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Why is a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse necessary if you already tried a criminal case?
A civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is different than a criminal lawsuit. There are different standards for civil cases.
A criminal case often requires a high burden of proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” and a unanimous jury. If a plaintiff tries a criminal case prior to a civil case, a lot of the work, a lot of the evidence needed has already been compiled.
A victim of sexual abuse may want to file a civil case in order to obtain the damages awarded by a court. These damages are usually monetary awards. The money is compensation for the victim who may have suffered injuries that resulted in high medical bills, missed days off work, lost wages, lost future earning potential, counseling, pain and suffering, and more.
Another type of damages that a court may award a victim is punitive damages. If a court finds that compensatory damages are inadequate they may also award punitive damages. This is money awarded to the victim that is meant to punish the abuser and deter them or others from committing similar acts.
While the perpetrator of the sexual abuse may be liable for their crime, other parties who did not commit the act may also be held liable. For example: a psychiatrist who fails to report their patient’s criminal plans may be liable in a civil suit.
For more information about civil lawsuits for sexual abuse, send us a message.
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