Sexual Assault Lawyers in Fort Collins

You have a sexual assault claim if you're the victim of non-consensual sexual contact. A sexual assault occurs when a perpetrator engages in sexual contact with a victim who does not consent or who is unable to consent because of their age or disability. You have a sexual assault claim against the perpetrator any time you are the victim of sexual assault. You may also have a claim against a third party like a company, organization or institution that failed in their duty to prevent the assault.

We know how important it is to hold all the responsible parties accountable for what happened to sexual assault victims. That's why our dedicated sexual assault attorneys in Fort Collins work tirelessly to build a comprehensive legal strategy that includes all liable parties in the claim.

Some of the parties who may be liable for a sexual assault claim may be:

• The perpetrators themselves
• Churches and synagogues
• Schools and universities
• Camps
• Restaurants, bars and concert venues
• Transportation companies like airlines, taxis and ride-share companies
• Hotels and hostels
• Community theaters, youth sports and educational organizations
• Hospitals and caregiving facilities

Third parties may be liable by allowing the sexual assault to occur. They do not need to have actual knowledge of the assault. However, failing to take sufficient action to prevent a dangerous situation can be enough to sustain a legal action.

The elements of a sexual assault claim are what you need to prove to win the case. If the case is against the individual perpetrator, you must prove:

• The defendant engaged in sexual contact (may or may not involve penetration)
• You did not consent to the contact (includes cases where someone cannot consent)
• You have damages (damages exist in every sexual assault case)

If the case is against a company or institution, you must prove:

• The defendant had a duty to protect your safety
• They failed to do what was reasonable, like screening employees or removing an employee or patron after complaints
• As a result of their failure, the sexual assault occurred
• You have damages (damages exist in every sexual assault case)

We know the aftermath of a sexual assault can be devastating and overwhelming for you and your family. Remember, you are not alone. Our team is ready to take every step to make sure you feel empowered to get the justice and closure you deserve.

The compensation that you may receive after being sexually assaulted may include:

• The cost of medical treatment, including emergency and follow-up care
• Reimbursement for lost wages if you are unable to work
• Mental health treatment
• The value of mental health injuries like anxiety, PTSD, flashbacks and emotional triggering
• Attorney fees, punitive damages (special rules apply)
• Property damage and loss
• The value of the case includes long-term mental and emotional injuries that you may be suffering with

Both your financial and your emotional losses are important in a sexual assault case. There are specific steps that our team takes in order to verify and value your losses. Then, we work until you have the compensation that you deserve.

It is possible to sustain a civil suit for molestation, which is a type of sexual assault claim. Colorado laws allow justice for victims of all forms of sexual assault, including molestation. Both adults and children are covered under Colorado sexual assault laws that give victims the right to bring a claim.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of molestation, our team of Fort Collins sexual assault attorneys can help you bring a civil suit. You deserve justice and financial compensation for your suffering, and we are prepared to fight on your behalf.

To win a sexual assault case, our team may take any of the following steps on your behalf:

• Identifying and contacting witnesses
• Working for cooperation from reluctant witnesses; effective questioning to gather testimony
• Investigating third parties that may be responsible through negligent and reckless conduct
• Taking action to prevent the destruction of evidence
• Demanding production of records, including taking the appropriate action when a party refuses to produce evidence or paperwork
• Gathering a clear timeline of complex facts; clarifying the facts and evidence to present a strong case
• Negotiation of an appropriate settlement or presentation of the case at trial
• Collection of judgment; post-judgment actions as appropriate

When we represent a sexual assault victim, we are aggressive litigators and compassionate advocates. You need a legal team that will fight for you even when the other side wants to bury information. You also need a legal team that understands the complex and sensitive nature of a sexual assault case. That's what you can expect from the Fort Collins team at Bachus & Schanker.

Most sexual assault cases do not go to trial. Usually, the parties reach a non-trial resolution through a settlement agreement. By building a strong case, our team of sexual assault lawyers in Fort Collins puts you in a position to negotiate the right settlement. Then, we give you honest, informed advice about whether or not to accept any settlement offers.

Ultimately, you decide how to resolve your case. A trial is not necessary in most cases, but our experienced team of litigators is prepared to fight for you whether you choose to pursue a settlement or try your case.