How To File A Sex Assault Lawsuit In Massachusetts
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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Sexual assault is a truly heinous act, but victims do have options
- Pursuing a lawsuit after a sexual assault allows you to seek compensation
- An attorney can give your claim the best chance of success
Sexual assault can cause unfathomable pain and lasting psychological trauma for victims. Survivors of sexual assault may feel helpless or unsure about what to do in the wake of such a serious, personal attack. Thankfully, Massachusetts law provides remedies for victims to pursue justice and compensation for the harm they’ve faced.
A Massachusetts personal injury lawyer can help if you have been a victim of a sexual assault in the state. A civil action may allow you to receive compensation for the losses you suffered from this heinous act. Discover how to begin a lawsuit after a sexual assault in Massachusetts.
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Statute of Limitations to File Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Massachusetts
It takes courage to stand up against perpetrators of sexual violence. However, it’s important to understand that there is a statute of limitations that you must abide by for sexual assault lawsuits. In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of the assault. If you miss this deadline, you may not be able to recover any losses.
Exceptions That May Extend the Deadline in Massachusetts
Exceptions do apply in some cases for the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Massachusetts. If you were underage when the assault occurred, for example, the timeline will be tolled until you come of age.
For those who were incapacitated or disabled at the time of the attack, the clock will start running when they are no longer incapacitated.
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What Allegations Go Into a Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit?
In a sexual assault lawsuit, the allegation is that you were made to engage in sexual activity without your consent or that you could not have granted that consent because you were a minor or were in any way incapacitated.
How a Lawyer Can Help Survivors in Massachusetts
Hiring a lawyer after a sexual assault in Massachusetts can make the process of filing a claim easier. They can begin to gather the necessary evidence to corroborate your claim and will know how to negotiate to obtain an appropriate settlement. If reaching a settlement isn’t possible, then your attorney can take the case to court.
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File a Civil Lawsuit With Help From ConsumerShield
At ConsumerShield, we can connect you with attorneys in Massachusetts who have experience with these particular types of cases. With the right team by your side, you can receive the support you need as you navigate this difficult process. Contact us to learn more about our services today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Each case is different, so there isn’t an average amount you can receive for these types of claims. Factors that can influence compensation include the severity of the assault, the evidence available and whether you have an experienced attorney.
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Attorneys who represent civil sexual assault cases typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid a percentage of your winnings. If they don’t obtain a settlement or a jury award, they don’t get paid.
