Experienced Molestation Attorneys In San Jose, California
Recently, our country has witnessed many high-profile molestation lawsuits brought against large organizations, universities, clergy, and doctors. And yet for each individual who has come forward with their allegations of childhood sexual abuse and molestation at the hands of an adult, there are many more who have suffered years and even decades in silence. While the law takes these allegations seriously, the criminal conviction of an abuser offers little for the victim. This is when a civil lawsuit against that party can provide financial compensation toward recovery from all those years of anguish. If you are a survivor or the parent of a childhood sexual abuse victim, our San Jose molestation lawyer at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP can help you hold the abuser accountable for their actions and access financial compensation for any damages that you have suffered.
Molestation Lawyers In San Jose Helping Those Who Have Suffered In Silence
Our skilled attorneys can give those who have suffered in silence a voice and help them get valuable resources for their healing. The firm of Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP is dedicated to the legal rights of those who have suffered abuse and molestation at the hands of others. We have handled countless cases on behalf of those who were abused by clergy, teachers, coaches, doctors, and others. For those who have summoned the strength to hold their abusers accountable, we are diligent and compassionate advocates for their legal rights and their healing.
Holding Abusers Criminally Accountable Is Not Enough
Those who perpetrate child sexual abuse can be criminally charged and prosecuted. Convictions can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with the defendant facing penalties of fines, jail time, and mandatory sex offender registration. And while this is good for society as a whole, it does little to help the individual victim.
Putting an abuser behind bars does not entirely mitigate the harm done to victims of child molestation and the shame and silence that they have endured. Fortunately, there is another legal recourse afforded to victims and their families to help compensate them for the harm that they suffered. This is where the experienced San Jose molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP can help.
Abusers Are Typically Those A Child Knows And Trusts
Sexual abuse and molestation can happen in many settings, often perpetrated by individuals that the victim knows and trusts. In recent years, we have seen both individuals and institutions held accountable for the abuse itself or simply turning the other way. These can include:
- The church and members of the clergy
- Doctors and healthcare providers
- Youth athletic leagues
- Summer camps
- The Boy Scouts of America
- Daycare, preschools, and after school care
- Schools and universities
And others.
“WB&S have successfully filed and won cases against organizations and entities such as religious institutions, school districts, youth groups, medical professionals, athletic leagues, more. Our San Jose molestation attorney is skilled in litigating your abuse case against these organizations and their insurance carriers.
The Emotional Toll Of Molestation
Those who have been victimized as children understand the profound emotional toll that it can leave. The emotional and psychological harm of child molestation and sexual abuse can last years, decades, and sometimes, for the rest of their lives.
Victims of child molestation often suffer from depression and anxiety, PTSD, develop addictions, and require years of therapy to help them heal from these actions. These can further burden a family with medical and emotional care costs for the victim throughout the years following their abuse.
Fortunately, more victims continue to come forward to speak publicly about their abuse, giving voice to others and holding their abusers accountable.
What Can A Victim Be Compensated For?
Bringing a civil claim against an abuser or institution can hold them financially liable for damages that a victim has suffered from their abuse. Survivors may file to seek monetary recovery from the abuser or the institution that did not protect them, including:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalizations
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy expenses
- Non-economic damages for physical, emotional, or mental injury
While a civil claim is not a criminal case and will not hold the abuser criminally accountable, it offers the victim and family financial compensation to offset the costs of addressing the deep emotional wounds of molestation. The San Jose molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP bring over 60 years of combined experience in pursuit of sexual abuse and molestation cases throughout the state of California.
Compassionate Legal Representation
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, our experienced and compassionate team of San Jose molestation lawyers knows the courage it takes for victims to come forward, even after years or decades. We understand the sensitivity, care, and privacy concerns these cases require. Consequently, we bring a compassionate approach to each client’s unique needs.
If you are a survivor of child molestation or the parent of a child who has been sexually abused, call us or contact us at our website to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.