According to Childhelp, the United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations when it comes to child abuse. In fact, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the U.S.
While nothing can ever make up for the harm a child faces, if your child was abused by someone, you may be able to file a civil suit for financial relief. Compensation may be available for medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering.
Child abuse cases are not easy, which is why you should seek the help of a child abuse attorney with the proper experience and utmost compassion to guide you through this traumatic process. At Ramos James Law, PLLC, we can support you in your time of need. If you plan on seeking child abuse compensation in Travis County, our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help.
Child abuse includes any act that may endanger the emotional and/or physical well-being and development of a child, ranging from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse and neglect.
Physical child abuse is anything that causes intentional harm to the child:
Neglect cases involve a parent or caretaker failing to give a child the proper items needed for their development or physical well-being, including:
Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual contact between an adult and a child:
Emotional child abuse is when the abuser negatively impacts the child’s mental well-being or social capability:
A child abuse case presents us with many challenging tasks, including documenting and collecting evidence and signs of abuse. When someone makes child abuse allegations, professionals typically search for the following signs of abuse:
Texas law requires that any individual with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect must report it to the authorities as soon as possible. This reporting requirement is mandatory for every person, not limited solely to schoolteachers or physicians.
This law even extends to those whose personal communications may be confidential or privileged, such as doctors or nurses, members of the clergy, and even lawyers. If you are aware of child abuse in Austin, you should contact your local Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) office right away.
Like most other types of criminals, those accountable for child abuse can be tried in both criminal and civil courts. In criminal court, they may be sentenced to jail time, prison time, or probation. In civil court, they can be sued for damages caused by their harmful actions. Even if the abuser is not convicted, they can still be found liable in civil court. Damages for sexual abuse cases may include the following:
Child abuse charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. While misdemeanor child abuse charges may carry with them penalties ranging from a fine to imprisonment, felony child abuse charges may face prison sentences of up to 99 years in Texas. Felony charges are common in cases where children face serious bodily injury. You can talk to a prosecuting attorney to learn what criminal charges may be involved in your case.
Child abuse involves an adult perpetrator and a child victim, and adults in many different roles may be in a position to abuse a vulnerable child. While any adult could potentially commit child abuse, some types of adults have greater access to children without their parents. Some common perpetrators of child abuse include:
Whether the crime is committed by a person filling a role of authority or not, child abuse of all kinds is wrong both in a legal and moral sense. Your child should never have to suffer in silence because of child abuse. A child abuse lawyer can make sure that your child’s voice is heard.
Since a child abuser does not always have the means, assets, or insurance to cover the cost of a victim’s injuries, it can sometimes be challenging for child abuse survivors to acquire compensation.
Our child abuse attorneys can look over all the options available for getting the financial recovery your child deserves. Civil compensation can help with the expenses related to your child’s health and future, including medical bills and counseling. Many child abuse victims are subject to serious mental injury in addition to physical harm, and civil compensation can help you pay for care.
If you suspect your child has suffered from child abuse, don’t wait to discover whether you have a case against the abuser. We will evaluate the details of your claim and advise you on the right way to proceed.
We understand the financial burden you may be suffering during this difficult time. That’s why we do not charge unless we win your case. Ramos James Law goes to great lengths to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
(512) 537-3369 Free Consultation2800 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Suite 265 Austin, TX, 78704
(512) 537-3369
info@ramosjames.com