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Sexual Abuse
Legally Reviewed By
Osborne & Francis: Sex Abuse Attorneys Who Put Victims First
At Osborne & Francis, we’ve made standing up for the injured our life’s work, and we know not all injuries are visible on the surface. Sex abuse cases are among the most sensitive cases we handle and the negative consequences of these crimes can linger for decades, if not a lifetime. Attorneys with our staff understand the unique nature of sex abuse cases, and take great care to avoid any additional trauma when learning the facts of your case and preparing to represent you.
The sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults is all too common. Many times, the process of healing from sexual abuse involves seeking justice in criminal or civil courts. If you are seeking justice following a sexual assault or sexual abuse, lawyers from Osborne & Francis are ready to hear your story and let you know what to expect from the process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the justice necessary to begin healing.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
How & Where Sexual Abuse Can Occur
The vast majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by those who have been entrusted to care for children in some way. According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, only 7% of abused children were abused by a stranger. Because abusers often use positions of authority to gain access and a certain level of control over children, parents and caregivers should thoroughly investigate facilities or institutions before entrusting their children to their care.
But because a parent’s investigation can’t be expected to eliminate every danger, the institutions or organizations themselves are responsible for preventing sexual abuse through hiring practices and the implementation of reasonable safeguards. But even with these requirements, an estimated 60,000 children a year are abused in the United States. Abuse can occur in a number of places:
- Preschools and daycares
- Churches
- Medical facilities
- Foster care and group homes
- Facilities used for coached activities
Signs that Sexual Abuse May Be Taking Place
Experts emphasize that you should listen closely to your child if they express a desire to avoid certain places or people. You should also listen to your own instincts. If someone’s behavior and demeanor make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, there may be a valid reason that could be dangerous to ignore. In addition to these, there are behavioral signs that a child is being abused. They include:
- Attempting to bathe or change clothing
- Reluctance to be left alone with certain people
- Fear of being away from their primary care giver, if this is a new behavior
- Bedwetting for a child that has already outgrown it
- Bad dreams and excessive fearfulness
- Age-inappropriate talk and knowledge of sexual topics
Who Is Liable for Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and assault are criminal offenses. But many times, due to the nature of the offense, the age of the victim, and the stigma attached to these crimes, they can go unreported for years or decades. A high percentage of abusers never face criminal prosecution because their crimes only come to light after the statute of limitations has expired.
In these cases, a civil lawsuit may be the only course of action for abuse survivors seeking justice. If the abuse took place while the child was in the care of an institution, business, or school that either knew or should have known of the abuse, that organization may be liable for damages. If the organization failed to institute procedures that provided reasonable safeguards against the possibility of sexual abuse, lawyers from Osborne & Francis can help hold them accountable. The institution may be deemed negligent and found liable for damages.
When it comes to institutional sex abuse, attorneys at Osborne & Francis understand the delicate nature of these cases. Those who have experienced sexual abuse may be less likely to seek restitution through a civil action than those injured in an automobile or construction accident, but that shouldn’t be the case. In the wake of the Pennsylvania’s monumental report on the Catholic Church’s history of sexual abuse and cover up tactics, thirteen states, including Florida, have launched investigations into the institutional sexual abuse of children. If you have been victimized by a member of the clergy, contact your state’s attorney general and then contact us to discuss what options are available to hold those responsible accountable.
Resources for Sexual Abuse Victims
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Sexual Assault Hotline
- Florida Office of the Attorney General Institutional Sex Abuse Tip Site
- State-by-state review of statutes of limitations for sexual crimes
- Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse
- Find a Sex Abuse Expert through the American Psychological Association
J. Davis
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“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case.The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
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The Life-Long Effects Of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse during childhood can have long-lasting effects, some of which can significantly erode the quality of your life as an adult. Some of the long-term effects include:
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Body image issues
- Dissociative disorders
- Anxiety
- Sexual problems
- Relationship problems
If you have a history of sexual abuse and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment. Seeking justice through a civil suit may eventually be an important step in healing from sexual abuse, but addressing any ongoing effects that are harming you today is the first step. Once you are ready, contact Osborne & Francis to learn what to expect when you initiate a sexual abuse civil law suit. We’ll explain the process carefully, address any concerns, and be with you through the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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