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Chicago Sexual
Assault Lawyer
Sexual assault and sexual abuse victims often feel they have nowhere to turn. They may be afraid to face their attacker. They may be afraid that reporting assault or going to the police or courts will only retraumatize them—and won’t lead to true justice or accountability.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual assault, know that you are not alone. The Chicago sexual abuse lawyers at Paul & Steve hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable for their actions whenever possible. Reach out to us for a free, confidential conversation to see whether we can help you file a sexual abuse claim and collect compensation for the physical and emotional harm you incurred from an assault.
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Under Illinois state law, sexual assault is defined as the act of sexual penetration in conjunction with any of the following:
Criminal sexual abuse refers to perpetrators who commit acts of sexual conduct with any person under the age of 17, which is the mandatory age of consent in Illinois. This type of assault is more commonly referred to as statutory rape. A person can be charged with criminal sexual abuse even if the sexual conduct was supposedly consensual, because those under 17 are not legally able to give consent according to the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS).
In Chicago alone, upwards of 1,700 criminal sexual assaults were reported in 2019. Sexual assault is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment for the first conviction and up to 60 years for subsequent convictions in Illinois.
Unfortunately, sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes in the United States. It takes tremendous courage to come forward and file a police report, as many victims fear that they won’t be believed by law enforcement or that their reputation may be damaged by pursuing a criminal or civil case.
At Paul & Steve, we believe sexual assault victims, and we and fight for their rights to compensation following an assault. A Chicago sexual assault lawyer from our team will gather all the pertinent details of your case and develop a winning strategy to hold the perpetrator responsible. No amount of money will reverse the consequences of a sexual assault, but it may be able to help you with ongoing costs for mental health counseling or any medical bills you have as a result.
If the person who harassed, abused, or assaulted you committed a crime, they may be tried in criminal and civil court.
It’s important to understand that, as a sexual assault victim, even if the person guilty of assault is convicted in a criminal trial, you will not be compensated. Punishments for criminal charges can include things like jail time and fines paid to the state. If you wish to be compensated for the damages you suffered, you will need to file a civil lawsuit.
Another important thing to understand is that, even if the person who wronged you is cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Civil court is completely separate from the criminal justice system, and the burden of proof is not as high. Escaping criminal punishment does not necessarily mean escaping accountability in civil court.
Furthermore, while criminal charges are usually filed only against the perpetrator, you may have a civil claim against a negligent employer, school, or other organization that failed to adequately identify and address valid concerns about sexual harassment or assault. Your Chicago sexual abuse lawyer can help you determine who may be liable to compensate you for any unwanted sexual contact committed against you.
Damages for sexual assault victims can include compensation for both physical and emotional harm. This may look like:
Calculating the monetary value of non-economic losses like the ones listed above can be challenging, but a qualified Chicago sexual assault lawyer can help you with these details when assembling your case.
For criminal cases, Illinois recently amended the ILCS to abolish the statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault cases, meaning victims can now come forward at any time regardless of age and proceed with a criminal case against their abusers.
For civil cases, the law is more complicated. For cases in which the perpetrator was criminally convicted for sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations on civil cases. However, if the abuser was not criminally convicted of sexual assault, the statute of limitations for civil sexual assault cases is only two years from the date of the assault.
It should be noted that the statute of limitations in Illinois regarding child sexual abuse civil cases is 20 years after the victim turns 18 or reasonably recognizes that personal injury was caused by the sexual abuse, whichever comes later.
The long-term consequences of sexual violence can be devastating and may include any of the following:
It is crucial that those who have suffered from sexual assault or abuse receive appropriate physical and emotional care as soon as possible. One-on-one therapy, support groups, and prescribed medication may all be conducive to the healing process.
If you need any help whatsoever connecting with doctors, therapists, or other resources, please don’t be afraid to reach out to your sexual abuse lawyer with Paul & Steve. We’re here to help our clients in any way we can.
If you are wondering whether you should file a sexual assault lawsuit, speaking with Chicago sexual assault lawyer a should be an essential step in helping you to decide. Especially since sexual assault claims can be long and complex, you’ll need someone in your corner to protect your legal rights.
Over the past 17 years, Paul & Steve attorneys have recovered total verdict and trial settlements approaching $250 million for their clients. At Powell & Pisman, PLLC, you’ll receive compassionate assistance from an attorney who understands the intricacies of your case and has the experience to secure the best settlement possible.
For result-driven help from a Chicago sexual assault lawyer who truly cares, contact Paul & Steve today. You can reach us by phone at (312) 701-3333, chat with one of our representatives online, or submit a free case evaluation.
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