Clearwater Sexual Assault Lawyer

How Do I Establish My Right to Compensation?

Property owners aren’t responsible for every attack that occurs on their property. They’re only liable if the attack occurs because of negligent security.

All property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When the property is opened to the public, the owner has a heightened duty to provide adequate security. However, what constitutes “adequate security” will vary depending on several different factors. 

Those factors include:

• Whether there is a history of violent crime in the area
• The type of business involved
• The type of customers or visitors who tend to be attracted to the business

These cases tend to turn on whether the attack was reasonably foreseeable under the circumstances. If it was, the property owner had a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

Examples of the types of security that may be required include:

• Physical security guards
• Working locks on doors, fences, and gates
• Video surveillance cameras
• Security systems
• Adequate lighting
• A prompt response to threats of violence
• Properly trained employees

When property owners could take steps to prevent a crime, they’re required to do so. If you believe your attack could have been prevented, our Clearwater sexual assault attorneys can help you determine whether you have a valid negligent security claim. Just call for your free case evaluation today.

How Much Is My Clearwater Sexual Assault Case Worth?

It’s always difficult to put a dollar value on physical pain and emotional suffering. Unlike medical bills and lost wages, you won’t have receipts or records to prove the value of your suffering. An experienced attorney can help.

Our experienced sexual abuse lawyers assess the value of any personal injury case by balancing the unique facts of the case.

Some of the most important factors that will influence your case value include:

• The nature and severity of your physical injuries
• The level of emotional pain and fear you have been forced to endure
• How the attack has changed your life, considering lifestyle and quality of life
• How the injury and attack have impacted your work and earnings
• The types of ongoing medical care, counseling, and support you will require
• Your expenses, including medical expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses
• The identity of the defendant
• The circumstances of the attack and the nature of the at-fault party’s actions

Our experienced attorneys are always available to discuss your case. If you have questions about your case value, call to schedule a free initial consultation today.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Sexual Assault in Clearwater?

Like any car accident victim, victims of sexual abuse can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses.

Examples of those losses in Pinellas County may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical therapy
• Counseling 
• In-home assistance 
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• PTSD and fear
• Shame and humiliation
• Diminished quality of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Damage to personal relationships

Courts may also award punitive damages to punish your attacker for intentional wrongdoing and wanton disregard for human life.

Our Clearwater Sexual Assault Attorneys Will Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Losses

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we often represent victims of sexual assault who have suffered:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Severe bruising
• Soft tissue damage
• Concussions
• Back injuries
• Pelvic injuries
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Fertility loss

Our lawyers will also work to recover compensation for depression, fear, anxiety, and PTSD. Many victims of sexual assault struggle with mental health issues for years after an attack. Those mental scars can be just as damaging as your physical injuries.

We Handle All Types of Sexual Assault Claims in Clearwater, Florida

Sexual assault can take place in many different circumstances.

Our lawyers in Clearwater often help victims of:

• Rape
• Date rape
• Attempted rape
• Statutory rape
• Domestic violence
• Sexual exploitation
• Unwanted sexual contact
• Child sexual abuse
• Sexual harassment
• Groping

Regardless of the circumstances, our lawyers in Clearwater are here to help you fight for justice. Just call our law firm to schedule your free case evaluation today.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After an Attack in Florida?

Florida lawsuits based on assault and intentional torts typically have a four-year statute of limitations. That means you’ll have four years from the date of the attack to take legal action. 

For cases based on negligence (like negligent security), you’ll likely have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you were assaulted before March 24, 2023, you may have four years to take legal action.

If your attacker is facing criminal charges, you may have more time to sue for damages. The statute of limitations is often tolled while a defendant’s criminal defense attorney is handling their defense. 

Call our law office to ensure you meet the applicable deadline, or you may lose your right to compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Clearwater Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

If you or a family member were a victim of sexual assault in Clearwater, you have legal rights. An experienced Clearwater sexual assault lawyer can help protect them. Contact our team at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to learn more.