Plantation Sexual Abuse Lawyers

– Client Reviews

Victims of sexual abuse often forgo legal action due to fear, shame, lack of faith in the legal system or a belief filing a lawsuit will not accomplish much. Too often, this results in sexual abusers walking free after committing a heinous crime they may well commit again.

Reviewing your situation with an experienced attorney can be an important step. At the law offices of Gordon and Partners, we understand your concerns and are prepared to advocate for your best interests.

Our attorneys have fought for the rights of injury victims since 1993 and are prepared to do the same for victims of sexual abuse who are ready to speak up about their case. Our firm has a track record of success recovering millions on behalf of our clients in a variety of cases.

Founding partner Robert Gordon is a member of the American Justice Association and the Palm Beach County Bar Association.

Ready to speak up? Call today: 1 (855) 722-2552

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Claim?

As Florida and other states change laws to try to encourage victims to come forward and take legal action, it is important to have an attorney at your side who knows how to help these survivors navigate the legal system.

Our Plantation sexual abuse lawyers understand Florida’s evolving laws and are prepared to review your claim at no cost to you in a free consultation. Having an experienced lawyer by your side means you have someone who is prepared to thoroughly investigate your case and provide the necessary advice on what your legal options may be. You can rely on this person to manage your case every step of the way, staying focused on your best interests and recovering maximum compensation.

Gordon & Partners has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts on behalf of our clients. We know how important compensation can be as victims seek closure.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is defined as unwanted sexual activity. Perpetrators of the abuse often use force, threats or coercion on vulnerable people who may be afraid to resist. Often, victims look up to or have great respect for the abuser, and abusers use this to their advantage.

There are numerous examples of sexual abuse for which victims may be able to seek compensation:

If you have suffered any form of sexual abuse, our Plantation sexual abuse lawyers may be able to help.

You are not alone. Call us today at 1 (855) 722-2552

Do I Have Grounds for a Case?

Victims of sexual abuse may be eligible to file a civil claim to pursue compensation for counseling services, medical treatment, pain and suffering and various other damages. It is important to talk to an experienced attorney with extensive knowledge of the law to determine what the next step may be.

After one of our trusted lawyers reviews your case in a free consultation, you should have a better idea about your options. There is no obligation so there is no risk in meeting with us. The initial meeting is also free of charge.

Third Parties That May be Liable for Sexual Abuse

According to the American Psychological Association, most victims know their abusers. Because of the frequent connection between victims and abusers, a vast majority of sexual abuse cases take place in institutions where the abuser is usually in a position of authority over the victim. These institutions and organizations may be liable for damages suffered by the victim.

Colleges and Universities

Penn State, Ohio State, Baylor University and several other colleges and universities have been rocked by sexual abuse scandals involving coaches and physicians. Student athletes in these situations are often afraid to come forward out of fear the university may take their scholarship away, suspend them from their team or expel them from the university.

Schools and Daycares

Children who are abused by teachers and daycare workers are often too young to comprehend what is happening to them. Too often, the victims are unsure of how to approach their parents or other adults for help and the abusers victimize young people for a long time.

Religious Institutions

Since news broke of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and the church’s efforts to conceal it, more and more victims have come forward to tell their stories of abuse. Many people look to priests and other religious leaders for guidance, making it difficult for potential victims or witnesses to come forward and report abuse.

Youth Organizations

The Boy Scouts of America has also been rocked by scandal and accusations of abuse by scout leadership. Youth sports programs and youth camps are also often scandalized by reports of abuse from counselors and other adults in leadership roles within these organizations.

Types of Damages in a Sexual Abuse Case

The purpose of a criminal sexual abuse case is to determine whether someone is guilty of abuse and assess criminal penalties accordingly. The goal of a civil case is to determine if the accused is liable for abuse and the resulting damages.

There are various damages that you may be able to include in a civil sexual abuse claim:

Compensation often allows sexual abuse victims to get the help they need. While the effects of the abuse may last a lifetime, counseling and other support services may go a long way in improving the victim’s quality of life.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim?

Thanks to Donna’s Law, which took effect in Florida in June 2020, minors who suffered sexual abuse on or after July 1, 2020, have as much time as they need to take legal action. There is no statute of limitations for these claims.

Victims 16 years of age or younger who were abused before July 1, 2020, also have no statute of limitations. However, victims between the ages of 16 and 18 are required to report the abuse to the police within 72 hours. They then have three years from the date of the abuse to file a case, if you miss the deadline your case is likely to be dismissed by the court.

However, if the incident was not reported to law enforcement within the three-day time frame, a victim may be barred from filing a lawsuit.

Call the offices of Gordon & Partners today at 1 (855) 722-2552

What are the Effects of Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse may affect each victim differently. While some survivors may experience emotional/psychological problems right away, others may not feel the effects until later in life.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), which founded the National Sexual Assault Hotline, survivors of sexual abuse frequently experience:

Additionally, many survivors also experience thoughts about self-harm and suicide. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine looking at the relationship between female suicidal behavior and a history of sexual abuse, 50 percent of the participants admitted to having been sexually assaulted at some point.

What Are Some Signs of Sexual Abuse?

Victims often need help and support from friends and loved ones to come forward against their abusers. It is important to watch for signs of sexual abuse, which may include:

Help for Sexual Abuse Victims in South Florida

If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse, the first thing to do is to get to safety. Once you are out of harm’s way, it is important to seek medical care and report the attack to authorities. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working with service providers across the country.

You can also contact the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) to find local resources. When you call, you can speak to a crisis counselor to put you in touch with a local sexual assault program.

Trees of Hope offers many services to sexual abuse victims. This organization is dedicated to helping prevent abuse and supporting survivors. The organization has programs for different groups, such as men, women and teenage boys. Visit their website to learn more.

We Are Prepared to Help. Call Today

The attorneys at Gordon & Partners have experience since 1993 helping victims who have been wronged. Our firm has a proven track record, successfully recovering millions in compensation.

We do not charge you anything up front or while we work on your claim. Our attorneys are prepared to review your claim during your free consultation, and you do not owe us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Taking legal action often helps provide some closure for victims of sexual abuse, which can be very important as victims work to move forward.

We have an office in Plantation, located at 8201 Peters Road, Suite 4000. This is just a six-minute drive from the Broward Civil Courthouse.

No fees. No risks. Call today: 1 (855) 722-2552