Sexual abuse has consequences that impact survivors for the rest of their lives. Many find it hard to find peace and suffer persistent physical and mental health issues, even if they do not remember the abuse.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, seeking acknowledgment of and compensation for it can be an important step in your recovery. Contact the Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group for help. These attorneys will help you hold your abuser and the institution that enabled them accountable for the harm they caused.
Unfortunately, people in positions of authority and trust often use their power to exploit others for sexual gratification, and Massachusetts has been the site of many of these cases.
For instance, the Catholic Church has settled hundreds of cases related to the sexual abuse of children by priests. Additionally, there are several active cases involving survivors who accuse various doctors of sexual assault while allegedly conducting medical exams. Moreover, several hundred claims of sexual misconduct against Boy Scout leaders have been filed in the state.
When sexual abuse occurs at a school, church, camp, or medical facility, the business or organization running the facility may be liable to compensate the survivor. Institutions are obligated to screen employees and volunteers, supervise their work, and respond quickly and effectively to complaints of misconduct. The Phillips Law Group attorneys in Massachusetts will investigate any sexual abuse claims to identify institutions that failed in their duty to protect the survivor.
It is common for sexual abuse survivors to take many years to process their experiences. Unfortunately, a law known as the statute of limitations restricts the time frame for filing lawsuits, which can leave survivors who are ready to seek justice without a legal remedy.
According to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 260 § 4C, the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits is 35 years when the claimant seeks compensation for sexual abuse that occurred when they were under 18. If a survivor discovers that a physical or emotional injury is the result of sexual abuse, they have seven years from the date of discovery to file a lawsuit, regardless of their age.
However, if the survivor was 18 or older when the abuse occurred, the time frame for legal action is much shorter. An adult must file a lawsuit seeking compensation within three years of the incident or three years of the most recent incident if the abuse occurred on multiple occasions. An adult survivor of sexual abuse must contact a Massachusetts attorney as quickly as possible to preserve their legal rights.
A lawsuit is intended to make the claimant whole, meaning it should put them in the same position they would have been in if the event had never happened. While in cases of sexual abuse the damage cannot be undone, financial compensation can provide survivors with access to needed services and give them a sense of agency and justice.
Survivors are entitled to reimbursement of the financial losses they suffered due to the abuse. This includes medical expenses and mental health treatment. It also includes a sum in recognition of their reduced earning capacity due to the impact of the abuse on their ability to perform at school and work.
A Massachusetts attorney will help survivors calculate the financial impact the sexual abuse has had on their lives and will work to obtain a just recompense. If negotiations do not produce the desired result, litigating the case may be an appropriate option. However, the decision to take a case to trial always rests with the survivor.
If you are ready to demand accountability for the sexual abuse you experienced, work with trauma-informed attorneys who will prioritize your well-being. The Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group offer sensitive and empowering legal representation to survivors.
Contact the team to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options as a survivor of sexual abuse. They are eager to help you receive justice.
Phillips Law Group
N/a
Available 24/7 
