When you go through something as traumatic as sexual abuse, the aftermath can affect every part of your life. You may be dealing with emotional pain, financial stress, or ongoing medical needs. Additionally, navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. If you are considering filing a claim, it is important to understand damages in Philadelphia sexual abuse cases.
At Soloff & Zervanos, we understand how difficult this time can be. If you have been sexually abused, talking to an experienced attorney can help you take the next step toward healing and financial recovery. You may be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered, and we are here to guide you through every part of the process.
Damages refer to the financial recovery available to someone who has experienced harm due to another person’s actions. In sexual abuse cases, the harm often goes far beyond physical injuries. Victims commonly experience long-term emotional trauma, mental health challenges, and serious disruptions to their daily lives.
Philadelphia courts may award different types of damages depending on the facts of each sexual abuse case. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, therapy costs, and pain and suffering. While every situation differs, the goal remains the same: to help survivors recover what they have lost and rebuild their lives.
No two sexual abuse cases are the same, but the types of damages survivors can pursue tend to fall into a few key categories. The following may be considered in your claim:
These include measurable costs related to the abuse. You may be reimbursed for medical bills, counseling, medications, and lost wages due to time away from work. If you left a job or changed careers due to trauma, you can include those losses in your claim.
The emotional toll of sexual abuse is real and lasting. Non-economic damages recognize the psychological suffering, fear, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment in life that often follow abuse. While harder to calculate, these damages are just as important as financial losses.
In some Philadelphia sexual abuse cases, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are not about covering your costs but are designed to punish the abuser or any institution that enabled or concealed the abuse.
Several things can impact the amount of compensation awarded in a sexual abuse case. The severity and duration of the abuse often play a major role. The more extensive the harm, the greater the potential recovery.
The court may also consider whether the abuse occurred as part of a larger pattern, whether the survivor was a minor at the time, and whether a trusted institution—such as a school, church, or organization—failed to protect them. These details help clarify the full scope of the case and guide the court in determining the compensation that may be awarded to victims of sexual abuse in Philadelphia.
Timing is another important factor. State law has specific time limits for filing claims, though recent changes have extended the filing window in some cases. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your right to pursue legal action.
Understanding how damages are calculated is just one part of the legal process. Before a case reaches that point, you must complete a lot of preparatory work. This includes gathering evidence, building your case, and negotiating with the other side.
Some claims are settled out of court, while others go to trial. Either way, working with a legal team that understands legal remedies for sexual abuse cases in Philadelphia can make a real difference. We are prepared to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for a full and fair outcome.
You do not have to go through this alone. If you are curious about damages in Philadelphia sexual abuse cases, we can review your options and help you take the next step. Let Soloff & Zervanos help you move forward. Contact our office today to schedule a free, private consultation.
