Greenville Sexual Abuse Attorneys
If you or a loved one has survived sexual abuse, please know that you are not alone. At Riddle & Brantley, our Greenville sexual abuse lawyers are deeply committed to offering compassionate legal representation to survivors of sexual abuse.
Our firm has consistently upheld the rights of individuals across North Carolina, including those impacted by sexual abuse. We treat each case with maximum sensitivity and are fully committed to securing justice and compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Riddle & Brantley as Your Greenville Sexual Abuse Lawyers?
Since 1985, Riddle & Brantley has supported survivors in North Carolina, providing:
- A Strategic Location: Our Greenville office is strategically located at 509 Evans Street near the Pitt County Courthouse to ensure that we are accessible to all our clients, making it easier for you to reach us.
- Experienced Legal Team: Our team consists of 11 dedicated attorneys along with a support team of investigators, paralegals, case managers, and support staff, bringing over 220 years of combined legal experience to your case.
- Proven Track Record: We have successfully recovered over $720 million in total compensation for our clients since 2000, showcasing our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. See disclaimer below.
- Client-Centered Approach: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our firm believes in the principle that “Justice Counts for ALL,” ensuring every client receives personalized and thorough legal representation.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to courtroom advocacy, our team manages every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for justice on your behalf.
What Compensation Is Available for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Greenville?
Survivors of sexual abuse may be eligible for compensation covering:
Medical Expenses
Survivors of sexual abuse often face a long and challenging road to recovery, which can include numerous medical and therapeutic interventions. Medical expenses include a wide range of costs directly related to addressing the physical and psychological aftermath of abuse.
This includes immediate medical care, such as emergency treatments and examinations, as well as long-term care, like ongoing therapy, counseling, and any necessary psychiatric treatments.
The financial burden of these treatments can make compensation for medical expenses a large part of a survivor’s recovery journey. This compensation aims to ensure that survivors can access the care they need without the added stress of financial strain, allowing them to focus on their healing process. It acknowledges the importance of comprehensive medical and psychological support in overcoming the trauma experienced.
Pain and Suffering
The category of pain and suffering recognizes the profound non-economic damages that survivors of sexual abuse endure. This includes the emotional distress, psychological trauma, and overall impact on a survivor’s quality of life. Survivors may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other significant mental health issues that affect their daily lives and relationships.
Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the invisible wounds that survivors carry. Unlike economic damages, which can be quantified through bills and lost wages, pain and suffering are subjective and vary greatly from one individual to another. This compensation seeks to offer some form of redress for the emotional and psychological trauma endured, providing survivors with a sense of recognition and validation of their suffering.
Lost Wages
Sexual abuse can have a significant impact on a survivor’s ability to work, leading to lost wages and, in some cases, a diminished capacity to earn in the future. Survivors may need time away from work to heal from physical injuries, attend medical and legal appointments, or manage psychological distress.
Lost wages compensation aims to recover the income that the survivor has missed out on due to these absences.
In cases where the survivor’s future ability to work is compromised, compensation can also cover lost earning capacity. This accounts for the long-term economic impact of the abuse, ensuring that survivors are not financially penalized for the time needed to heal and recover. It provides financial support that helps stabilize the survivor’s economic situation during a challenging period of their life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. These damages are intended to punish the perpetrator for their misconduct and act as a deterrent against future wrongful actions. Courts can award punitive damages for the perpetrator’s especially harmful, malicious, or egregious behavior.
The aim of punitive damages is not just to provide additional financial compensation to the survivor but to send a clear message that society condemns such acts of abuse.
By imposing a financial penalty on the perpetrator (and possibly negligent institutions), the legal system emphasizes the severity of the offense and the importance of accountability. While not awarded in every case, punitive damages play a crucial role in the broader effort to combat and prevent sexual abuse.
Where Can Sexual Abuse Happen In Greenville?
Sexual abuse can occur in any environment where predators exploit power imbalances or opportunities for misconduct.
In Greenville, North Carolina, understanding the potential settings for such abuse is essential for recognizing signs and seeking justice. Our legal team at Riddle & Brantley is proficient in addressing cases from a variety of contexts, including specific locations within Greenville that underscore the importance of awareness and legal readiness.
Educational Institutions
Greenville is home to several educational institutions, including East Carolina University and Pitt Community College, where students should feel safe to learn and grow. Unfortunately, campuses can become settings for sexual abuse, often involving students, faculty, or staff members.
Our firm is equipped to handle cases involving abuse in these educational settings, working to protect the rights and dignity of survivors.
Healthcare Facilities
With major healthcare providers like Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, patients expect a high standard of care and trust in their healthcare professionals. However, the intimate nature of medical treatment can sometimes lead to instances of sexual abuse by healthcare providers.
Our attorneys ensure survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Workplaces
Greenville’s diverse economic landscape includes sectors like manufacturing, retail, and the service industry. Sexual abuse in the workplace can take many forms, from harassment by a supervisor to misconduct by a co-worker. We are committed to supporting survivors in holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for safer, more respectful work environments.
