Were you or a loved one the victim of sexual assault in Mary Esther, Florida? Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (850) 809-0170. Our Mary Esther sexual assault lawyers can help you take legal action and file a civil claim for maximum compensation.
We’re one of the most well-regarded personal injury law firms in the region, with 75 years of combined experience representing victims of serious harm and over $200 million won in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are committed to helping survivors of sexual assault rebuild their lives and will do everything we can in support of your claim if you hire us.
Why Choose Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to Help With My Sexual Assault Claim in Mary Esther, FL?
When you’ve suffered trauma as severe as sexual assault, you deserve a law firm on your side that combines compassion with substantial trial experience. Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers can provide you with exactly that throughout the entirety of the legal process, fighting for you no matter what it takes.
Here’s why so many clients in Northwest Florida trust our Mary Esther personal injury lawyers with their most sensitive cases:
- We have decades of experience practicing personal injury law in this part of the state
- We’ve obtained multiple recoveries in the seven figures for our deserving clients
- We can leverage relationships with experts and other resources to make your claim as strong as possible
- We won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to court if that’s what’s best
- We will prioritize your claim and ensure you are kept up to date on your case’s progress at all times
Our attorneys understand that this process is not only about money. It’s also about justice and closure. Contact our sexual assault lawyers in Mary Esther, FL, today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Assault in Florida
Sexual assault survivors in Florida may have the right to bring a civil claim against the person or organization responsible for their attack. This claim is separate from the criminal case that the state may pursue.
The goal of a civil lawsuit is to hold the offender (and any negligent third parties) financially responsible for the harm they caused. While criminal prosecutors must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a civil claim requires a lower standard of proof, known as “by a preponderance of the evidence.” That means you can still win compensation even if the assailant is not convicted in criminal court.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault in Mary Esther?
The person who committed the assault can always be held responsible, but other parties may share liability if their negligence allowed the conditions that led to the assault.
Depending on the circumstances, potential defendants might include:
- Employers that failed to properly screen and supervise workers
- Property owners who did not provide adequate security
- Bars and other establishments that ignored unsafe conditions
- Schools that failed to investigate prior complaints of misconduct
- Youth organizations, including churches, that retained known offenders
These cases often involve Florida’s premises liability and negligent security laws. If a property owner knew (or should have known) about the risks of assault and failed to take reasonable precautions, they may be financially responsible for your injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Sexual Assault in Mary Esther?
The effects of sexual assault can extend far beyond the initial act, impacting every part of your life all at once. The purpose of a civil claim is to make you as whole as possible by compensating you for both your financial and emotional losses.
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages recognize the emotional and personal suffering caused by the assault, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are not tied to a specific financial loss and are instead designed to punish the offender and deter others from committing similar acts.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is one of the most common legal theories used in civil sexual assault cases. Under Florida law, property owners, including convenience store owners, must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors and guests.
Examples of negligent security include:
- Failing to fix broken doors and windows
- Ignoring prior reports of criminal activity
- Not hiring and training security guards properly
- Failing to install and monitor security cameras
- Allowing unsafe areas on the property to persist
Proving negligent security requires evidence that the property owner’s failure made the assault foreseeable and preventable. Our firm has extensive experience building these types of claims and is confident we can do the same for you if applicable.
How Much Is a Sexual Assault Claim Worth?
There is no set formula for determining the value of a sexual assault claim, as every situation has unique facts and circumstances. The amount of compensation you may recover largely depends on the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact the assault has had on your life.
Overall, some factors that can affect the value of your claim include:
- The physical and emotional severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment, therapy, and counseling
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- The presence of multiple liable parties
- Terms and limits of any pertinent insurance policies
- The degree of wrongdoing involved and the identity of the at-fault party
- The long-term effect on your ability to work and maintain relationships
During your free consultation, our sexual assault attorneys in Mary Esther can review the details of your case and provide an honest assessment of what your claim may be worth.
What to Do After a Sexual Assault in Mary Esther
If you have been assaulted, your safety and well-being come first.
Here are a few steps that may help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Contact someone you trust or call 911 if you are in immediate danger
- Seek medical care, as a doctor can provide important medical treatment and preserve your records if you decide to report the crime
- Avoid washing or changing clothes until after you’ve been examined by a medical professional
- Report the assault to law enforcement if you feel ready to do so
- Contact a sexual assault crisis center for confidential support
- Speak with a lawyer about your rights and options for pursuing a civil claim
You do not have to take every step at once; what matters most is your recovery. Our legal team is here when you are ready to talk about your options.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Mary Esther, FL?
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we represent sexual assault survivors on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t pay us anything upfront or by the hour. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
When you hire our firm, we’ll discuss the details of your fee agreement before we start. Our payment will come as a percentage of your settlement or jury verdict. If we don’t win compensation for your case, you owe us nothing in terms of attorney’s fees.
This arrangement lets you focus on your healing while we handle the legal side. It also ensures that our interests are aligned, as we’re motivated to pursue the strongest possible outcome for your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law sets specific time limits, known as the statute of limitations, for filing civil lawsuits. The time limit for a sexual assault claim can vary substantially based on the facts of the case at hand, including the type of claim and the age of the survivor.
It’s best to contact a personal injury attorney for help as soon as you’re able to. That way, you can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Contact Our Mary Esther Sexual Assault Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered sexual assault in Mary Esther, FL, you deserve justice and as much compensation as possible for your suffering. Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers is here to help you through every step of what’s to come, including in the courtroom if necessary.
Our legal team has 75 years of combined experience and has recovered over $200 million for injured victims throughout the state of Florida. Now, we’re ready to get to work on your case.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Mary Esther sexual assault attorney.