Child Molestation and Sex Abuse In South Carolina

South Carolina Sexual Abuse Injury Lawsuit Attorneys

Can I Bring a Personal Injury Case for Sexual Assault or Rape?

If you are a survivor of sexual assault—either as an adult or a child—you may be able to pursue a civil legal claim against the perpetrator of the assault. At the Steinberg Law Firm, our compassionate and aggressive child molestation and sex abuse lawyers are dedicated to fighting for victims and have a record of accomplishment of holding perpetrators accountable. We offer all prospective clients a free and confidential consultation, during which we will explain the process, what to expect, and how we can help. We will also answer any questions you have to ensure you feel comfortable at every stage of the process.

The Scope of the Sexual Abuse Problem

Sexual abuse and child molestation occur at a startling rate. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), someone is the target of sexual violence every 68 seconds. The National Center for Victims of Crime also found that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives.

Who Commits Sexual Abuse?

Most sexual abuse and child molestation situations are committed by someone familiar to the victim. According to RAINN, just under 20% of sexual assaults are committed by perpetrators who do not know their victims.

The most common types of sexual assault involve:

  • Assaults by family members,
  • Assaults committed by acquaintances,
  • Assaults committed by medical professionals,
  • Daycare child molestation,
  • Date rape,
  • Sex abuse in churches,
  • Sexual abuse and child molestation in schools and sports programs,
  • Nursing home sexual abuse; and
  • Workplace sexual violence.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we understand the challenges survivors and their families face in the wake of a sexual assault. We recognize that the thought of bringing a lawsuit against a perpetrator raises the possibility of re-traumatization. Through thoughtful and compassionate advocacy, we do everything possible to make obtaining justice against an attacker easy for you.

Child Molestation and Sexual Assault Often Results in a Lifetime of Severe Physical and Emotional Injuries

The effects of child molestation or sexual assault are severe. Of course, no two survivors’ experiences are identical, and the impact of sex abuse varies significantly between survivors. Typical injuries brought by sex abuse and child molestation cases include:

  • Anxiety/ Depression,
  • Declining Academic Performance,
  • Lack of Trust in Authority Figures,
  • Loss in Faith,
  • Difficulties Finding or Holding Employment,
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse Disorders,
  • Mental Disorders/ Panic Attacks,
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
  • Sexual Dysfunction/ Intimacy Issues.; and
  • Suicidal Thoughts.

The damages a sex abuse survivor experiences are not limited to physical and emotional injuries. For example, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the estimated lifetime financial costs a rape survivor faces can exceed $120,000.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we fight for justice on behalf of sex assault and child molestation survivors. We believe it is not fair for you and your family to endure the financial costs associated with the attack.

Civil Versus Criminal Sex Assault Cases

Child molestation and sexual abuse are both crimes. Thus, after a report of sex assault, the police often initiate an investigation, and the government may bring criminal charges against a perpetrator. It is essential to understand the distinctions between a criminal sex abuse case and a civil sex abuse case, as they are focused on reaching different goals.

In a criminal case, the government brings charges against a perpetrator based on their violation of the law. If the defendant is found guilty, they face criminal sanctions, which include incarceration, probation, and mandatory sex offender registration, among other things. Criminal cases are brought on behalf of the government, not the victim. Therefore, criminal judges are extremely limited in their ability to order a defendant to compensate a victim for their injuries.

In a civil case, the survivor initiates the case to seek justice for their injuries. Notably, the burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, making these cases easier to prove. If the government brought charges against a perpetrator for sexual assault that resulted in an acquittal, the victim could still get a civil claim on their own. If a sex abuse survivor successfully brings a civil sexual assault case, they can recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are costs that require victims to spend money out-of-pocket or lose out on the ability to make money. Following are types of economic damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses,
  • Lost wages; and
  • Decrease in their ability to earn as much income as before the attack.

Non-economic damages compensate survivors for the emotional and psychological effects the abuse had on their life. Following are non-economic damages:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering,
  • Emotional Anguish,
  • Physical or Mental Disability,
  • Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement,
  • Loss of the Enjoyment in Life,
  • Inability to Complete Daily Tasks; and
  • Loss of Companionship.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we approach every case with compassion, seeking to understand how the attack impacted your life. This allows us to determine the full extent of your losses. You only get one chance to bring a case, and it is imperative that you recover exactly what you need to get your life back on track and not a penny less. We also take a close look at all the parties liable for the attack including poor building security and negligence on the part of others that may have contributed to the attack.

Have You Been the Victim of Child Molestation or Sex Abuse?

If you, your child, or a loved one was recently the victim of sexual violence, reach out to the Steinberg Law Firm for immediate assistance. At the Steinberg Law Firm, we have been helping injured people recover meaningful compensation for what they have been through since 1927.

Over this time, we have connected countless people with the money they need to start the complicated process of moving on with their lives. Over the past ten years alone, we have recovered more than $500 million on behalf of our clients.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 843-720-2800. You can also contact us through our online form. There is no obligation when you set up a consultation, and we will never bill you for any of our services unless we can help get you the compensation you need and deserve.

Practice Areas

Results

WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $500 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:

$3.15 Million

Car Accident Settlement

$3.85 Million

Workers' Comp Case

Leaders in the Legal Industry

Steinberg attorneys have been awarded numerous distinctions, such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report, Gedney M. Howe, Jr. Award for Outstanding Public Service, the SC Leadership in Law award, and has been voted Best Workers’ Comp Firm in SC, among other distinctions.

What Our Clients Say

They have amazing lawyers!

They have worked on an impossible situation and exceeded all expectations in the resulting settlements. I would recommend the Steinberg Law Firm to anyone and everyone!

My experience was excellent

From the first consultation to the end of my case I was kept updated step by step. My attorney worked hard for me and got me more than what I expected.

I never felt like I was alone

My lawyer and his Paralegal were right with me the entire case. I never felt like I was alone. At every turn they were in my corner. Someone recommended me to Steinberg law firm and I gladly would do the same for someone else.

I couldn't have asked for better

The people from the Steinberg group are top-notch. They handled my case extremely well, I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. Thank you all so much for all you did for me.

I am grateful for them!

At my worst, they honestly and carefully protected and defended my family on multiple levels. I’m a client for life and the integrity of this law firm is unmatched. Thank You Steinberg Law Family!!!

The people are thoughtful and professional

Questions and concerns always get answered and concerns are taken care of. Thank you all at Steinburg for a good experience and for showing me that you care about your clients.

The best law firm

This the best law firm anyone could ever deal with. Mr. Pearlman will work hard to get everything that is owed to you. It was a pleasure to have been represented by this firm.

A wonderful experience

Had a wonderful experience with Mr. Pearlman and his team. Thank you very much for your diligence and expertise.

I highly recommend them

They work as a team providing the best referrals and assistance to accomplish what my family and I needed. I highly recommend them because you won’t be disappointed.