Molestation is a crime in the state of California, and the damage done to the victims of this crime can be insidious. Although you may not have physical scars from your abuse, the trauma can remain with you for a lifetime after being victimized. Many survivors find themselves in need of long-term therapy to deal with trust issues or other dysfunction caused by being victimized, and those therapy bills can add up all too fast. If you have been molested and you are ready to pursue justice in the civil courtroom, contact a molestation victim attorney in Torrance at Okabe and Haushalter.
The duty of the criminal court is to establish who is guilty of a crime and dole out penalties accordingly. However, the duty of the civil court is to establish liability and negligence that resulted in damages. These damages can be physical—such as with injuries—or emotional—as with pain and suffering. The damages are evaluated in terms of their monetary value, and the party deemed responsible via liability or negligence is then asked to pay out the damages by the court.
A civil lawsuit does not have to be preceded by or accompanied by a criminal case. There are a variety of reasons that victims may choose to opt out of the criminal justice system, but that doesn’t mean that legal justice has to be denied to them. Whether or not you have filed or intend to file criminal charges against your abuser, you have the right to file a civil suit in order to seek out damages from the party responsible for your pain and suffering.
Many people who survive molestation have a difficult time resuming a normal life after being victimized. Even after extensive therapy sessions, the trauma can remain and lead to daily pain and suffering. It is not unheard of for victims to miss out on work or social activities after being abused, leading to loss of wages and reduced quality of life. Although no price tag can truly be placed on the sense of security and well-being you have lost, pursuing a civil case may entitle you to a cash award for the pain and suffering you have been forced to struggle with.
You do not have to continue to suffer alone. If you were abused and want to seek justice in the civil courtroom to bring closure to that dark chapter in your life, the experienced attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can help. Those who need a molestation victim attorney in Torrance or elsewhere in the greater Los Angeles area are urged to contact us for a free consultation. Our attorneys will strive to get you the maximum award possible in the civil court, and will keep you informed about your options every step of the way. Call now, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve as a molestation survivor.