Religious Organizations
Churches and religious organizations are integral to many communities in Greenville. Regrettably, these settings are not immune to instances of sexual abuse, often perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority who exploit trust and power.
Our legal team is sensitive to the challenges survivors face in these situations and is dedicated to pursuing justice against both perpetrators and institutions that fail to protect their members.
Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities
Greenville’s public parks, recreational centers, and community spaces should be safe havens for families and individuals to enjoy. Yet, these areas can sometimes become scenes of sexual abuse.
Our firm is adept at handling cases that occur in such public and communal settings, advocating for the safety and rights of all community members.
Residential Settings
Homes and residential areas in neighborhoods across Greenville are not exempt from the risk of sexual abuse, which can occur within families or involve visitors and acquaintances.
We understand the deeply personal and painful nature of these cases and provide compassionate, confidential support to survivors seeking to navigate the legal process.
At Riddle & Brantley, we recognize the importance of addressing sexual abuse across all these settings in Greenville, NC. Our goal is not only to secure justice and compensation for survivors but also to raise awareness and promote safer environments throughout our community.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse in Greenville or anywhere in North Carolina, our experienced legal team is here to help guide you through your journey to justice.
Fighting for Justice Against Perpetrators and Negligent Institutions
At Riddle & Brantley, our approach to fighting for justice for survivors of sexual abuse involves a thorough process designed to hold both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. This process contains several critical steps, each aimed at building the most compelling case possible to support our clients’ claims.
Identifying Perpetrators and Negligent Institutions
The first step in seeking justice is accurately identifying those responsible for the abuse. This includes not only the direct perpetrators but also any institutions that may have enabled the abuse through negligence or failure to act.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, which may involve reviewing employment histories, analyzing internal records, and examining the institutional policies and procedures in place at the time of the abuse.
Gathering Comprehensive Evidence
Building a strong case requires gathering a wide range of evidence.
This evidence can come in many forms, including:
- Documentation of the Abuse: Text messages, emails, and other communications can provide direct evidence of misconduct.
- Medical Records: Documenting injuries and treatments related to the abuse can help establish its impact on the survivor.
- Witness Testimony: Those who were aware of the abuse or the circumstances surrounding it can provide insights into the perpetrator’s behavior and the institution’s response.
- Expert Testimony: Experts in fields such as psychology, medicine, and organizational behavior can help explain the effects of the abuse on the survivor and the failures of institutions to protect those in their care.
Securing Expert Testimony
Expert witnesses play a role in sexual abuse cases by providing authoritative perspectives on the nature and impact of the abuse, as well as on institutional negligence.
For example, a psychologist might testify about the long-term emotional and psychological effects of abuse on a survivor, while an expert in institutional policies might critique the adequacy of an organization’s safety protocols and response procedures.
Building a Strong Legal Case
With evidence and expert testimony in hand, we prepare a compelling legal narrative. This narrative links the abuse to the actions or inactions of the responsible parties, highlighting not only the direct harm suffered by the survivor but also the broader context of negligence or misconduct that allowed the abuse to occur.
We tailor our legal strategy to each case, considering the specific facts and the applicable laws to maximize the chance of a successful outcome.
Advocating for Survivors Throughout the Legal Process
Our commitment to survivors goes beyond legal representation in court. We provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process, guiding our clients through each step and ensuring they have the resources and information they need. This includes preparing them for depositions, hearings, and trials, as well as offering emotional support and referrals to therapeutic services if needed.
Pushing for Systemic Change
In many cases, achieving justice for our clients also involves advocating for systemic changes within negligent institutions. This can include pushing for the implementation of stricter safety protocols, more rigorous background checks for employees, and better training for staff on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse.
By holding institutions accountable not only financially but also requiring them to make substantive changes, we aim to prevent future instances of abuse.
At Riddle & Brantley, our mission is to fight tirelessly for the rights and dignity of survivors of sexual abuse. Through diligent preparation, aggressive advocacy, and compassionate support, we strive to achieve justice for our clients and help them on their path to healing and recovery.
What to Do if You Survived Sexual Abuse in Greenville
Here’s how you can take the first steps toward legal action if you experienced sexual abuse in Greenville:
- Seek Immediate Support: Ensure your safety and well-being by reaching out to loved ones or professional services.
- Document Your Experience: Maintain a detailed record of the abuse and its impact, including any medical or counseling services.
- Consult Our Legal Professionals: Reach out to a sexual abuse lawyer for a confidential discussion about your case and to understand your legal options.
Contact a Greenville Sexual Abuse Attorney at Riddle & Brantley
You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Contact our Personal injury lawyer in Greenville at (252) 397-8620 for your free, confidential consultation. Allow our experience, dedication, and compassionate approach to make a difference in your journey to healing and justice.
Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
509 Evans St.
Greenville, NC 27858
Phone: (252) 397-8620
By Appointment Only.
Hours of Operation*
Monday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM