People often assume that incidents of violence and abuse are handled exclusively by the criminal justice system. However, victims of violence and abuse may also sue their abusers directly, through civil litigation. In such cases, as in all personal injury cases, the plaintiff (i.e. the person bringing the suit) may request compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses related to the abuse, and any related property damage. In addition, the victim may request the imposition of punitive damages: an additional payment whose purpose would be to punish the wrongdoer for his or her offensive conduct, and to deter such conduct in the future.

If you are a victim of abuse, or if someone you love has been victimized, you should discuss your case with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney.

Victims may bring suit for a variety of forms of abuse, including

• sexual abuse
• sexual assault, including cruise ship rape
• child abuse
• domestic abuse (inflicted by a member of one's family or household)
• emotional abuse
• elder abuse
• nursing home abuse or neglect.

Unfortunately, some victims of abuse suffer horrific injuries and are left with life-long consequences. Abuse can even end in wrongful death. Victims of abuse, or people whose family members died as a result of abuse, can fight back through civil litigation.

Civil cases may be filed completely independently of any criminal prosecution. Even in cases where a prosecutor may decline to file criminal charges (because the evidence may not be sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt), a victim may well bring--and win--a civil lawsuit.

Like all states, Florida imposes time limits on the filing of abuse cases. If it is filed too late, a suit will be dismissed. The passage of time also makes if more difficult to gather the evidence necessary to prove a claim. Therefore, if you or someone you love has been a victim of violence or abuse, you should consult an experienced Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, or Boca Raton attorney as soon as possible.

For a free confidential consultation, please contact The Law Offices of Jamie L. Allen, P.A. today. Simply fill out and submit our online form, or call one of our numbers below:

Fort Lauderdale Office: (954) 793-4170
Sarasota Office: (941) 227-4350
Boca Raton Office: (561) 948-4384
Toll Free: (888) 954-3454