Sexual assault is among the most devastating, traumatic, and life-altering experiences someone can be made to endure. The aftermath can leave the victim feeling ashamed and alone, unsure of how to begin picking up the pieces or where to turn to for help. If you are in this position, please know that the Atlanta sexual assault lawyers at Bayuk Pratt want to be the compassionate advocate you deserve during this difficult time.
What happened to you is not your fault, and you deserve to hold your assailant accountable for their heinous actions. With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, our sexual assault attorneys have what it takes to pursue compensation for the effects the assault has had on your life so that you have the financial means to move forward with dignity and hope.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an Atlanta sexual assault lawyer, and let us demand justice on your behalf.
What Are the Types of Sexual Assault?
According to statistics from the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN), someone is sexually assaulted in this country every 68 seconds. Sexual assault can be defined broadly as subjecting an individual to any type of non-consensual sexual act or touching, such as:
- Unwanted fondling or touching
- Groping
- Rape or attempted rape
- Penetration
- Child enticing
If you or someone you love has been the victim of any of these unlawful behaviors, the experienced sexual assault attorneys at Bayuk Pratt are ready to hold the perpetrator accountable for the unspeakable damage they have inflicted on your life.
What Are the Effects of a Sexual Assault?
Experiencing sexual assault can result in significant mental, physical, and emotional repercussions, including:
- Depression
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harm
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Dissociation
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted infections
These conditions can make it difficult for a survivor of sexual assault to hold down a job, earn a living, or care for oneself, creating a vicious circle that becomes difficult to escape.
What Should You Do If You Have Suffered a Sexual Assault in Atlanta?
If you have experienced sexual assault in Atlanta, take these crucial steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not have visible injuries. A medical professional can provide essential care and document evidence.
- Preserve physical evidence. Avoid showering or changing clothes before your medical exam if possible.
- Report the assault to law enforcement, if you feel able to. While this step can be difficult, it creates an official record of the incident.
- Write down all the details you remember about the assault and keep records of any expenses you incur as a result.
- Contact a sexual assault support hotline. These services offer confidential guidance and emotional support.
- Reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Having support during this time is crucial for your well-being.
- Consult an experienced Atlanta sexual assault lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights and explore your legal options.
Can a Sexual Assault Survivor Seek Compensation?
Sexual assault survivors in Atlanta have the right to seek compensation for what they’ve suffered by filing civil lawsuits against those responsible. While criminal charges focus on punishing the perpetrator, a civil case aims to provide financial recovery for the survivor.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The experienced sexual assault attorneys at Bayuk Pratt can pursue your case on your behalf, demanding the full compensation you deserve and allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.
Can Someone Other Than the Attacker Be Held Liable for a Sexual Assault?
In some cases, parties other than the perpetrator may be held liable for a sexual assault based on premises liability law. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following could be liable for what happened:
- Property owners or managers who fail to maintain adequate security
- Employers who neglect to conduct proper background checks on employees
- Schools, universities, and organizations that ignore reports of sexual misconduct
- Hotels or apartment complexes with insufficient safety measures
- Businesses that serve alcohol to noticeably intoxicated patrons who then commit assault
These cases often involve complex legal issues, requiring a careful investigation and a thorough understanding of liability principles. Our Atlanta sexual assault lawyer can help.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Georgia?
O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, Georgia’s statute of limitations for sexual assault, gives survivors two years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any other liable parties. However, if the victim was under 18 at the time of the assault, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.1 gives them until their 23rd birthday to bring suit. That deadline can be further extended in situations where the survivor of childhood sexual assault does not remember what happened until a later date.
Missing the deadline can disqualify you from seeking the compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s so important to enlist the services of a knowledgeable Georgia sexual assault attorney, as they can file your claim punctually and protect your right to seek justice.
Contact an Atlanta Sexual Assault Lawyer
If you are the survivor of a sexual assault perpetrated in Atlanta, the compassionate team at Bayuk Pratt would like to offer our most sincere sympathies. We would also like to offer you the support and advocacy you need as you seek compensation for what you have suffered. Our experienced trial lawyers have recovered more than $300 million on behalf of our clients, and we are ready to extend this track record with you.
We understand how challenging life can become after a sexual assault, and we want to do everything in our power to make things easier for you. Call us today or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation, and let us demand the compensation and accountability you deserve.