News Alert (6/23/21): This week the State of Maine changed the statute of limitations for those born before August 11, 1970, who were sexually abused as children, allowing them to pursue civil claims against their abuser.
- Read editorial: “Maine took a small step to empower survivors of child sex abuse”
- Read news article: “Maine lists barrier to bringing child sex abuse suits”
If you are seeking a sexual abuse lawyer to advocate for you, contact Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys. We can help get you the justice you deserve.
What if my doctor sexually abuses me or my child?
Healthcare workers must never exploit their patients or abuse their position of power to commit unlawful acts of sexual abuse. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of your medical provider, please contact Berman and Simmons to obtain justice.
Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse
Victims of sexual abuse must face long-standing issues outside of physical abuse. Many victims develop PTSD and need help to deal with the physical, mental, and emotional trauma from the event. Some may require long periods of psychiatric therapy to process the emotional scars left behind.
Berman and Simmons Survivors’ Group lawyers, are committed to obtaining justice for victims and survivors after suffering such a traumatic ordeal. We have recovered over $1.35 billion for clients and want to help you. We advocate for the voiceless and help victims receive the justice they deserve.
Please contact us for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you.
Taking Action Against Medical Providers
Our attorneys represent both adults and children who have been victimized by people in positions of power. We have seen abuse cases stemming from:
- Nursing assistants
- Home healthcare aides
- Nursing home staff
- Doctors
- Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists
Sexual abuse is not limited to any type of particular practice. We have filed claims against hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and individual practices for negligent hiring processes, inadequate security, and other factors contributing to an environment fostering sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been the victim of something like this, please contact our offices today for a free consultation.
Sexual Abuse Against Children
Unfortunately, children are often the victims of sexual abuse from medical professionals. Sexual assault can include any of the following:
- Rape
- Forced intercourse
- Forced penetration
- Inappropriate touching
- Forced kissing
Not to mention the subsequent mental and emotional trauma that can come with this type of event. Depression, paranoia, shame, anxiety, fear of relationships and intimacy, and PTSD are all problems that can arise after a traumatic event such as sexual abuse. While we cannot change the past, we can help provide some comfort and a sense of justice in holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
If you have a child who has been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted medical professional, contact the attorneys at Berman and Simmons today for a chance at justice. Our experience in litigating cases against hospitals and other medical offices speaks for itself. We have a proven track record of success with over $1.35 billion recovered for our clients.
Maine Statute of Limitations
While it is best practice to file claims as soon as possible, we understand that is not always the case. It is worth noting that Maine does not have a criminal statute of limitations for most sexual-based crimes including:
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Rape
- Incest
- And more
Some Class A, B, and C felonies have a six-year statute of limitations benchmark. Class D felonies and misdemeanors have a three-year window. If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the SOL on sexual abuse cases, please contact our offices for assistance.
Regarding civil lawsuits, there is no statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases. Cases with adult sexual abuse have a two-year SOL (for assault and battery claims). Please contact our offices as soon as possible to help receive your entitled compensation for pain and suffering. We are proud of our work in advocating for victims and look forward to helping you.
How Do I Know if I Need a Lawyer?
Filing lawsuits for sexual abuse is never easy. For many, it is another way of reactivating trauma that may have been repressed. Perpetrators of sexual assault cling to the fact that their victims may never go through the trouble of filing a case for that very reason.
Having a knowledgeable and successful Abuse Survivor Attorney is invaluable to guide you through the process. We can help you win your case by informing you of your legal rights, working with your counselors, finding the best experts to testify on your behalf, offering emotional support, and gathering necessary documents and information to hold your abusers accountable.
It may be helpful to file criminal charges with a law enforcement agency. Too many cases go unreported and time is of the essence with sex abuse cases. We can help you file charges if you haven’t done so already. Whether your case is criminal or civil, it is always good to have a friend in your corner that has the experience and resolve to see the matter through.
Time is of the Essence
There is much information to gather for a sexual assault case. The longer you wait, the more opportunity there is to destroy or tamper with evidence. It also becomes harder to obtain witnesses to support your claims.
This is why we recommend speaking with an attorney as soon as possible to discover your options. We understand the process and know what goes into it, so the sooner we can get to work on your behalf the sooner you can obtain justice.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted medical professional, please contact us to learn more about your options. We can dive into your case and find the right information to give you a fighting chance.
We do not judge or stereotype victims of sexual abuse. We understand the courage it takes to hold your accuser accountable and sympathize with your plight. Please know that the team at Berman and Simmons is here for you and will be in your corner every step of the way. There is no blueprint on how sexual abuse survivors should act or proceed with their case. Our primary objectives are to hold abusers accountable, prevent future abuse, and get you compensated for the harm done to you.
About Our Firm
Berman and Simmons have had a storied practice operating throughout Maine for over a century. It started back in 1914 with Benjamin Berman helping represent men and women working in textile mills and shoe factories. Their commitment to working-class Mainers demonstrates the values shared by all staff in helping victims navigate controversial and complex cases.
What started as more of a general practice firm has evolved into a specialized plaintiff’s trial firm with a focus on personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, defective products, defective drugs, and defective medical devices. We specialize in giving a voice to the voiceless and helping victims obtain the justice that they thought was impossible.
We currently have 18 lawyers all dedicated to being the best trial firm in the northeast and New England. Two of our landmark cases have been recognized in the National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts and we are constantly focused on advancing laws to work for our clients. With offices in Biddeford, Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor, and cases in or won in all New England states, Florida, Pennsylvanian, California [and complete the list] we have a strong nation-wide reputation.
Please call (207) 560-0673 for a free consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.
How Our Service Works
Step One: Contact Us for a Free Case Review
The first step is to contact our offices. We can learn more about your case and provide a free consultation to map out your available options. This helps us determine the best path forward and whether or not we can be of service to you in your pursuit of justice. If you already have a lawyer or represent a survivor, please connect with us so we can expand your legal team and provide more firepower to help you win.
Step Two: We Take Your Case
If it is determined that we can help you with representation, we will begin the process of gathering documents, deposing witnesses, and pursuing the case in court to get you the justice you deserve. Your attorney will be there with you every step of the way and can provide assurances or answer any questions you may have.
Step Three: Obtain Justice
While no case is ever a guarantee, our track record of holding perpetrators of sexual assault accountable speaks for itself. We work tirelessly to give all clients a chance at obtaining their entitled compensation and justice.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t wait another day to seek justice. Contact the attorneys at Berman and Simmons today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you. We have successfully recovered over $1.35 billion for our clients. With us on your side, you have a fighting chance at holding your abusers accountable. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions. We look forward to helping you.
Hire Our Qualified Medical Provider Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Maine
If you’ve been sexually abused by a medical provider and need expert legal counsel, turn to Berman & Simmons. Our sexual abuse lawyers will help you get maximum compensation and bring accountability to institutional abuse.
If you suffered sexual abuse as a child and are ready to speak with one of our Maine child sexual abuse attorneys and learn more about your rights, please contact us to arrange a free, confidential initial consultation.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.