Attorneys Helping Victims of Psychologist Sexual Abuse

People who visit psychologists and other therapists do so to feel safe, secure and to improve their overall emotional health. Unfortunately, some therapists prey on the vulnerabilities of their patients in order to sexually abuse them, including underage patients. Victims of therapist abuse often have difficulties dealing with the many physical and psychological effects that the abuse can have.

At the law firm of Hill & Associates, P.C., our lawyers understand how devastating therapist abuse can be and work hard to help victims hold their abusers accountable. We provide experienced representation for abuse victims in order to pursue the accountability and compensation that they deserve. In a civil lawsuit, the court can award money damages for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.

We do not represent those who commit sex crimes; we only represent victims. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with violent crimes and will aggressively pursue civil justice for you. We also understand how difficult it is for parents and the child victim when an adult preys on a minor. We treat our clients with compassion and understanding, but it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and interview witnesses while a crime is still fresh in their minds.

We represent victims of statutory rape throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Even if the criminal court has not found an adult guilty of statutory rape, you may still be able to pursue compensation in civil court.

Physical, Emotional and Psychological Effects of Sexual Assault

While some survivors of sexual assault recover from their attacks relatively quickly, others have to deal with the effects throughout their lifetimes. The effects of sexual assault can include physical, emotional and psychological symptoms, such as:

• Severe pain, risk of disease and injuries
• Depression
• Loss of self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Psychological disorders
• Insomnia and panic attacks
• Self-mutilation and eating disorders
• Suicidal thoughts

In addition to the criminal charges that should be brought against an assailant, a civil lawsuit can obtain compensation for medical bills, therapy, physical rehabilitation and other expenses.

It may also be possible to pursue additional compensation from a third party who allowed the sexual assault to occur, such as a shopping mall or apartment complex owner who did not provide appropriate safety and security measures to protect against an attack.

Civil Justice for Victims of Rape in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Crimes like rape and sexual assault can take a devastating physical and emotional toll on victims who typically need many years to recover from their attacks. The necessary treatment and rehabilitation after rape can be lengthy and extensive, and while the criminal justice system can bring the assailant to justice, it rarely helps victims pay for the recovery process.

Rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse…the terms may seem similar, but regardless of what an attack is labeled, it has the ability to cause great and lasting harm to its victim.

At Hill & Associates, in Philadelphia, our lawyers represent the victims of rape and other sexual offenses — we do not represent the criminals that commit the horrible crime of rape. By pursuing a civil lawsuit against the person who raped you, you can get the justice, accountability and compensation that you deserve — even if your rapist was not found guilty in a criminal court.

Examples of Negligent Security

Our lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of injury cases involving negligent security. We may be able to help if you or someone you love has been injured in an attack that was caused by negligent security, including:

• Inadequate lighting
• Failure to provide properly trained security personnel
• Failure to use security gates or cameras
• Broken locks
• Broken security cameras

Any assault, sexual assault, shooting or other act of violence can often be physically, psychologically and emotionally damaging for the victims and their families. Getting appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, counseling and other expenses is crucial to the recovery process.

Any instance of child abuse or child sexual assault can have tremendous physical, emotional and psychological damage. In addition to the broken bones, bruises and other physical impact, abuse may result in depression, drug and alcohol abuse and an inability to form healthy adult relationships. Children who have been abused may even become abusers themselves, continuing the cycle to another generation.

By pursuing a civil lawsuit against the person who abused you, or who harmed someone you love, it is possible to get the compensation that is necessary for the recovery process. It is also possible that other foster children will not be subjected to the same kind of abuse from the same offender.

Pennsylvania / New Jersey Lawyer for Victims of Domestic Abuse

If you are being abused by a spouse or significant other or if your loved one is the victim of domestic violence, including your child, you need to seek help as soon as possible. First, report the abuse to law enforcement and get out of a dangerous situation. After you report the abuse, talk with an attorney about your legal options in civil litigation.

At the law firm of Hill & Associates, in Philadelphia, our attorneys provide guidance, support and representation to the victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In addition to the criminal penalties that abusers should face, victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, therapy and other expenses related to domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to the physical injuries from abuse, domestic violence can result in psychological effects for many years into the future. Our lawyers also handle a wide range of other issues involving families, including:

• Stalking
• Sexual assault and rape
• Child abuse
• Child sexual assault
• Foster child abuse
• Incest

Universities and colleges are designed to be safe places for students to learn, but unfortunately, assaults and other violent crimes are becoming more commonplace on college campuses. Students and other visitors who are hurt in college campus assaults may be able to pursue compensation from their attackers, as well as the schools that failed to protect them.

At the law firm of Hill & Associates, our firm provides experienced representation for the victims of college campus assaults in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. If you have been attacked, or have a loved one who has been harmed at college, we can help you get the closure, justice and accountability that you deserve. A lawyer can help you understand your options for recovery.

In some cases of clergy sexual assault, bishops, archdioceses and other church officials fail to put a stop to the abuse and protect the offending clergy member from prosecution. This can not only take any measure of justice and accountability away from the victims of sexual assault but can also make it more likely that others will be similarly abused in the future.

In addition to holding the responsible predator liable for clergy sexual assault and abuse, we will also pursue compensation and accountability from those who did not protect you from assault. We appreciate how hard it can be for a victim of abuse to come forward in such a setting. We provide representation that is compassionate, understanding and dedicated to a positive resolution.