Denver Sexual Assault Attorney

What Is a Denver Sexual Assault Claim?

Sexual assault is both a civil offense and a crime. Not only can the state pursue a criminal conviction, but you can also file a civil action. These two types of cases are different in several important aspects.

Criminal Charges

State prosecutors bring criminal charges of sexual assault against individuals who commit those crimes as defined by law. Alleged abusers must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial before they can face consequences. Penalties could include jail or prison and fines.

Civil Claims

With the help of a Denver sexual assault lawyer, you also have the right to file a civil claim against the perpetrator and any other party who in any way created the conditions that enabled you to be assaulted.

You’re entitled to compensation if you can show that a party played some role in the assault. Compensation can include monetary damages for your medical bills, counseling, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Who Is Liable in a Civil Sexual Assault Action in Denver?

Anyone who commits a sexual assault against you can be ordered to pay compensation. The same is true for any person or institution that carelessly or recklessly created an environment that allowed the assault to occur.

This list could include:

• The managers at your workplace
• School administrators
• Leaders of religious institutions
• Recruiters and hiring personnel

At Bachus & Schanker, we understand that it may not be totally clear who was involved in your assault. We’ll fully investigate your case and identify these other parties to pursue your rightful compensation.

Compensation Recovered for Denver Sexual Assault Victims

The civil compensation you can recover through your sexual assault claim can be used to address the following:

• Hospital bills and medical expenses
• The cost of relocating if you had to move for your safety or recovery
• Expenses associated with counseling or therapy
• Emotional pain and trauma
• Loss of your quality of life

You don’t have to minimize or diminish what you experienced. Justice demands that those who harmed you pay for the damage they caused. Bachus & Schanker can see that it happens.

How To Know if You Have a Sexual Assault Claim

Besides knowing who’s responsible for your assault, some survivors find it difficult to judge whether they’ve been victimized. The perpetrator may have been a close family member or trusted adult who told them what was happening was normal, or perhaps the assault felt violative but not aggressive or forceful.

Sexual assault doesn’t have to be committed by a stranger or cause physical injuries. It can be as simple as an unwelcome touch of a sexual nature or being coerced into touching the offender in a sexual manner. What matters is that the physical contact in question was inappropriate and unwelcome.

It might surprise you to learn that the following groups are often victims of sexual assault:

• Young children
• Elderly, dependent adults
• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Other vulnerable populations

If you’re unsure whether you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, we can help. With a compassionate and non-judgmental ear, we’ll listen to your story and interpret what happened to you based on the letter of the law. If it sounds like you were sexually assaulted, we can discuss pursuing justice through a civil claim or criminal charges.

Starting in 2022, victims who bring forth claims of sexual assault don’t face any civil statute of limitations in Colorado. Even if your assault took place years ago, you can still proceed with a lawsuit.

The Role of a Victim’s Advocate

When you entrust your case to Bachus & Schanker, you’ll work not only with our highly qualified and experienced attorneys but also with our Victim’s Advocates. Your advocate will be with you throughout your case, helping you navigate the civil and criminal justice systems as circumstances dictate.

Your advocate can perform many valuable services, including:

• Ensuring that all court participants respect your rights as a victim
• Communicating with prosecutors about criminal charges 
• Gathering information and evidence to support your case and to share with law enforcement
• Keeping you apprised of the progress of your case
• Helping prepare you for court hearings where you might need to testify or give a statement

Our network of compassionate Victim’s Advocates is just one of the many features that sets us apart from other firms. We’re committed to your recovery and helping you move forward.

Bachus & Schanker Are Here To Support You

When you decide you’re ready to take legal action, the Denver sexual assault lawyers at Bachus & Schanker are ready to help. We’ll provide the guidance, support, and robust representation you deserve as you pursue accountability and compensation.

Sources:

Chapter 3-4 Unlawful Sexual Behavior.

Civil Action Statute Of Limitations Sexual Assault.

Kenton, W. (2024). What Are Civil Damages? Definition, Types, and Example Scenarios.