Las Vegas Child Victims of Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Need a Las Vegas child sexual abuse lawyer?
At Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we understand the unspeakable pain and distress associated with child sexual abuse cases. With the utmost compassion and sensitivity, we serve as staunch advocates for child victims and their families.
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Las Vegas Child Victims of Sexual Abuse Lawyers
This guide aims to provide some general understanding about this grave issue and to shed light on the legal avenues and support available for those affected.
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Jack Bernstein stays personally involved in the cases his firm handles. We will investigate your claim and pursue any compensation that may be available under the facts and the law.
*Jack Bernstein has worked on the above cases during his career at this firm or another firm. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future cases.
See Case ResultsWhy hire Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers?
Jack G. Bernstein, Esq. has been protecting the rights of injured victims and their families for over 40 years.
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$500 million+ recovered
More than 40 years of verdicts and settlements for injured people and their families. Past results do not guarantee your outcome.
Jack is personally involved
You are not a case number. Jack stays involved in your case, and you will always know who is handling it.
We know how insurance companies work
A child’s claim covers a lifetime, and Nevada courts review any settlement for a child. We handle both.
Experts who strengthen your case
Pediatric doctors, child psychologists and safety experts who show the harm and what your child will need.
No fee unless we win
No upfront cost. We advance the expenses of your case, and you pay no attorney fee unless we win.
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Understanding child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse involves any sexual act with a child performed by an adult or an older child. It can take many forms, including inappropriate touching, exhibitionism, grooming, pornography, or any other sexually exploitative behavior. In addition to these explicit actions, sexual abuse also includes acts where a child is exploited indirectly such as being exposed to adult sexual activity or pornographic material.
The impact of child sexual abuse is profound and far-reaching. Victims often suffer from a range of emotional, psychological, and physical issues, both immediate and long-term. These can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulties in forming healthy relationships, and an increased risk for substance abuse and suicidal ideation. Each child’s experience and reaction to abuse is unique and depends on various factors such as the nature and duration of the abuse, their relationship with the abuser, their age at the time of the abuse, and the support they receive following disclosure.
Signs of child sexual abuse
Identifying child sexual abuse can be challenging due to the often secretive nature of these crimes. However, some signs could indicate a child might be a victim. These may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or academic performance
- Unusual or sophisticated knowledge of sexual behavior for their age
- Trouble sitting or walking, or complaints of pain or itching in the genital area
- Mood swings, aggression, withdrawal or fear
- Regression to younger behaviors (e.g., bedwetting or thumb-sucking)
- Attempts to avoid a specific person without an obvious reason
It’s crucial to remember that while these signs can be indicators of sexual abuse, they can also be indicative of other issues or forms of distress. They should be interpreted as a call for further investigation rather than definitive proof of abuse.
Legal rights of child victims and their families
Child victims of sexual abuse, and their families, have legal rights designed to protect them and hold offenders accountable. These include the right to report the abuse to law enforcement, the right to seek a protection order against the abuser, and the right to pursue civil damages. Two features of NRS 11.215(1) matter as much as any of those. First, there is no filing deadline against the abuser: an action for damages for an injury arising from sexual abuse or sexual exploitation that occurred when the plaintiff was less than 18 years of age may be commenced against the alleged perpetrator, or a person convicted of it, at any time after it occurred. Second, where the alleged injury is the result of a series of two or more acts constituting sexual abuse or sexual exploitation, the plaintiff is not required to identify which specific act in the series caused the injury, which removes a proof problem that otherwise defeats many of these claims. Claims against other parties, such as an institution, can carry different deadlines, so ask a lawyer about your own situation.
Mandatory reporting laws in most states, including Nevada, require certain professionals (like teachers, doctors, and social workers) to report suspected child abuse. Failure to do so can result in criminal penalties.
