The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits in Cocoa, Florida is generally seven years for those who were abused as adults, per Florida Statutes §95.11(7). There is no statute of limitations for child victims under age 16, per Florida House Bill No. 525.
There are some exceptions to these laws, and many factors could impact the exact date the statute of limitations expires for your sexual abuse case. When you have a Cocoa personal injury lawyer on your side, they can ensure you meet this critical deadline.
Florida’s Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Seven years may seem like more than enough time to take action on your case. However, this time can fly by faster than you might have thought.
Your sexual abuse attorney needs to begin collecting evidence as soon as possible, as forensic evidence, photos of your injuries, witness statements, and any available video footage may only be available for a limited time.
If you do not file your sexual abuse lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out, you will no longer be able to pursue your case in civil court. For this reason, we recommend getting an attorney on your case promptly.
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Factors Impacting the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Cocoa
Although the statute of limitations may seem clear-cut, in sexual abuse cases, many factors could impact when the statute of limitations will run out.
Multiple Instances of Abuse
In cases where individuals have suffered multiple instances of abuse, they may be unsure whether the statute of limitations will end seven years from the date of the first incident or four years from the date of the most recent. Your lawyer can help you sort this out.
Type of Abuse
The type of sexual crime committed against you may affect the deadline, as well. For example, a statutory rape case may have a different statute of limitations than a case involving another type of abuse.
Victim’s Age
Your age at the time you suffered sexual abuse could also play a part in your ability to proceed with your case.
- If you were over 18, you generally must file your lawsuit within seven years.
- If you were 16 or 17, the statute of limitations may be tolled (or postponed), and the seven-year clock will not start running until you turn 18. This would give you until age 25 to file.
- If you were under 16 when you were abused, there is generally no statute of limitations.
Discovery Period
Another factor that may affect the statute of limitations in your case is if you did not discover some of the trauma that resulted from your abuse until years after the abuse occurred. In that case, you generally have up to four years after the discovery of your damages to file a lawsuit.
If you are interested in learning more about how much longer you have to move forward with your sexual abuse case, a sexual abuse attorney at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC would be happy to discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Cocoa Could Help You
Working with a sexual abuse attorney in Cocoa may be the best way to take justice into your own hands. Pursuing civil action against the responsible parties could help you feel empowered as you begin to rebuild your life.
Here is what you can expect from your personal injury lawyer at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC:
Build a Case Against Your Abuser
Once you hire a Cocoa sex abuse attorney, they will begin building a case against your abuser and anyone else responsible for causing your injuries. Anyone who facilitated the abuse you went through or failed to prevent or protect you from the abuse could be named in your civil claim.
Calculate Your Damages
Next, we will calculate the value of your damages. Your attorney will speak with you to determine how the sexual abuse and trauma you endured have affected you and accurately calculate the value of your claim.
You may have the right to recover both economic and non-economic damages so you can be made whole. Money will not make up for what you have been through, but it is an opportunity to ease your financial burdens.
Take Back Control of Your Life
Once your sexual abuse lawyer has identified all liable parties, you can move forward with your claim. Your lawyer will be by your side every step of the way to ensure justice is served in your case.
Work With a Cocoa Sexual Abuse Lawyer to Get Started On Your Case
When you are struggling to cope with what you have been through, but you are ready to take back control of your life, you can do so by working with a Cocoa sexual abuse lawyer at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC.
Our team will ensure the statute of limitations does not adversely affect your ability to recover compensation for your damages. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation today.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
