Child Molestation Civil vs. Criminal Lawsuits
In civil child molestation lawsuits, a victim files a complaint that will hopefully recover compensation for emotional and/or physical damages. With a criminal lawsuit, the state files a charge against the perpetrator for any crimes that the person committed. The result, if convicted, would either be probation, community service, jail time, or prison time. In other words, a civil lawsuit is aimed to compensate the victim. A criminal suit serves to punish the offender.
The most common type of compensation that is received at the end of a civil trial or a settlement is money. Sometimes it will include a formal apology to the victim and/or certain changes to a place depending on what the lawsuit detailed.
Child Molestation Civil Liability Claims
In every case, there is a plaintiff, the victim, and a defendant, the person being charged. Sometimes, there is a third party that can also be held accountable. In the insistence of child molestation case, an example of a third party is a church, a youth camp, a day care center, or a school. In the $30 million John Doe case Estey Bomberger handled in San Jose in 2010, the foster home where the incident took place was also charged.
If your child or a child you know has endured abuse, you may contact the attorneys of Estey Bomberger today to receive a consultation regarding your rights in a civil claim. We handle claims not just against perpetrators, but to the organizations, institutions and entities whose negligent failure to supervise or respond to abuse reports or allegations resulted in devastating consequences. We have represented dozens of child molestation victims and obtained millions of dollars in civil claims, including a $30 child molestation verdict in 2010 in Santa Clara County. Contact us today to discuss your rights with an experienced and qualified child molestation victim attorney. All inquiries are 100% confidential.
Estey & Bomberger, LLP
Personal Injury Attorneys
Phone 619-543-1391
Toll Free 800-672-1036
