Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorneys Serving New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona
You should not have to go through this alone. We are here to help.
Sexual abuse is a crime under New Mexico law, punishable by huge fines, jail time, probation, and registration requirements for life. However, any criminal sentence for a conviction does little to help you get your life back as a victim.
Plus, if your abuser was never charged or convicted, you may feel that your options to get justice are limited.
Fortunately, New Mexico law protects victims of sexual abuse by also providing non-criminal, legal remedies. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our sexual abuse attorneys in New Mexico have experience pursuing justice against individuals who caused the abuse or allowed it to continue.
Please contact our office to set up a consultation regarding your case, and read on for some important information about compensation for a sexual abuse claim.
Experienced Sexual Abuse Attorneys Serving New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona
You should not have to go through this alone. We are here to help.
Sexual abuse is a crime under New Mexico law, punishable by huge fines, jail time, probation, and registration requirements for life. However, any criminal sentence for a conviction does little to help you get your life back as a victim.
Plus, if your abuser was never charged or convicted, you may feel that your options to get justice are limited.
Fortunately, New Mexico law protects victims of sexual abuse by also providing non-criminal, legal remedies. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., our sexual abuse attorneys in New Mexico have experience pursuing justice against individuals who caused the abuse or allowed it to continue.
Please contact our office to set up a consultation regarding your case, and read on for some important information about compensation for a sexual abuse claim.
Legal Remedies Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You’re probably aware that you have legal options if you’re hurt in a car crash, on someone’s property, or in other accidents that weren’t your fault. Your rights in a sexual abuse case are similar in that you seek compensation because of someone’s wrongdoing. The difference is that negligence is to blame in injury-causing accidents, whereas intentional misconduct is behind sexual abuse.
These cases are called intentional torts, and you can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation. To prove your case, you must show that you were the victim of sexual abuse and suffered losses as a result. So, you should note that a lower standard of proof applies in civil cases. You don’t need to show proof beyond a reasonable doubt as you would in a criminal matter.
Potential Parties to Personal Injury Litigation
You definitely want to hold your abuser accountable, but you may not realize that there are additional parties that may be liable in a civil case for sexual abuse. In some situations, there might have been some other person or entity with authority over the person who mistreated you. It may be possible to also seek compensation from:
- The school that employed an abusive teacher, coach, or employee;
- The church where the offensive minister, priest, or another member of the clergy served;
- A school group or troop that allowed the abusing individual access to children;
- Police officers and prison officials who did nothing to stop sexual abuse of prisoners; and,
- Many others.
There are multiple forms of compensation available in a sexual abuse case, as your losses are serious and life-changing. Monetary damages for emotional distress are the most common type, along with medical bills, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Contact Our Sexual Abuse Attorneys in New Mexico to Discuss Your Case
If you were the victim of sexual abuse, it may be hard to think that monetary damages could make the horrific experience go away. However, compensation may support you through difficult times. It can also pay for therapy to help you recover from the ordeal. To learn more about your rights, please contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. to schedule a free consultation. You can reach our offices in Albuquerque, Carlsbad, or Las Cruces, NM by calling (575) 222-1000 or visiting us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I File a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse If My Abuser Was Never Criminally Charged?
Yes. New Mexico law provides non-criminal, civil legal remedies for sexual abuse victims separate from any criminal case. You can pursue a civil lawsuit even if your abuser was never charged or convicted.
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case for Sexual Abuse?
A criminal case can result in penalties like fines, jail time, and registration requirements for the abuser, but it does not compensate the victim. A civil lawsuit is a separate legal path that allows a victim to seek monetary compensation, and it requires a lower standard of proof than a criminal case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case Besides the Abuser?
Other parties with authority over the abuser may also be held liable, including a school that employed an abusive teacher, coach, or employee; a church where the abusive clergy member served; a school group or troop that gave the abuser access to children; or police officers and prison officials who failed to stop abuse of prisoners.
What Compensation Is Available in a Sexual Abuse Case?
Compensation may include damages for emotional distress, medical bills, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
