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If you are still reeling from the news that your child was a target of sexual abuse at school, church or camp, you need assistance.
At the Rhine Law Firm, we do not pursue lawsuits against individual child sexual abusers but against the institutions that allowed this horror to happen. While child sex abuse is a crime and the abuser may be criminally charged, in most cases filing a civil lawsuit against the person does little good because the individual usually does not have the assets to pay for a settlement or verdict. Institutions, however, are generally insured and should be held liable for their negligence.
In your situation, you want a North Carolina child sexual abuse lawyer specializing in this complicated area of law. Connect with us today to find out how we can help you build a strong case against the institutions that have failed you.
Rhine Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand and make the most of North Carolina’s new legislation.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Laws in North Carolina
The Statute of Limitations and Its Implications
In North Carolina, the SAFE Child Act was signed into law in 2019. Under this legislation, the statute of limitations allowing child abuse victims to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser, or an institution is extended for 10 years from the age at the time of the assault. For instance, a sexual abuse victim under 18 has until the age of 28 to file a lawsuit.
Identifying Responsible Parties in Institutional Cases
Every case is unique. We identify the institutional parties that may prove responsible in your particular situation. When it comes to building a case, it is critical to prove that someone in the institution knew or should have known that such abuse was occurring.
In a notorious example, the Southern Baptist Convention sex abuse scandal included numerous pastors, youth ministers, and music ministers convicted on child sex abuse charges. The SBC is facing a plethora of lawsuits alleging that it covered up hundreds of such cases and that leadership mishandled or did not investigate allegations.
Why Choose Rhine Law Firm?
You want justice for your child. For that, you should turn to a law firm with expertise in institutional child sexual abuse cases.
At Rhine Law Farm, we know the trauma sexual abuse inflicted on your child and family and we offer a compassionate approach in our support of victims, while fiercely advocating for them in the legal system.
Types of Institutions Liable for Child Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, the type of institutions most often held liable for child sexual abuse are exactly those institutions parents trust to protect and care for their kids. The most common types of institutions liable for child sexual abuse include:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Religious organizations and places of worship
- Foster care and residential facilities
- Daycare facilities
- Sports organizations and clubs
- Juvenile detention and treatment facilities and camps
The Legal Process for Filing a Lawsuit
After an initial consultation and case evaluation, we determine whether there are grounds for establishing institutional negligence related to your child’s sexual abuse. If such grounds exist, we start by gathering evidence and building a strong case.
Once sufficient evidence is established, the next step is filing a lawsuit against the institution. Our attorneys will negotiate with the institution’s insurance company so that a reasonable settlement is reached. While most cases are settled, if the insurance company does not agree to a fair resolution, we will take the case to trial.
Compensation and Damages
Financial compensation cannot erase the physical, emotional, and psychological suffering a child abuse victim endured, but it is a way of seeking justice through financial recovery, ensuring that a victim can afford the treatment and supports he or she needs moving forward.
Client Eligibility Criteria
As noted, Rhine Law Firm only accepts cases against institutions, not against an individual child sexual abuse perpetrator with no institutional connection, such as a neighbor or relative.
Our screening process for potential clients involves determining how an institution may be proven liable in the case. Provide as much evidence as possible, including any texts or emails between the child and the alleged abuser, any sexually related material involving the victim and abuser, medical records, or eyewitness accounts.
In addition, it is critical that the client is willing to cooperate fully in the legal process. Without that full cooperation, it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove your case.
Contact the Rhine Law Firm
If your child was a victim of sexual abuse due to institutional negligence, you need the services of an experienced sex abuse attorney at the Rhine Law Firm. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. When it comes to child sexual abuse cases, time is of the essence. Your confidentiality and privacy and that of your child are assured.
Our Wilmington child sex abuse attorneys can help you obtain the damages you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
Let Us Help You
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse or molestation as a child, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get the justice you deserve. Eight states throughout the U.S. have taken part in this new legislation, and victims throughout the country are finally being given the right to step forward and bring these sordid criminal acts to light.
At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., our acclaimed Wilmington attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of child sex abuse and understand the delicate, traumatizing nature of the crime. We will treat you with compassion, privacy, and most of all – the help you need.
Our Promise to You
Resources
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7: Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Online chat: online.rainn.org Español: rainn.org/es
NC Coalition For the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
For more information contact Suzanne Metcalf at 919-829-8009.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 This group provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources.
We are proud to serve the people of North Carolina.
Although our primary office location is in Wilmington, North Carolina we represent clients nationally and across the state of North Carolina. Some of the many areas we serve are listed below.
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