Crystal NV Sexual Assault Lawyers

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries and suffering. Sexual assault can happen anywhere, including public places like bars and nightclubs.

If your attack was the result of a property owner’s failure to maintain safe and secure premises, you may have the right to take civil action. Call High Stakes Injury Law at (702) 444-3228 today to learn more about how a Crystal sexual assault lawyer can help with your case.

Property Owners May Bear Responsibility for Assaults Occurring on Their Premises

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), a sexual assault takes place every 73 seconds in the U.S. Sexual violence can happen to anyone, and sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. Ultimately, the person responsible is the perpetrator, but building and property owners can and should take measures to protect those on their premises.

Businesses can protect patrons by:

• Employing bouncers or security personnel
• Installing security cameras
• Making sure all areas, including parking lots, have adequate lighting
• Not overserving customers at establishments that sell alcohol
• Taking extra precautions and alerting customers in areas where crime is more prevalent

Residential building owners should also install proper lighting and make sure security cameras are present. Owners can also increase safety by:

• Changing locks between tenants
• Keeping intercoms or other security systems designed to keep non-residents out of the building in working order
• Employing a doorman or security guard
• Installing and maintaining an alarm system
• Securing all doors and windows with proper closures and locks

Sexual Assault Can Result in Long-Term Physical and Mental Harm

Sexual assault survivors often suffer serious physical, mental, and emotional consequences that extend well beyond their attack. Survivors are more at risk of developing sleep disorders, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol addictions. Survivors may also be more prone to self-harm and thoughts of suicide.

Healing from a sexual assault is about more than recovering from bodily harm. Survivors may require years of therapy to cope with what they have endured. The consequences of sexual assault can impact a survivor’s ability to maintain employment, develop or sustain meaningful relationships, or experience joy.

The costs of medical care, mental health services, and the long-term financial and emotional impacts of an assault can create a huge burden for survivors. If you were assaulted, your injuries are not your fault, and you should not have to face these costs alone.

Compensation for Your Suffering

Financial awards cannot remove the suffering your assault caused, but they can provide you with resources to heal and get your life back on track. You may pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills. This includes bills for any emergency treatment or care you received for injuries suffered during your assault. It also includes future care needs, medication costs, and bills for past and future mental health care.
• Lost wages. You may receive awards to compensate you for wages lost due to time off work because of your assault and injuries. Your lawyer may also help you calculate a sum based on how your attack has affected your past and future ability to earn a living.
• Damaged property. If your personal property, such as jewelry or a cellphone, was damaged during your assault, you may seek compensation for your items.
• Pain and suffering. These damages account for your past and future physical pain and emotional and mental suffering. This includes compensation for things such as stress, trauma, and anxiety.
• Wrongful death. Sexual assault is a violent crime, and sadly, some victims do not survive their attack. If your loved one died because of injuries sustained during an assault, you may be able to sue for their wrongful death.

You may wonder why you would seek compensation from a property owner and not the perpetrator of your assault. Sometimes, the perpetrator is not apprehended. When they are, it is unlikely they have adequate financial resources.

Taking legal action against the owner of the property where your assault occurred may provide the best possible avenue for receiving compensation. Most property owners carry liability insurance to protect them against lawsuits and pay for accidents that happen on their premises. Your attorney may negotiate a satisfactory insurance settlement on your behalf; if not, your lawyer can assist you with a civil suit.

The Statute of Limitations

There is no time limit for filing an insurance claim, but it is best to get started on the process as soon as possible. If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, you have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit under NRS §11.190(4)(e).

The statute of limitations for civil action is different from the criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault, which may allow survivors more time to take action. Likewise, civil lawsuits and criminal cases are separate actions, and the outcome of one does not affect the other.

Call Our Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

Jack Bernstein and Scott Poisson have more than 60 years of combined experience helping clients protect their legal rights. We understand that you are suffering and that this is a difficult time for you and your family. We will fight for your compensation, and we are not afraid to take cases to trial if it is in our clients’ best interests to do so.

To learn more, call our offices at (702) 444-3228 for a free case evaluation.