Deadlines for bringing a legal action are a threshold question in child sexual abuse cases, where the victim may not disclose the abuse until years after it occurred. Nevada sets those deadlines by statute, and understanding how they apply to a particular case is crucial in ensuring the victim’s rights are upheld.
How Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers can help
At Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we bring years of experience to bear in handling child sexual abuse cases with deep compassion, sensitivity, and determination. Here’s how we can assist:
Confidential consultation
Case evaluation
Guidance and representation
Securing compensation
Support and empowerment
We treat each case with the utmost confidentiality and respect, striving to provide a sense of safety and control for those who have been deeply hurt.
Resources for healing and support
Beyond legal assistance, victims and their families often require psychological and emotional support to cope with the trauma of sexual abuse. This could include individual or family therapy, support groups, crisis intervention services, or therapeutic camps and retreats. A wide range of resources are available, both locally and nationally, offering help and healing. While the legal process is crucial in seeking justice, the therapeutic process is just as essential for recovery and healing.
Sexual abuse to minor lawsuit FAQs
Have questions about your case?
Every child sexual abuse case is different. These answers cover the general rules; what applies to you depends on the facts.
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(702) 633-3333 Free consultation · Available 24/7 Or send us the details onlineWhat is child sexual abuse?
Child sexual abuse involves any sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors where one exerts power over the other. This can range from non-contact activities, such as exposure to pornographic material or exhibitionism, to contact activities like intercourse or inappropriate touching.
What are some signs that a child may be a victim of sexual abuse?
Indicators can include sudden changes in behavior or academic performance, advanced knowledge of sexual behavior for their age, unexplained fear or avoidance of a specific person, and physical signs like trouble sitting or walking.
Are there legal obligations to report child sexual abuse?
Yes, most states, including Nevada, have mandatory reporting laws that require certain professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers to report suspected child abuse. Failure to do so can result in criminal penalties.
What is the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases in Nevada?
There is no deadline for suing the abuser. Under NRS 11.215, an action for damages for an injury arising from sexual abuse or sexual exploitation that occurred when the plaintiff was less than 18 years of age may be brought against the alleged perpetrator, or a person convicted of that abuse, at any time after it occurred. Claims against other parties can involve different deadlines, so speak with a lawyer about your situation.
How does the legal process work in child sexual abuse cases?
There are two separate tracks. A report to law enforcement can lead to a criminal investigation and charges against the perpetrator, which is the state’s case, not yours. A civil lawsuit for compensation is your own, and it does not depend on that track: Nevada allows an action for damages arising from sexual abuse or sexual exploitation suffered before the age of 18 to be brought against the alleged perpetrator, or a person convicted of it, at any time after it occurred (NRS 11.215(1)). There is no requirement that you reported it, that anyone was investigated, or that anyone was convicted. Claims against other parties, such as an institution, can involve different deadlines, so ask a lawyer about your own situation.
How can a lawyer assist in child sexual abuse cases?
A lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, helping with reporting the abuse, dealing with child protective services, filing a lawsuit, and representing you in court. They can also help you understand your rights and potential paths forward.
What types of compensation can victims of child sexual abuse seek?
Victims can potentially seek compensation for medical and therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other related damages. Where clear and convincing evidence shows the defendant acted with oppression, fraud or malice, NRS 42.005 also allows punitive damages on top, limited, unless an exception in the statute or another specific statute applies, to three times the compensatory damages, or $300,000 if those are under $100,000. A lawyer can help identify and quantify these damages in a lawsuit.
Besides legal help, what other types of support are available for victims?
Psychological and emotional support are crucial for victims. This might include individual or family therapy, support groups, crisis intervention services, and therapeutic retreats. These resources can help victims and their families navigate the healing process.
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your sexual abuse case is a critical decision that could significantly impact the recovery process and bring justice. At Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping Las Vegas residents pursue justice and any compensation that may be available under the facts and the law. Contact us today for a free consultation. Jack’s Got Your Back!
Call us at (702) 633-3333 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
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