“Equal justice under law is not merely a caption on the facade of the Supreme Court building, it is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society.”
– Lewis Powell Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Sexual Abuse Injury Claims: Seeking Justice And Closure

Realizing that you need to file a claim for sexual abuse can be one of the most stressful and emotionally taxing experiences of your life. These injury claims can help you secure closure and find justice for what happened to you, and they can also provide you with resources to cover the costs of any needed medical or mental health care.

The settlements from these claims can also help a victim rebuild their life after their trauma, but reaching this outcome often requires the guidance of a skilled Chicago attorney.

I am attorney Patrycja Karlin, and at The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, I am committed to supporting you through this difficult journey. With over 12 years of experience, I bring a deep understanding and compassionate approach to every case. I work tirelessly to provide each of my clients with personalized attention and effective representation, helping them navigate the complexities of their claims.

Rest assured that if I choose to handle your case, you will have a dedicated legal team at your disposal and access to extensive resources.

Understanding Sexual Abuse And Who Is At Risk

Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, but women and children are often the most vulnerable. Sexual abuse encompasses a range of behaviors, such as unwanted sexual contact, grooming, coercion and exploitation. It is also essential to understand the difference between abuse and harassment.

Both of these are serious crimes, but abuse involves physical contact, usually by way of threats of harm, whereas harassment is mostly unwanted advances or remarks.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it is important to know that you have the right to speak out, even if there are no grounds for a criminal case. A civil lawsuit can still hold the liable party accountable for their actions and also provide a victim with compensation for what they endured.

Common Targets Of Sexual Assault

While anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, certain groups are more vulnerable. Women and children are at higher risk, often targeted by perpetrators who exploit their trust and innocence. Cases of sexual abuse can occur in various settings, including homes, schools, work and religious institutions.

If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse, even at school or on the job, it is essential to seek legal advice. Understanding your rights and options can empower you to take the necessary steps toward justice and recovery.

Why File A Civil Lawsuit?

A sexual abuse lawsuit is fundamentally different from pursuing a criminal case. The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender with incarceration, fines and other consequences. A civil lawsuit’s goal is to provide financial compensation to cover the consequences of the abuse, such as medical bills, therapy expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other costs.

One of the major benefits of a civil lawsuit is the opportunity for the plaintiff to receive closure for what happened. These claims allow the victim to make their voice heard, hold the responsible party accountable and seek justice for what happened. Even when criminal charges are not viable, a well-executed lawsuit can help you receive the emotional and financial support needed to begin the healing process.

The Legal Process For Sexual Abuse Claims

Once I begin representing a client in their claim, I start the process with a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. This may include medical records, witness statements and expert testimony. By gathering this information, I can build the strongest case possible to hold your attacker accountable for their actions.

Next, I will file the case in civil court, where both parties present their arguments. There may be negotiations for a settlement, which is often the faster way of resolving these claims while still securing compensation. If a settlement is not reached, we will need to take your case to trial before a judge or jury to determine the outcome.

One of the most significant aspects of a sexual abuse lawsuit is the opportunity for closure. No matter how long your claim may take, I will be by your side through every step of the legal process to allow you the chance to confront your abuser and seek justice in a structured and supportive environment.

Helping Answer Commonly Asked Questions

As a sexual abuse injury attorney, it’s important to me that you understand your rights. To assist you, I’ve provided answers to frequently asked questions below.

What is considered evidence of sexual assault?

The more evidence linked to the assault you can gather, the stronger your case may be. These are commonly accepted forms of evidence:

Medical records documenting injuries or trauma
DNA evidence from medical examinations
Text messages, emails or social media messages
Witness statements from people who saw the incident
Security camera footage
Torn or damaged pieces of clothing
Photos of injuries

I understand that gathering this evidence can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have all these types of evidence for a valid claim. But every piece of evidence matters in these cases.

How should I report sexual assault?

If you’re ready to report sexual assault, you have several options:

Call the police (911) for immediate emergency response
Visit your local police station to file a report
Go to a hospital emergency room for a sexual assault examination
Contact a sexual assault crisis center like the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline
Report to Title IX offices (if the assault occurred on campus)
Report the incident to HR (if the abuse happened in the workplace)

Reporting sexual assault is a brave and difficult step. To help ease the process, try to bring a trusted friend or family member for support during this process. Ultimately, the decision of how and when to report is yours, and there’s no single “right way” to come forward.

How long does it take to settle a sexual abuse case?

Sexual abuse cases can be processed quickly or slowly. Some elements of your case — such as the amount of evidence needed, the defendant’s willingness to negotiate, and court schedules — influence how quickly your case resolves. Some straightforward cases settle within a year. Others may take longer due to complex investigations.

Choose Personalized And Compassionate Support

As an experienced attorney, I understand the profound impact that sexual abuse can have on your life. My practice is built on the principles of aggressive, accessible and effective representation. I am dedicated to working tirelessly to secure a favorable settlement for your case and seeing that you receive fair compensation.

If you are considering filing a sexual abuse claim, do not make the mistake of trying to resolve things on your own. Instead, let me guide you through the process of holding your abuser accountable.

Call my Chicago office at 773-993-1266 or email me here to schedule your free initial consultation today. From your first meeting with me, I will be by your side, seeking the justice and closure you deserve.