Sexual Abuse Lawyers In Erie, Pennsylvania

Jed Dietrich, Esq. is Committed to Upholding the Rights of Sexual Abuse Victims in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Experienced Team of Attorneys Believes that Sexual Assault Survivors Deserve Aggressive Representation and Lawyers Willing to Fight for Justice.

Sexual assault has been described as a silent epidemic, affecting more than a half-million men, women, and children annually. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the statistics on sexual violence are sobering: every 68 seconds, another American is assaulted. For many survivors, young and old alike, sexual abuse is a trauma that never fully heals. After an assault, survivors may struggle to form healthy, trusting relationships, impacting their ability to succeed in school and sustain successful careers. Even when victims manage to persevere, they often suffer the well-documented, long-term psychological effects of abuse, which could include post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

For decades, societal sentiments forced many survivors to keep their trauma hidden. Even today, experts estimate that up to 63% of rapes and up to 90% of certain sexual assaults are never reported to law enforcement. However, in recent years, the Pennsylvania state legislature has taken significant steps to empower sexual abuse victims, offering survivors the opportunity to hold wrongdoers accountable for their crimes even when and where the criminal justice system has failed.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is firmly committed to upholding the rights and dignity of the survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. We have litigated abuse cases all the way to state supreme courts, securing favorable settlements. Our highly experienced team of attorneys knows what it takes to build a compelling, evidence-based claim for recompense, and we have the results to prove it. Please send us a message online or call us today at 814-839-3939 to schedule your free, discreet consultation as soon as possible.

The state legislature recently revised the statute of limitations for many sexual abuse claims, including claims relating to childhood sexual abuse. The same legislative package included additional protections for sexual assault survivors.

Today, many sexual assault survivors are entitled to pursue lawsuits against their abusers, even if the abuse was not recent and even if the abuse was never reported to law enforcement. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your claim, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. could help you investigate an abuser, communicate with law enforcement, and initiate civil proceedings against a perpetrator.

Our compassionate team of attorneys understands that standing up for justice can be intimidating, which is why we do everything in our power to protect our clients’ anonymity and rights to recompense. Please contact us today at 814-839-3939 to speak to a legal professional and begin exploring your options for relief.

While sexual abuse is often perpetrated by known persons in familiar surroundings, sexual abuse can occur anywhere, at any time. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network has found the following:

1. 48% of sexual abuse victims were sleeping or performing other activities at home when they were assaulted;
2. 29% of survivors were traveling to or from school, work, and other destinations;
3. 12% of victims were at work;
4. 7% were in or attending school; and
5. 5% were performing another unlisted activity.

Sexual abuse claims are often filed against individual perpetrators. However, Pennsylvania state law allows survivors to initiate claims against the enablers and facilitators of abuse. The potential defendants in a sexual abuse lawsuit could include:

1. An individual abuser;
2. A school, college, or university;
3. A business owner;
4. A nursing home facility;
5. A government agency;
6. A hotel;
7. A healthcare provider; or
8. A church or other religious institution.

In general, compensatory damages are intended to reimburse victims for losses, emotional pain and suffering, and trauma. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. could help you secure compensation for damages including, but not limited to:

1. Past and anticipated medical expenses;
2. Therapy and counseling;
3. Inpatient and outpatient treatment;
4. Emotional pain and suffering;
5. Loss of enjoyment;
6. Loss of companionship;
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder;
8. Lost income;
9. Diminished earning potential;
10. Partial or total disability; and
11. Disfigurement.

Since many sexual assault survivors suffer from related psychological conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, survivors could receive significant compensation for their non-economic damages. Under certain limited circumstances, the court could also award victims punitive damages or damages that are intended to punish, especially egregious misconduct. Punitive damages are awarded solely at the court’s discretion. For example, the judge may direct the defendant to pay additional punitive damages if they believe that the survivor’s compensatory damages will not sufficiently compensate them for their suffering.

Sexual assault survivors do not have to suffer in silence. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is committed to providing unparalleled and compassionate service to sexual abuse victims. When we accept a case, we aggressively advocate for our client’s rights, no matter how powerful a perpetrator may be. Please send us a message online or call us at 814-839-3939 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 814-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Erie, Pennsylvania. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!