Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Suing for Child Sexual Abuse (Part A)
When child sexual abuse results in physical or emotional damage, the law allows parents to seek justice on behalf of their children in civil court.
Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts
Sexual abuse can affect a child for life, but some state courts only allow civil lawsuits for a few years after discovery of the event. In Massachusetts, for instance, the statute of limitations is three years, as opposed to lengthier terms for filing criminal charges.
If your child has been victimized by a sexual crime, act now.
By identifying the person or individuals responsible and suing for child sexual abuse, you can recover money to pay for your child’s medical bills, now and into the future. You can also help ensure the predator is prosecuted for the injury they have caused your loved one.
Burden of Proof
Child sexual abuse cases can be difficult to prove, due to the solitary nature of the acts and lack of witnesses, other than the child and offender themselves. Children are reluctant to talk about sexual assault, and when they do, parents may not know if what their children describe falls under the legal definition of sexual abuse.
How Do You Know If You Have a Case?
You may have grounds for a sexual abuse lawsuit if your child:
- Was fondled by a supervising adult once or repeatedly over time
- Sustained superficial or internal injuries from sexual penetration
- Was photographed with intent to sell as pornography
Consensus on the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse
Your idea of indecent sexual conduct may not coincide with the state code.
Based on federal sexual abuse guidelines written specifically for children, states detail the behavior between adult and child that falls under their legal jurisdiction. Sexual abuse charges are usually comprehensive, including any type of sexual act performed with the child’s body, or with an implement for a non-medical purpose.
Has your child experienced a life-altering personal injury in physical or sexual abuse caused by an adult?
Learn how to get help by contacting a Boston child injury lawyer at Kiley Law Group in Boston and Andover, Massachusetts.
Continue to Suing for Child Sexual Abuse (Part B) >>
