Nevada Sexual Assault Attorney
Every 73 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. Less than 1% of perpetrators ever end up in prison. At The Paul Powell Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your right to compensation after an assault. One of our Nevada sexual assault attorneys can advise you of your options, including a civil lawsuit, all while treating you with compassion and respect.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), sexual assault is defined as forced sexual penetration against the will of the victim “or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding” those actions.
Statutory sexual seduction, more commonly known as statutory rape, occurs when a person 18 years of age or older has sexual relations with a person who is 14 or 15 years of age and who is at least 4 years younger than the perpetrator. In Nevada, the mandatory age of consent is 16.
Cases that do not involve penetration but are still sexually abusive in nature are referred to by Nevada law as open or gross lewdness. This type of abuse includes touching someone in a sexual manner without their consent or engaging in sexual activity in public where a third party may be exposed to it.
At The Paul Powell Law Firm, we understand that filing a sexual assault claim can be a an overwhelming process for a number of reasons. We also understand how important it is to protect victims’ rights and to hold sex offenders responsible for their actions. Contact a Nevada sexual assault attorney today for a free evaluation of your case. We will fully explain your rights and develop a strategy to win your case.
Coping with Sexual Assault
The long-term consequences of sexual violence can be devastating and may include any of the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Dissociation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Self-harm or suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse
It is imperative that those who have suffered from sexual assault receive appropriate physical and emotional care as soon as possible following an assault. One-on-one therapy, support groups, and prescribed medication can be instrumental in the healing process.
Compensation for Sexual Assault
Damages for sexual assault victims can include compensation for both physical and emotional harm. This may look like:
- Ongoing costs for therapy
- Lost wages due to emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD
- Other mental health conditions
- Reduction in quality of life
Calculating the monetary value of non-economic losses such as the ones listed above can be challenging, but a qualified Nevada sexual assault attorney can help you with these details when assembling your case.
Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations
For criminal prosecution, there is no statute of limitations on sexual assault as long as a written report is filed with a law enforcement officer within 20 years after the commission of the assault.
Civil sexual assault claims, on the other hand, must be filed within four years of the assault having taken place. For those who were under 18 at the time of assault, the statute of limitations is 20 years after the child reaches age 18 or recognizes that they were sexually assaulted.
Contacting a Nevada Sexual Assault Attorney
If you are wondering whether you should file a sexual assault lawsuit in Las Vegas, speaking with an attorney should be an essential step in helping you to decide. Especially since sexual assault claims can be long and complex, and you’ll need someone in your corner to protect your legal rights.
Over the past 17 years, Paul Powell has recovered total verdict and trial settlements approaching $250 million for his clients. At The Paul Powell Law Firm, you’ll receive compassionate help from an attorney who understands the details of your case and has the experience to secure the best settlement possible.
For result-driven help from a Nevada sexual assault attorney who truly cares, contact The Paul Powell Law Firm today. You can reach us by phone at 702-728-5500, chat with one of our representatives online, or submit a free case evaluation.