Turn on the TV and it is not hard to hear about the child molestation accusations that were made against Jerry Sandusky in the last two months. If you are like me it is difficult to wrap your mind around the possibility of a coach molesting children, especially someone in a mentoring role. Here are a few myths that I think that are worth squashing about child abuse.
Only bad people abuse their children.
Fact: Not all abusers intentionally harm their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves and don't know any other way to communicate.
Child Abuse doesn't happen in "good" families.
Fact: This crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes families who seem to have it all from the outside can have a completely different story behind closed doors.
Most child abusers are strangers.
Fact: A lot of times the abuser is a family member or a person who has some sort of a relationship with the family, such as a teacher, coach, or a neighbor.
If someone you know has been abused there is help; this is not something that should stay hidden like it did years ago. Below are some items to consider when bringing a lawsuit against someone that has abused a child.
Bringing a Lawsuit for Child Abuse
Time is of the essence. There is "statue of limitations" which is the time limit for when you are permitted to bring a lawsuit. Our office will be able to help you to learn more about the time limits for bringing a child abuse lawsuit in your area.
Civil vs. Criminal Court
Civil Suit- involves the victim suing the person who committed the child abuse against them in order to recover monetary damages for their injuries. If you want to sue someone for your child abuse injuries, or are being sued by the victim for money, you would be in civil court and would need an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Criminal Suit -involves a person who is being prosecuted by the district attorney's office for committing child abuse against a victim.
Victim of Abuse
If you or a loved one has been a victim of child abuse, you should speak to a lawyer immediately to learn more about preserving your rights and seeking remedies. A lawyer will be able to explain the value of your case and help you navigate through the complicated legal process.
All medical personnel, clergy, law enforcement, state agency employees and teachers are legally mandated to report their suspicions, but child abuse often goes unreported and can injure a whole community. Remember, when a child is abused, it is everybody's business.
Howard Ankin founded the Ankin Law Office LLC over 14 years ago; the firm is known and respected as one of Chicago's top Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Law practices. With extensive experience practicing personal injury, workers compensation, wrongful death, social security disability, and criminal and civil litigation, Howard has devoted his professional life to seeking justice on behalf of his clients and providing superior legal support for all of its clients.
If you need legal representation, please contact Ankin Law Offices LLC (howardankin@ankinlaw.com) and let us walk you through the legal landscape in a confidential consultation. We will listen to you. Our personal injury, workers compensation, and motor vehicle accident lawyers give clients straightforward legal advice and a clear understanding of the legal steps we will follow in resolving your legal issues.
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