Thousands of people are victims of sexual assault every year, and the trauma is often very difficult to endure. Dealing with the experience can be painful and devastating, especially when the perpetrator isn’t held accountable for their behavior. The good news is that you can take legal action against anyone who harmed you and recover financial damages.
Now, you’re likely wondering about the different types of damages you can include in your sexual assault case. How do you determine a dollar amount for your pain and suffering? Allow our sexual assault attorneys in San Diego to explain the damages you can recover to achieve justice in your case:
Damages in Sexual Assault Cases
Sexual assault cases typically involve three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Here’s what they encompass:
- Economic Damages – These are quantifiable damages. Some of the more common examples include hospital bills and ongoing psychotherapy. Also, if you cannot work due to injuries or emotional distress, you can calculate the amount of money you should’ve made in that time.
- Non-Economic Damages – We can’t always quantify our own suffering in terms of dollars and cents. However, you can still seek damages for the emotional trauma caused by your assailant.
- Punitive Damages – This entails the criminal aspect of your case. The damages can stem from the severity of your injuries and the degree of heinous behavior. There’s no way to quantify punitive damages either, which tends to vary case by case. They also often serve as a deterrent to prevent future assaults.
In some situations, perpetrators will inflict intentional and malicious emotional distress. However, seeking extra damages for pain and suffering often requires a relatively high burden of proof.
Proving Non-Economic Damages
As we already discussed, you can’t necessarily quantify non-economic damages. However, testimony from an expert witness is the best way to prove and indicate your suffering. For example, a psychologist who specializes in treating sexual assault victims can attest to the trauma you’re experiencing.
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More Examples of Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Civil claims involving sexual assault ultimately allow victims to obtain compensation for their injuries and suffering. We want to provide you with some more examples of the damages you can recover, which include:
- Medical bills and other healthcare expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Psychological and emotional suffering diagnosed by professionals
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and counseling
- Permanent physical scarring
You should always aim to maximize the compensation in your sexual assault case. Make sure you keep an accurate record of all the damages you’ve suffered.
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Don’t Fight This Battle Alone
Here at HHJ Trial Attorneys in San Diego, we represent many victims who deserve justice. Our mission is to hold your attacker accountable for their behavior and prevent them from harming anyone else. Our team of professionals will accommodate all of your legal needs and help recover the full compensation you deserve.
Please take this opportunity to contact our offices and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. We can begin reviewing the facts of your case and answer any questions you have about civil claims involving sexual assault. Our job is to ensure that the victims are never powerless by providing them with access to legal resources.
