Sexual Abuse Lawyers In Chester County, PA
It takes courage to come forward. Our team is trained to offer legal support that is both trauma-informed and respectful. One of our focuses is to empower you to take control of your path to justice, whether you’re a survivor of recent abuse or have been holding onto it for years. We’re committed to high-caliber litigation and sensitive client care, proud to advocate for the members of Chester County.
Holding Perpetrators And Institutions Responsible
In many sexual abuse cases, the wrongdoing isn’t limited to just one person. Did you know that institutions can be held responsible if they fail to protect victims or knowingly allow abuse to continue? These institutions can include schools, religious organizations, sports clubs, healthcare providers, or even employers.
Our Bochetto & Lentz lawyers conduct in-depth investigations into all parties who may bear responsibility for a survivor’s trauma. This can include looking at policies, interviewing witnesses, analyzing prior complaints, and identifying systemic negligence. We leave no stone unturned when prosecuting cases, especially when an institution has enabled, concealed, or ignored abuse.
We aren’t scared of pursuing complex cases against powerful organizations – we have experience building legal arguments that expose their accountability in court. Victims of sexual abuse have every right to pursue justice and compensation from their abusers, but also from the systems that allowed it to happen. Civil lawsuits can actually help with changing policy and protecting others.
Our Approach
It takes a lot of courage to come forward. Our lawyers provide support that is grounded in compassion and legal excellence. We know that these cases aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation and understand how unique each case is. This means tailoring our strategy to everyone’s specific goals, whether this involves negotiation, mediation, or going to trial before a jury. We want you to feel like you have a safe space to share your story when you’re ready, where everything you tell us is treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Our decades of combined courtroom and litigation experience mean that our lawyers are seasoned in handling sensitive and high-profile sexual abuse cases. The legal process can be confusing and overwhelming, so we will always keep you informed through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to filing your claim, and preparing for court.
How Is Evidence Gathered In Sexual Abuse Cases?
Victim And Witness Testimony
Personal accounts describing the abuse and circumstances.
Medical Records
Documentation of injuries, forensic exams, and psychological evaluations.
Witness Statements
Observations from people who saw or heard relevant events.
Physical Evidence
Items like clothing, photographs, or forensic samples collected to support the claim.
How Civil Claims Can Help Survivors Find Justice
While many people think they have to go through the criminal court system to get justice, civil litigation can be a path that focuses on a survivor’s healing and restitution. Civil lawsuits allow victims to seek compensation for the numerous ways abuse has affected their lives. This could include:
- Medical bills and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental health struggles
- Loss of income or employment
- Reduced quality of life
These are all cases that can be filed, even if you’ve chosen not to pursue a criminal case, or you have, and it didn’t result in a conviction. Our sexual abuse lawyers have years of experience in handling civil cases. We will guide you through the legal system while honoring your privacy and dignity. We understand that no amount of money can erase the trauma brought on by sexual abuse, but a successful civic claim can often give people a sense of closure and help fund the support and recovery services that might be needed.
Your Rights
Did you know that survivors of sexual abuse often have legal rights that extend beyond criminal prosecutions? Laws in PA have evolved in recent times to offer more flexibility for survivors to come forward and pursue civil action, even years or sometimes decades after the abuse has occurred.
If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file a lawsuit or not, our lawyers can evaluate your situation during your initial consultation. Statutes of limitations can be confusing, but they shouldn’t stop you from seeking justice. In many cases, there are multiple legal avenues that exist. It’s even possible to remain anonymous throughout, especially if your case involves high-profile defendants or community relationships that feel too sensitive.
Contact Us Today
Our attorneys bring both local knowledge and big-firm experience to each case, where we’re not only legal defense experts but seasoned courtroom litigators who thrive under pressure. We are prepared to pursue the best possible outcome for you and your case. We don’t just serve Chester County, we serve communities all across Pennsylvania.
The after-effects of sexual abuse are things you shouldn’t have to go through alone. We’re committed to helping you navigate this difficult time with the utmost compassion. Our lawyers are ready to listen, advise, and stand by your side from consultation to resolution. If you’d like to have your case reviewed, we offer no-charge initial consultations. And, about half of our cases operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning many clients don’t pay anything unless there’s compensation awarded at the end.
We don’t just have lawyers in Chester County! We have all sorts of lawyers across Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Montgomery County, get in touch with Bochetto & Lentz today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly to speak with an attorney.