When you trust your case with us, here is what you may expect:

• Empathetic support - From our intake process to courtroom proceedings, we will strive to make your voice heard, your story respected, and your specific needs met.
• Clear communication - We will provide honest, transparent guidance about your case and the legal steps necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Personalized representation - We craft legal strategies tailored to every person who partners with us. 
• Access to mental health resources - We have seen firsthand how emotionally taxing legal processes are, and we can connect you with supportive resources to aid in your healing. 

Speaking out against sexual abuse is a courageous and difficult thing to do. If you believe this is the right path for yourself or someone under your care, we would be honored to take on your case and advocate for you.

What Damages Are Available for Survivors of Sexual Abuse?

The aftermath of sexual abuse can leave emotional, physical, and financial scars that last for years and even a lifetime. Our legal team works tirelessly to see that clients receive the compensation they need to live free of abuse-related financial burdens and have the resources to overcome and manage physical and emotional challenges. 

Damages we can seek on your behalf include:

• Medical and psychological treatment costs - Therapy, specialized counseling, and any medical care required due to the abuse.
• Pain and suffering - Compensation for the emotional and physical toll, including trauma-related conditions such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
• Lost opportunities - Redress for missed educational and career advancements caused by the lasting effects of abuse.
• Loss of enjoyment of life - Monetary recognition of the profound impact of abuse on your ability to find joy in everyday activities.
• Punitive damages - When the abuser has exhibited malicious or egregious behavior, we can pursue punitive damages to hold them accountable and deter future harm.

How We Build Strong Sexual Abuse Cases

Many survivors wonder what it actually looks like to pursue a civil sexual abuse claim and how a legal team will build a strong case on their behalf. Our role is to shoulder the investigative and legal burden so you do not have to repeatedly relive the harm while trying to gather proof on your own. We carefully evaluate potential defendants, which can include individuals, institutions, or organizations, and we look for patterns of misconduct or failures to act that may have allowed the abuse to occur or continue.

Throughout this process, we stay in close contact with you, explain what each new development means, and help you weigh options such as settlement or trial without any pressure. Our goal is to build the strongest possible claim while respecting your emotional needs and giving you control over how far you wish to take the case. By combining careful investigation with trauma-informed advocacy, we aim to hold wrongdoers accountable and pursue the compensation and recognition you deserve.

Maine's Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims

Maine’s laws set different time limits, known as “statutes of limitations,” for different types of sexual abuse claims. These are the deadlines by which survivors must file their claim in court. 

The specific deadline that applies to each case varies greatly, based on factors like when the abuse occurred, the survivor's age, the type of abuse, and other specifics of the case. Some claims may need to be filed shortly after the abuse, while others may have no deadline at all. This is why it is important to contact our attorneys as soon as possible to find out what deadline might apply to your potential case.

Every survivor’s situation is unique, and our attorneys are prepared to assess your circumstances and guide you forward with clarity and support. Contacting us as soon as possible can protect your rights and help you avoid running afoul of claim deadlines.

Key timing considerations we will review with you include::

• When the abuse occurred - The dates or time period of the abuse can affect which version of Maine’s laws applies to your claim.
• Your age at the time - Different rules may apply to childhood sexual abuse, including potential revival windows that reopen older claims.
• Where the abuse took place - Incidents in Lewiston or elsewhere in Androscoggin County may be filed in local courts, which have specific filing procedures and scheduling practices.
• Who may be responsible - Claims against institutions, such as schools or religious organizations, can involve additional notice requirements or different deadlines.

Speak with Our Lewiston Sexual Abuse Attorneys About Pursuing Justice

If you are considering pursuing a claim for sexual abuse on behalf of yourself or a loved one, Berman & Simmons is here to assist in telling your story and overcoming any challenges along the way. With over a century of success in personal injury law, we have the skills, resources, and determination to support you on your legal journey. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. 

Reach out at (207) 407-7804 or submit our online contact form to connect with a dedicated advocate. You are not alone; our attorneys are here to fight for what you deserve.