Denver Sexual Assault Lawyers
Representing Sexual Assault Victims in Civil Claims & Lawsuits Across Colorado
No one should suffer the emotional trauma or physical pain of sexual assault or abuse. Unfortunately, these acts are committed against minors as well as adults of all ages, against males as well as females, and against seniors and the disabled. As acts of violence can be harmful not only physically but mentally as well, impacting the psychological health and stability of the victim. Victims may experience such problems as PTSD, anxiety, depression, learning problems, nightmares, social dysfunction, and more. In some cases, the assault or rape goes unreported by the victim due to fear, embarrassment, or other issues, allowing the sex offender to go on to damage others.
Our firm secured a $2.8 million jury verdict in a sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old survivor. See more of our case results and how we fight for those who need it most.
How We Help Sexual Assault Victims & Their Families
We represent victims of sexual assault in claims against individuals, businesses, and organizations. We have experience bringing civil claims for damages arising from sexual assault occurring because of issues such as the following:
- Inadequate or negligent security by property owners/managers
- Poor supervision in schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes, and workplaces
- Poor hiring practices leading to assaults in the workplace, at schools, universities, daycare centers, sports and recreation centers, and more
Our firm also represents athletes in connection with sexual assault claims against professional organizations including USA Swimming, the United States Olympic Committee, USA Taekwondo, and others. We are part of a nationwide team of experienced lawyers who are representing athletes who have been abused in connection with Olympic sports.
We represent victims of doctor abuse, clergy abuse, abuse in hospitals or medical centers, in sports or by coaches, in boarding schools, daycare centers, public schools, spas, nursing homes, churches, and church facilities, abuse by celebrities, massage therapists, psychiatrists, or by Uber or Lyft drivers. We also represent victims of sex trafficking.
You may have many questions and concerns about how to move forward after a sexual assault, such as how to report it, what type of compensation to which you may be eligible, or whether third parties who enabled the abuse to occur may be held responsible. Our team can provide you with all the answers you need and help you take appropriate legal action through a civil claim.
Call Parker Lipman today at (720) 408-6840 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our sexual assault attorney in Denver.
What to Do After Being Sexually Assaulted
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, taking the right steps immediately following the incident can help defend your rights and ensure your safety. These steps can also strengthen any legal action you may want to pursue in the future. Here are some critical actions to consider:
- Ensure Your Safety: The first and most important step is to find a safe environment. If you are in immediate danger, contact law enforcement or a trusted individual who can help you.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel physically unharmed, it is crucial to get a medical examination. A healthcare provider can assess your physical health and document any injuries. In addition, a forensic exam (often called a "rape kit") can collect vital evidence that may be critical for any legal proceedings.
- Report the Incident: While it may be incredibly difficult, reporting the assault to law enforcement can begin the process of holding the perpetrator accountable. It also creates a formal record of the incident, which can be useful for any legal claims or civil lawsuits you decide to pursue.
- Preserve Evidence: Avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning up before you seek medical help. These actions may eliminate critical physical evidence that could be important in your case. If you do change clothes, try to preserve the clothing you were wearing in a paper bag, as this can be used as evidence.
- Consider Counseling: Sexual assault can have long-lasting psychological impacts, which include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in trauma can help you process the event and begin the healing process.
- Consult a Lawyer: If you decide to pursue a civil lawsuit, contacting a knowledgeable sexual assault attorney is essential. We can help you understand your legal options, represent you in court, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
What is Considered Sexual Assault in Colorado?
Sexual assault violations in Denver, Colorado, are considered serious criminal offenses with severe consequences for perpetrators. These violations encompass a range of unwanted and non-consensual sexual behaviors, including:
- Sexual Assault (Rape): Non-consensual sexual penetration achieved through force, intimidation, or when the victim cannot consent due to unconsciousness, intoxication, or incapacity.
- Sexual Contact: Any unwanted touching of another person's intimate parts for sexual gratification or abuse, without their consent.
- Sexual Exploitation: Taking sexual advantage of someone for personal gain or gratification, including acts like exposing oneself or coercing sexual acts.
- Statutory Rape: Engaging in sexual activities with minors under the age of consent (17 in Colorado), regardless of the minor's perceived consent.
- Sexual Assault by a Person in a Position of Trust: Unwanted sexual conduct by authority figures, like teachers or therapists, exploit power dynamics and trust, leading to legal consequences for breaching professional duty and committing misconduct.
What are the Penalties for Sexual Assault?
