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Sexual assault is a devastating crime and a true violation of your legal and civil rights. Sexual assault can have a tremendous impact on your life – both physically and emotionally. It can also impact your family, your work life, and your finances.
If you have experienced sexual assault, contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. to speak with one of our sexual assault lawyers in Jonesboro, GA. We offer legal guidance for clients throughout Metro Atlanta and are here to help you protect your rights.
Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle
Sexual assault is a legal term used to describe several sexual-related crimes in Georgia. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 16-6-1), sexual assault may include the following:
- Sexual Battery
- Aggravated Sexual Battery
- Rape
Sexual assaults often occur in areas where similar crimes have been committed in the past. These are often apartments, hotels, and remote, or unsecured areas. Sexual assaults that occur in such locations may fall under more than just criminal sexual assault statutes. These cases often fall under premises liability lawsuits.
Property owners are required by law to ensure that their properties are safe and secure. This includes:
- Ensuring the property has adequate lighting
- Warning visitors of known or foreseeable dangers
- Ensuring that the property is supervised or managed
- Providing adequate security measures to protect visitors (includes guards, gates, locks, cameras, etc.)
When property owners fail to protect or secure their properties and sexual assault occurs, the owner may be held partially liable for the harm suffered by the victim. In such cases, the victim may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner.
If you have been sexually assaulted while on someone else’s property, contact The Dixon Firm to speak with one of our lawyers about your situation.
Sexual Assault Causes Many Injuries
Sexual assault can cause physical injuries, but the damage often goes far deeper. Physical injuries associated with sexual assault often include:
- Bruises, cuts, or lacerations
- Tearing or injury to the genital area
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Pregnancy
- Eating disorders
Victims of sexual assault are also more likely to suffer from psychological trauma that may extend into long-term disorders. Consider the following about sexual assault victims:
- They are three times more likely to develop depression
- They are six times more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- They are 13 times more likely to become alcohol abusers
- They are 26 times more likely to become drug abusers
- They are four times more likely to consider suicide
Many victims of sexual assault also suffer from individual symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep issues.
Legal Recourse for Sexual Assault Victims
Sexual assault is a criminal offense, and Georgia law has strict penalties for those who assault others. Anyone who has experienced sexual assault should contact law enforcement and file criminal charges. It is up to the victim and his or her legal team to prove that sexual assault occurred, so it is also advisable to contact a sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible.
Not only can a sexual assault lawyer in Jonesboro help you with any criminal proceedings, but we can also help you with any civil lawsuits you may be eligible to file. Civil litigation can do more than just punish the offender, it can provide you with compensation for your injuries, expenses, and related losses. A successful personal injury lawsuit could provide:
- Compensation for physical injuries and related medical expenses
- Compensation for psychological trauma and counseling expenses
- Compensation for income you may have lost due to your injuries or experience
The type of damages you are eligible to pursue depends on the facts of your case. Because every case is different, it is best to carefully review your situation and injuries with a sexual assault lawyer before filing any claims. Sexual assault cases are also a bit more complex due to the fact that they involve both the criminal and civil courts.
Compassionate Legal Help for Victims in Jonesboro, Georgia
At The Dixon Firm, we understand that speaking out about sexual assault can be extremely difficult. The last thing that most victims want to do is re-hash their situation and experience multiple times. However, it is important that victims have a voice, and have the opportunity to stand up for their legal rights.
Standing up for your legal rights after a sexual assault can be extremely empowering. You have the ability to show your attacker that he or she did not defeat you. You also have the power to pursue punitive measures, ensuring that he or she gets the punishment they deserve.
At The Dixon Firm, our personal injury lawyers offer compassionate legal help for victims of sexual assault. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, you can call us, send us an email, or chat with us via our website.
