Even if you can’t remember all the details after being sexually abused, you may still get justice. A personal injury lawyer may not need all the details of your abuse. Rather, they may only need specific types of evidence.
Regardless of any criminal proceedings in your case, you can pursue justice through your state’s civil courts. An attorney from our firm can lead your case.
Is It Common for Abuse Survivors to Forget Details of Their Abuse?
The journal Frontiers in Psychology notes that memory deficits commonly occur among survivors of sexual abuse. You may not remember all the details of your sexual abuse for several reasons, including:
- The time when the abuse happened: You may be able to seek justice for sexual abuse that happened years ago. Survivors may not immediately seek justice for various reasons—confusion, conflicting emotions toward the perpetrator, feelings of intimidation, or other reasons. As time passes, details of the abuse may fade, but you still have the right to pursue justice for the harm you’ve experienced.
- The brain’s tendency to repress trauma: The Harvard Gazette explains that the brain may actively suppress painful memories like abuse. This defense mechanism could contribute to unclear memories of your sexual abuse.
- Factors like intoxication or drug use: If you were drinking or using drugs at the time of your sexual abuse, this does not excuse the abuser’s actions. Drugs or alcohol can impair your memory, however.
There may be other reasons that the details of your abuse have faded or were never accessible to you. Victims of sexual abuse should never be faulted for imperfect memories. While we will absolutely want to hear your account of abuse, your recollection will not be the only way to prove your case.
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How May an Attorney Prove Sexual Abuse?
Our team will work to build a comprehensive case. We’ll utilize all possible methods for proving abuse, which may include:
Medical Documentation
Your medical records may help prove you were the victim of sexual abuse. Respecting your privacy and sensitivity to trauma, we will obtain records that help prove your case. We can work with your doctors to ensure you don’t have to relive the traumatic aspects of your case.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses who know about your abuse may help your case. Again, we will strive to record these witness accounts in a manner that preserves your dignity, psychological health, and privacy.
The Words of the Perpetrator
If the person who abused you confesses to the abuse, we can use their statements during your civil case. The perpetrator’s social media posts, discussions with friends or family, and other interactions may also be relevant to your case.
Expert Testimony
Experts may testify to aspects of your abuse. Medical professionals, psychological professionals, and other experts may help prove your abuse.
We may have additional ways of proving your abuse. Our team of attorneys and investigators will seek to build the most detailed case that we can.
What Is the Goal of a Civil Sexual Abuse Case?
If you choose to pursue a lawsuit related to sexual abuse, the goal is justice. In civil cases, this means getting a financial recovery that:
- Helps you overcome the damage that sexual abuse has caused
- Holds the perpetrator accountable for their actions, regardless of the outcome of any criminal case
- Holds accountable anybody else who allowed your abuse to occur
Our firm may obtain a financial recovery through settlement negotiations or at trial. While such a recovery will not undo the trauma you have experienced, it could help you move forward in life.
What Are Recoverable Damages in a Sexual Abuse Case?
Survivors of sexual misconduct may have damages such as:
- Pain and suffering: You may receive coverage for any traumatic memories, anxiety, depression, or other forms of pain and suffering related to your abuse. You may also receive compensation for counseling, medication, and other treatments.
- Medical expenses: You could get coverage for any medical care related to your abuse.
- Lost income: If you have missed work because of your sexual abuse, liable parties may cover the income you lost.
Sexual abuse affects each victim differently. Our team will work with you to identify your damages. We can also involve your doctors, counselors, and any other parties who can help us understand your losses.
Multiple parties may cover the damage of your sexual abuse. Our firm can calculate the cost of all abuse-related losses, even those without an established monetary value.
Call Greenberg Gross Today to Discuss Your Sexual Abuse Case
The sexual abuse attorneys at Greenberg Gross handle cases like yours with compassion and urgency. While we know you deserve justice as soon as possible, we also understand the sensitivity of a sexual abuse case.
Don’t wait to contact our team, as we may have a brief time to file your case. Call Greenberg Gross today for your free consultation.
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