Palo Alto Molestation Lawyer

Compassionate Molestation Attorneys in Palo Alto, California

Over the past decade, there has been significant media attention to high-profile cases of molestation, from churches to organized sporting organizations. Fortunately, that media attention now gives more victims of molestation a voice and credibility to come forward and hold their abusers accountable for the harm they have done. Fortunately, victims of this abuse have legal recourse to take action against these individuals and organizations to hold them accountable for their conduct. While individuals perpetrate the abuse, organizations, and institutions that allow it or cover it up are equally culpable and should be held accountable in order for this behavior to stop. At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, our Palo Alto molestation lawyers have the diligence and experience it takes to hold these abusers liable.

Taking A Compassionate Approach

Because of the difficulty in coming forward in a molestation case, many survivors of sexual abuse often have specific emotional needs and concerns for their privacy.

The experienced Palo Alto molestation lawyers at Winer, Burritt & Scott are committed to the compassionate representation of sexual abuse survivors. We customize our approach to ensure that we are sensitive to our client’s needs at every point of the process and take every precaution to protect them each step of the way.

What Is Considered Child Molestation In The State Of California?

Molestation can take various forms and encompass many different behaviors. Generally, molestation involves any sexually-related activity or conduct toward a child and can involve both touching and non-touching behaviors, including:

• Fondling or touching the child’s sexual organs
• An adult asking a child to touch their sexual organs
• Penetration
• Indecent exposure
• Showing a child pornography
• Engaging a child in pornography

Child molestation is a crime. A person who engages in the molestation of a child may be criminally charged and prosecuted and suffer a broad range of penalties, jail time, and mandatory registration as a sexual offender.

Are Criminal Convictions Of Molesters Enough?

For some victims, putting their abuser behind bars is enough to create closure and a sense of relief knowing their abuser has been held criminally accountable and is not out abusing others. But there are times when a criminal conviction is not enough. In some cases, a victim may feel the sentence or penalties are not enough to fairly punish the abuser for their actions.

Unfortunately, while the criminal court always considers the welfare of the victim, they do not allow a victim or their family to ask for a more severe punishment. And while a criminal court can order financial restitution to the family, it is often not enough to cover the financial harm that has been done or is likely to continue long-term.

What A Civil Lawsuit Can Provide

Because child molestation can have devastating consequences for many survivors, it can result in serious and long-term emotional and psychological harm. The financial impact of this can be overwhelming. In many cases, a victim of child molestation may be entitled to compensation for the harm done to them through a civil lawsuit.

According to Safe and Sound, a non-profit organization in San Fransisco dedicated to ending child abuse, in 2017, it was estimated that for the 71,289 victims of child maltreatment, the financial cost was $270,000 annually per child. Data tells us that survivors of molestation can suffer from substance abuse, depression, PTSD, and other lifelong consequences of their abuse.

The goal of a civil lawsuit is to financially compensate a victim for the harm done to them by their abuser. Compensation allows a victim and their family the resources to recover from the devastating emotional and physical effects caused by the abuse and move forward. This financial recovery can offer compensation for:

• Any past, current, or future medical bills related to the abuse
• Any past, current, or future counseling or therapy related to the abuse
• Relocation if the family feels it is necessary
• Any specialized learning options or tutoring the child may need as a result of their abuse
• Emotional trauma that has resulted from the abuse
• Pain and suffering that has resulted from the abuse

Getting The Skilled Legal Guidance Of A Palo Alto Molestation Lawyer

At Winer, Burritt & Scott, our skilled team of experienced Palo Alto molestation lawyers can help you seek the justice you deserve if you or your child was a victim of child molestation. We can help you hold the individual or organization liable for their abuse and protect others from future harm. Call us or fill out our free consultation form below to discuss your case.