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The victims of sexual assaults and rapes often have to cope with the traumatic experience for the rest of their lives. Citizens of the Columbus area should know Georgia laws surrounding rape, statutory rape, and sexual assault and what to do in case such an incident occurs. If you or somebody you love was sexually assaulted or raped, reach out to a compassionate Columbus sexual assault lawyer to learn more.
What to Do After a Sexual Assault in Georgia
Victims of these crimes should report them to the police as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some victims feel ashamed to come forward about these incidents. In other situations, the perpetrator is a family member or friend. Reporting the crime may be difficult because victims feel others are involved, but it’s crucial to come forward – if not for justice, then for the protection of others.
When speaking with investigators, provide as much information as possible about your attacker and obtain copies of the police report and your medical report. Rape and sexual assaults are criminal offenses, so if you can file a lawsuit against your attacker, he or she will face criminal charges.
However, a criminal case may put the offender behind bars without providing the compensation you deserve after such an attack. In some cases, you may need to file a civil action against a third party for necessary compensation.
What Are Third-Party Lawsuits?
A third-party lawsuit is any case in which a plaintiff files a civil suit against a person or entity that was not directly responsible for an incident but enabled it to occur in some way. In rape cases, some of the most common types of third-party lawsuits include negligent security. For example, if someone rapes or sexually assaults another in an area that should be supervised by security personnel, the security company or the property owner may be held accountable for the incident if the court finds that the lack of security contributed to the incident. Consulting an accomplished Columbus personal injury attorney will allow you to have a better understanding of your available legal options.
Compensation in a Georgia Rape Case
If the person who committed the sexual assault or rape is found guilty, he or she faces severe punishment under Georgia law. Individuals found guilty of rape face a minimum of 25 years in jail followed by lifetime probation. In some situations, he or she could face life in prison or even the death penalty. Most other forms of sexual assault, including sexual battery, aggravated sexual battery, and aggravated sodomy, carry similar sentences.
The civil action you and your South Fulton sexual assault lawyer file can result in compensation for:
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Medical expenses.
These include the costs of your hospital bills, rehabilitative services, specialized lab tests and scans, and any other medical costs.
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Pain and suffering.
Sexual crimes typically involve brutal physical assaults, and such an experience can leave lasting psychological damage on victims. Your attorney will consult with medical experts who will testify as witnesses in your case to give the judge an accurate picture of the pain and suffering you experienced through your ordeal. The judge will award a reasonable sum accordingly.
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Property damage.
If the assault resulted in any damage or destruction of your personal property, you can claim compensation for this as well.
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Lost income.
In some cases, a severe assault can cause the victim to be unable to return to work for some time. You can claim compensation for the wages you would have earned had the attack not happened.
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Punitive damages.
Judges sometimes award punitive damages in cases where the courts find a defendant has been grossly negligent or intentionally harmful. You may be able to secure punitive damages from your civil action.
The Dixon Firm, P.C. | Your Local Sexual Assault Attorneys in Columbus, GA
If you or a loved one has experienced any type of sexual assault, it is absolutely crucial that you contact the police and seek medical attention immediately. The longer you wait to seek treatment and legal recourse, the lower your chances are for obtaining the compensation you need. Speak with the team at The Dixon Firm, P.C. to start your road to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
