults: A number of adults also end up being the victims of molestation. This category includes patients who are sexually abused by medical professionals, as well as elderly individuals who are subject to sexual abuse while at nursing homes or receiving care.
The Reason Why Compensation Exists
Many children who have been subject to molestation experience difficulties in adapting and growing; this can cause social, academic, and behavior problems long-term. Unfortunately, a large number of sexual abuse survivors, both adults and children, end up facing mental illnesses including anxiety, addiction, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In order to help those who are victims of molestation move forward with their lives, financial compensation may be available.
Types of Molestation Claims We Handle
- Apartment/complex/neighbor molestation: We have represented numerous children who were molested in apartment complexes or other types of communities.
- Church of God: Our law firm has represented numerous sexual abuse survivors who were molested as children under the Church of God local chapters. In these situations, the question is whether the events were foreseeable and preventable.
- Church molestation: Our Florida molestation victim lawyers have handled numerous cases against churches where a child was molested by a religious worker.
- Daycare molestation: Our lawyers have represented numerous children who were molested at daycare centers by workers.
- Mall molestation: Following molestation in a mall bathroom, our lawyers have helped sexual abuse survivors pursue claims against malls.
- Patient molestation: We have represented patients at numerous hospital and other types of medical facilities who were subject to molestation or sexual assault while coming out of anesthesia.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney
Our Florida child molestation victim’s rights law firm is dedicated to eradicating the occurrence of molestation and other acts of child sexual abuse. We focus on providing victims with the justice, remedies, and options possible to obtain compensation. Contact our law office today to schedule an initial free consultation. We are open late and weekends to help with your case.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you recover compensation for the incident. Otherwise, we waive all attorneys’ fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Child Molestation Victim Lawyers
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Has Been Molested in Florida?
If you suspect your child has been molested, ensure their immediate safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Report the abuse to local law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) at 1-800-962-2873. Speak with a Florida child molestation victim lawyer to understand your legal options and how to protect your child’s rights.
Can I Sue for Child Molestation in Florida?
Yes, victims of child molestation and their families may have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and any institution that allowed the abuse to occur. This may include schools, churches, daycares, sports organizations, or other entities that failed to protect children from known risks. A Florida child molestation victim lawyer can help determine your legal options and pursue compensation for the harm caused.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Child Molestation Case?
Liability in child molestation cases may extend beyond the perpetrator. Institutions such as schools, religious organizations, foster care agencies, daycare centers, sports leagues, and youth organizations can be held accountable if they failed to properly screen employees, ignored warning signs, or failed to report known abuse. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances and hold all responsible parties accountable.
What Compensation Can a Child Molestation Victim Receive?
Victims of child molestation may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, therapy and counseling, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages against those responsible. A civil lawsuit can help secure resources for long-term healing and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Child Molestation Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law provides extended time limits for survivors of child molestation to file lawsuits. Under Florida’s statute of limitations, victims may sometimes bring civil claims at any time if the abuse occurred when they were under 16 years old. However, legal deadlines can vary depending on specific circumstances. Consulting an experienced Florida child molestation victim lawyer can help determine the applicable time limits in your case.
Can a Child Testify in a Molestation Lawsuit?
While child victims may provide testimony, Florida courts take special precautions to minimize additional trauma. A child molestation victim lawyer can help ensure the legal process is handled with sensitivity, using alternative methods such as recorded testimony, closed-court hearings, or expert witnesses to support the case without further distressing the child.
What If the Perpetrator Was Never Criminally Charged?
A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit for child molestation. Even if charges were never filed or the perpetrator was acquitted, victims can still pursue a civil case, which has a lower burden of proof. A skilled Florida attorney can help build a strong case based on evidence, witness testimony, and institutional failures that allowed the abuse to occur.
How Can a Florida Child Molestation Lawyer Help My Family?
A Florida child molestation victim lawyer can investigate the abuse, gather evidence, hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable, and pursue financial compensation to support the victim’s healing. They can also work to help ensure future protections, preventing similar harm to other children.
Can Schools and Daycares Be Held Liable for Child Molestation?
Yes, if a school, daycare, or other childcare facility failed to properly screen employees, ignored complaints, or failed to take action to prevent known risks, they may be held liable for negligence. If a teacher, coach, or staff member molested a child, the institution that employed them may share responsibility for the abuse.
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Lawsuit for Child Molestation?
A criminal case is brought by the state to prosecute the perpetrator, potentially leading to jail time. A civil lawsuit is filed by the victim or their family to seek financial compensation for damages. Even if a criminal conviction is not secured, a civil lawsuit can still provide justice and financial support for the victim.
Can a Church Be Sued for Child Molestation in Florida?
Yes, religious organizations have been held accountable in cases where clergy or staff members abused children. If a church failed to prevent abuse or covered up allegations, a church molestation lawsuit may be filed against the institution. An attorney can investigate whether the church acted negligently in allowing the abuse to occur.
How Long Does a Child Molestation Civil Case Take in Florida?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, available evidence, and whether the defendant agrees to a settlement or takes the case to trial. Some cases resolve within months, while others take years. A Florida child molestation lawyer can help guide your family through the process with as little distress as possible.
Can I File a Lawsuit If the Abuser Was a Family Member?
Yes, lawsuits can be filed against family members who committed abuse, especially if the abuse resulted in severe emotional and psychological harm. Victims may also be able to file claims against institutions or agencies that failed to intervene or protect them. Insurance may still cover claims under certain circumstances.
How Can I Get Help If My Child Was Molested in Florida?
If your child has been a victim of molestation, seeking justice and support is critical. A Florida child molestation victim lawyer can provide legal guidance, emotional support resources, and aggressive representation against those responsible. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can help ensure your child’s rights are protected.