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Being the victim of sexual assault can leave you with physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime. One way to find healing and closure is through the support of a sexual abuse attorney from Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC. Separate from any criminal prosecution, a personal injury lawyer can help you get financial compensation while holding the perpetrator accountable for your suffering. Our legal team in Salem can help you discover your strength again after this traumatic experience.
SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEYS
Take Back Your Life After Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the most painful traumas someone can experience. Not only is it a physical violation, but it’s a violation that can leave you with lasting emotional and mental scars as well.
Internal bleeding, genital injuries, bruising, and broken bones are just a few of the physical injuries sexual abuse survivors may deal with. Worse yet, victims are often left with feelings of anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and other emotional scars that are debilitating without the proper care.
The worst part of all that is that many sexual abuse survivors feel that they’re alone. In Oregon, many sexual abuse victims don’t know who to turn to or how to get help.
No one should have to experience the lingering effects of this type of trauma alone. The legal team at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC is proud to advocate for sexual abuse survivors. We can help you regain your life in multiple ways following sexual abuse.
Standing Up for What's Right
A criminal case will be investigated if you’ve reported your abuse to law enforcement. However, you have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit apart from criminal prosecution. Through negotiation or the civil court system, our attorneys can help you find compensation against the personal injuries your abuser inflicted on you. Here’s how our legal team at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC helps make sure your pain and suffering is never silenced:
Step One
File Your Case
If your case has not yet been reported, we offer legal guidance while you report your sexual abuse case to law enforcement. We’re here to take the burden off you and support you in gathering and providing evidence to officials.
Step Two
Negotiate and Make Demands
Once your case is filed, our team starts the legal proceedings. We work alongside the criminal prosecution to bring justice to the perpetrator and ensure this situation doesn’t happen again. Our team confidently advocates for you; we never back down to pressure from your abuser or their legal team.
On top of that, your sexual abuse attorney will negotiate what type of monetary compensation you should receive for this incident. This can be used to help you through counseling, psychiatry, medical bills, and whatever else you need to overcome this experience.
Step Three
Get Justice
After the legal proceedings are over, you’ll receive your payout. You can start rebuilding your life with greater financial security and a renewed sense of justice.
You’re not alone in this terrible situation. Those out there are ready and waiting to help you win your legal battle. Contact the legal experts at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC to get your support in these difficult times.
FAQs About Sexual Abuse Claims
The aftermath of sexual abuse can be overwhelming and confusing. To make things easier, we’ve put together some frequently asked questions.
What should I do if I've been sexually abused?
In Oregon, if you’re the victim of a sexual abuse crime, the first thing to do is report the incident. Reporting the incident within 72 hours may make you eligible for additional compensation and support from the state.
In addition to reporting the crime to law enforcement, you should speak with an attorney. A sexual abuse attorney will be able to provide you with the advocacy and consultation you need to help you overcome this crime.
What if I suspect someone is the victim of sexual abuse or assault?
If you suspect that someone is the victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault, you should start by talking to that person. This can help you confirm your suspicion and make building a case or reporting an incident easier.
You should also report the crime to law enforcement. Even if you’re unsure, reporting the incident can help open an investigation to determine whether something sinister is happening. This could be the difference between helping someone out of a serious situation and allowing a perpetrator to escape.
What is the Oregon statute of limitations on sexual abuse or assault?
Oregon has a six-year statute of limitations for sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, and other sex-related crimes. Even if you were sexually abused in the past, you may still be able to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Can I recover damages if I've been sexually abused?
Yes. Victims of sexual abuse can sue their perpetrators for damages. If you want to take this course of action, it’s best to work with a sexual abuse attorney, such as those at Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC. We’ll help you get the maximum damages and help support you through these complex cases.
Can I keep my case from becoming public knowledge, even if I want to pursue the case in court?
If you want to pursue a sexual abuse case in court, you can seal your name as a victim. This prevents public records and outside individuals from getting access to your name and helps to protect your privacy.
However, you should still be prepared to testify in court. Ultimately, you may need to take the stand or appear in court to win your case and get the justice you deserve.
What if someone failed to prevent sexual abuse?
Sometimes, parents and caretakers may be found guilty of failing to prevent sexual abuse. This could also be considered either a civil or criminal crime, depending on what and how the events took place.
If you suspect someone is guilty of failing to prevent sexual abuse, it’s best to alert law enforcement and get a sexual abuse attorney involved. They’ll be able to help fully investigate the case beyond your own capabilities.
Client Reviews
I was involved in an accident, and was having difficulties dealing with my insurance company.One of my neighbors recommended me to Brian Lathen, after a very prompt meeting I retained his services.Durring a long and tiring process, the staff at Swanson Lathen and Prestwich made me feel so much more comfortable, and helped greatly in getting through it.Along with now having a trusted lawyer/allie to call if anything unexpectedly happens in the future. I feel like I had made a friend.Thank you.
Swanson Lathen Prestwich is a Godsend!I was in a terrible car crash, literally caused by another person who admitted fault to the police, to their own insurance, to my insurance and I STILL had to fight for fair compensation. Realizing I needed to get a lawyer involved, an acquaintance recommended Travis Prestwich.After meeting Mr. Prestwich, I was immediately at ease. He was very knowledgeable, kind, welcoming and realistic. I appreciated that he actually listened to me and provided information that helped me get into the right mind frame. Travis was very patient and kind and responded to questions rather quickly. I appreciated his realistic approach and learned quickly that other lawyers, judges and community members, highly respect him; which was a huge sign that he was the right person for my situation!His staff, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser were equally phenomenal during the process! They were also very kind, empathetic, knowledgeable and responded to inquires in a timely manner and were just wonderful to work with. As odd as this sounds, I really enjoyed talking with them and knew that once my case with over with that I would miss all three of them.When the time came, and I had to go through a settlement hearing, Travis was by my side the whole way through. The unknown always frightens me but he found a way to keep me at ease with his calm demeanor. This review doesn’t even do this trio justice! They are wonderful people and did a phenomenal job on my case.I pray I never have to go through this process again however if I do, Travis will be the very first person I call. I HIGHLY recommend Swanson Lathen Prestwich and Travis Prestwich, Carrie Meeker and Jennifer Hiser!! I wish there were more people out there like them! I give them an A+++
Mr. Prestwich and his entire staff were nothing but kind, supportive and professional through the entire process of helping me with my car accident settlement. The outcome was exactly what I had hoped for and it was all because of the hard work that was done by this office.
Myself and my family have worked with Keith Swanson since the late 80's.Unfortunately when an accident occurs you need to make good decisions.You can't go wrong with Keith.He's an amazing man. Honest, straight forward and well respected in the industry.Not to mention one of the best accident attorneys in the profession.Thank you Keith, and Chris.
Great Services! Helpful reception. Brian Lathen was great and helped a lot.
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