If you've been a victim of sexual assault or abuse in Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. At Brandt & Sherman, we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal support for survivors of sexual abuse. Our experienced sexual assault attorneys in Lafayette, Louisiana, are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
Under Louisiana law, sexual assault encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual acts, including but not limited to rape, sexual battery, and molestation. These acts are criminal offenses, but victims can also seek justice through civil lawsuits to hold the perpetrator—and potentially the institutions responsible—accountable for the harm caused.
Sexual assault can occur in various settings, including workplaces, schools, churches, and even within families. If you've been a victim, consulting with a sexual assault lawyer can help you understand the full scope of your legal options.
Yes. Victims of sexual abuse can pursue civil lawsuits against the perpetrator, as well as any institutions or organizations that enabled or ignored the abuse. This could include employers, religious institutions, schools, or any entity responsible for the environment where the abuse occurred.
In Louisiana, the law recognizes that sexual assault and abuse can have far-reaching consequences, not only physically but also emotionally and financially. A civil claim can help survivors seek compensation for these damages.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual abuse in Lafayette or anywhere in Louisiana, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. The attorneys at Brandt & Sherman are here to offer you the support and representation you need to navigate this challenging time. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward healing and justice.
Call us at (337) 800-4000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
The damages you may be entitled to in a Louisiana sexual abuse claim can vary but often include:
An experienced sexual assault attorney will work with you to calculate the appropriate damages for your case.
No, you are not required to file a police report in order to pursue a civil lawsuit in Louisiana. However, reporting the abuse to law enforcement may help strengthen your civil case, as it creates a record of the incident. Whether or not you report the assault to the police, a civil claim can still be filed to seek compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
In Louisiana, victims of child sexual abuse have no time limit to file a civil claim. This law changed in 2021, removing the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims and providing a lookback window for older cases.
For adult victims, the timeframe to file a civil claim is generally one year from the date of the incident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule depending on the specific circumstances of your case, which is why it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Yes, organizations such as schools, churches, or employers can be held liable for sexual abuse if they failed to prevent or knowingly covered up the misconduct. Many institutions have been found negligent in addressing sexual abuse, making them accountable for the trauma inflicted on victims. These cases often involve complex legal challenges, which is why working with an experienced sexual abuse attorney is critical.
The value of a sexual abuse lawsuit depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the abuse, the long-term impact on your health and well-being, and the parties involved. While no amount of money can undo the damage, financial compensation can provide the support you need for recovery.
At Brandt & Sherman, our sexual assault lawyers are skilled at calculating both the economic and non-economic damages related to your case. We will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your medical bills, emotional distress, lost income, and more.
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