Helena Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual abuse is a criminal offense, and victims of this offense can press criminal charges as well as recover compensation in a civil claim. A Helena sexual assault lawyer can help an individual file these claims to recover financial and personal losses. Whether you are an adult who suffered sexual assault, the parent of a child who was a victim of sexual abuse, or you dealt with this offense when you were a child, an attorney helps you hold liable parties accountable.

When you work with a Helena sexual abuse claims attorney, they can help you assess your damages and determine the institutions that were negligent in the criminal offense.

At Doggett Law Offices, we have more than a decade of experience in personal injury and sexual abuse claims, and have spent 13 years in Helena supporting individuals and families in these harrowing claims. You need compassionate legal care that helps you navigate these complex claims and recover the compensation you or your child needs to move forward.

Understanding Sexual Abuse Cases in Montana

Montana had one of the highest sexual assault rates in the country in 2023, with a rate of 54.4 per 100,000 population. These offenses can have significant financial and personal consequences for the victim of the crime.

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, the number of offenses for sexual abuse has increased 62.5% from 2020 to 2024. Despite this, not all individuals see their abusers being convicted. For some, filing a civil claim is the only way to hold an offender liable for the harm they caused.

Sadly, many children are victims of sexual assault and abuse. According to the Census Bureau’s Child Welfare Outcomes, 4.2% of the 2,628 child maltreatment cases involved sexual abuse in 2023. Some cases are not reported, and children may not speak out about what they suffered until they are adults.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Claim

When you file a civil claim for sexual abuse, the main at-fault party is the perpetrator of the offense. Individuals are liable for injury caused by intentional harm, and filing a claim against the offender can hold them responsible and potentially help prevent others from being hurt by this person.

However, claims against individuals are often restricted due to the limited financial resources an individual has. Claims against institutions can often recover a greater amount of the actual financial and personal damages you suffered. An institution may be liable for the sexual abuse committed against you because it failed to protect you, to investigate claims made against the offender, or to vet their employees or members. Potentially liable institutions include:

• Churches or other religious institutions
• Daycares and childcare centers
• Summer camps
• Youth organizations
• Sports leagues
• Recreational and activity grounds
• Hospitals and other healthcare facilities
• Juvenile rehabilitation facilities
• Schools, both K-12 and colleges
• Employers and businesses
• Governmental agencies

When these businesses or organizations ignore criminal offenses such as sexual abuse, they could be held liable for their negligence in preventing it. A Helena sexual assault attorney can help you protect your personal interests and hold these institutions accountable.

Why Should I Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Helena?

When you hire a sexual assault lawyer, you can determine your options for recovering compensation to cover medical bills, work productivity costs, therapy and other long-term treatment, and other personal losses. At Doggett Law Offices, we can help you secure these benefits, supporting you along each step of the case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.