Ocala Sexual Assault Lawyer

Ocala Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual assault is an unjustifiable act that can change your life forever. If you’ve been sexually abused in Ocala, FL, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to learn more about how an experienced Ocala sexual assault lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our lawyers have won hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our injured clients after all types of incidents, including Ocala assault injuries, Ocala negligent security, Ocala child injuries, catastrophic injuries, premises liability, and nursing home abuse, among other types of cases. We’re ready to put decades of experience to work for you.

Your attacker may be facing criminal charges. But that’s not the only justice you’re entitled to. Contact our lawyers in Ocala, Florida, or call (352) 351-3258 for help recovering the financial compensation you need and deserve.

How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Sexual Assault Case in Ocala

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help With a Sexual Assault Case in Ocala

You might be wondering how a personal injury lawyer can help with a sexual assault case. 

Sexual assault is a crime; it’s also an intentional tort. While state prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys handle the case in criminal court, our lawyers can pursue the responsible parties in civil court.

Our Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you fight for justice. We have over 300 years of combined experience. Our team has been recognized with an A​​V-preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and by Super Lawyers. We also maintain a perfect 10 “Superb” Avvo rating.

When you hire our trusted personal injury firm with your case, you’ll have a lawyer to:

  • Investigate the assault and identify all responsible parties
  • Work with doctors and specialists to determine the extent of your damages
  • Calculate the fair dollar value of your case
  • Handle all insurance negotiations to maximize your financial settlement
  • Fight for your rights in court if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement

You’ve been violated in an unacceptable way. We know that every single day can feel like a struggle. You don’t have to rely on a generic lawyer directory. Our top-rated Ocala personal injury attorneys are ready to help you fight for justice.

Get the legal advice you deserve today. Call our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Common is Sexual Assault in Ocala, FL?

Sexual violence is a significant problem in the U.S. Statistics show that one out of every six women has been the victim of a completed or attempted rape. 

Florida isn’t immune from the problem. Statewide, 7,655 rapes were reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 2020.

Over 180 forcible sex offenses were reported in Marion County alone during 2020. That’s down slightly from the 227 sex offenses reported in 2019.

It’s difficult to trust the data. Research also shows that nearly 80% of all sexual assaults in the United States are never reported to the police.

What is My Ocala Sexual Assault Case Worth?

Factors that can influence the value of your personal injury claim include:

  • The severity of your physical and emotional injuries
  • The cost of your medical treatment, counseling, and other expenses
  • Your lost wages
  • Damage to your career, education, and quality of life
  • How the attack impacted your daily life
  • The identity of the responsible parties

Our lawyers will use our experience to evaluate the circumstances and calculate the value of your personal injury case. Often, we’ll bring in experts who can offer insight into the value of your intangible losses and future needs.

With their help, we’ll be well-prepared to fight for every penny you deserve. We know money can’t change the past. It can offer financial security for the future.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Sexual Assault?

Personal injury laws classify damages based on whether they account for financial losses or personal losses.

Your financial, or economic damages, may include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning potential
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological counseling and therapies
  • Nursing care
  • Property damage

Your non-economic damages, may include:

If your attacker is caught, we’ll also fight to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages punish a defendant for intentional and malicious acts.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Injuries

Sexual assault is an extremely violent act. Victims often suffer severe physical injuries that can take weeks or months to heal.

At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we often represent clients who have sustained:

Of course, your emotional scars can last a lifetime. Our lawyers serving Ocala, FL, will fight to recover fair compensation for all of your physical and emotional injuries. All you have to do is call for a free case evaluation to learn more about our practice areas.

Who Can Be Liable for Damages if I Was Sexually Assaulted in Florida? 

Sexual assault and battery is a crime in the state of Florida. Attackers can be punished for their actions in criminal court. On the other hand, they can also be held financially responsible in civil court. That’s true even if the attacker is never convicted of a crime.

State prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s a high bar. A lower “preponderance of the evidence” standard applies in civil court. So, it may be possible to get justice in the form of financial compensation even if prosecutors can’t convict.

On the other hand, it can also be difficult to get the money you deserve from your attacker. They may not have the resources to pay. Insurance doesn’t typically provide coverage for harm caused by intentional criminal acts. 

You may have other options. It’s also possible that a third party made the attack possible. Depending on the location of the attack, responsible parties might include:

  • Apartment landlords
  • Nightclubs, bars, and other business owners
  • Colleges and universities
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes 
  • Government agencies
  • Parking garage operators
  • Cruise ships
  • Hotels 
  • Sports venues
  • An attacker’s employer, if the assault happened while the attacker was working

Sexual assault lawsuits against third parties are usually based on negligent security. All property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises safe for customers and guests. That includes providing adequate security to prevent criminal activity.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Sexual Assault in Florida? 

Under Florida premises liability laws, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent injuries on their property. They’re also required to take precautions to prevent reasonably foreseeable crimes.

Depending on the circumstances, those precautions might include:

  • Providing adequate lighting
  • Hiring security guards
  • Training employees to identify risks and handle violent situations
  • Installing video surveillance cameras
  • Making sure doors and gates are locked
  • Repairing any broken locks
  • Installing security systems 

From a legal perspective, you’ll have to establish:

  • The property owner’s legal duty of care
  • A breach of duty
  • The fact that the sexual assault was reasonably foreseeable
  • The owner’s acts or omissions allowed the crime to happen (causation)
  • The damages you sustained in the attack

Every situation is different. Not all property owners are required to go to great lengths to prevent crime. Third parties only have a duty to try to prevent crime that is reasonably foreseeable.

The following factors are often relevant in establishing the scope of the owner’s duty:

  • Past criminal activity in the area
  • Whether the type of business was likely to attract criminal activity (bars, nightclubs)
  • The likelihood that a crime may have occurred on the property

It’s often the case that a property owner can prevent violent crimes by taking a few simple precautions. When they choose not to act, they can be held financially responsible.

Proving that a third party was financially liable can be difficult. Our Ocala sexual assault attorneys at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers will handle the details. Call our lawyers for a free case review today to discuss your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Sexual Assault in Florida?

The statute of limitations is four years in Florida. You have four years from the date of the sexual assault to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wait too long, and you forfeit your right to seek compensation. 

It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Evidence can become damaged or disappear over time. Our lawyers are here whenever you need us, so don’t hesitate to call today. 

Contact an Ocala Sexual Assault Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Were you or a loved one the victim of a sexual assault in Ocala? Filing a civil lawsuit for damages can give you a sense of justice. Call an Ocala sexual assault lawyer at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today to learn more about your rights.

Our personal injury law firm in Ocala, FL also provides: