Child Abuse Attorneys Supporting Survivors and Their Families in Austin
According to Childhelp, the United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations when it comes to child abuse–losing on average between four and seven children per day to child abuse. In fact, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the U.S.
While nothing can ever make up for the harm a child faces, if your child was abused by someone, you may be able to file a civil suit for financial relief. Compensation may be available for medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering.
Child abuse cases are not easy, which is why you may wish to seek the help of a child abuse attorney with the proper experience and utmost compassion to guide you through this traumatic process. At Ramos James Law, PLLC, we can help you in your time of need.
What Counts as Child Abuse in Texas?
Child abuse includes any act that may endanger the emotional and/or physical well-being and development of a child, ranging from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse and neglect.
Physical Abuse
Physical child abuse is anything that causes intentional harm to the child:
- Hitting a child
- Kicking a child
- Shaking a child
- Burning a child
Get Physical Child Abuse Justice
Emotional Abuse
Emotional child abuse is when the abuser negatively impacts the child’s mental well-being or social capability:
- Crude language, regardless of whether it is directed at the victim
- Yelling
- Name-calling
- Mocking, humiliating, or degrading the child
- Making the child feel worthless
- Constant criticism
Get Emotional Child Abuse Justice
Child Neglect
Neglect happens when the caretaker fails to give the child the proper items needed for their development or physical well-being, including:
- Unsafe housing conditions
- Inadequate nourishment or clothing
- Negligent or nonexistent medical care
- Improper supervision
- Poor hygiene
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual contact between an adult and a child:
- Touching a child sexually
- Forcing a child to touch an adult inappropriately
- Flashing genitalia
- Showing sexual images, videos, or games to the child
- Forcing a child to watch sex acts
- Any other form of sexual contact or behavior perpetrated or initiated by an adult involving a child
Get Justice for child Sex Abuse
Our Austin Child Abuse Attorneys Know the Signs of Child Abuse
When someone reports their suspicions about a child abuse incident, professionals typically search for the following signs:
- Recurring bruises or marks
- Head trauma
- Burns
- Abnormal injuries not seen in a child’s particular age range
- Injuries of inexplicable origins
- Changes in behavioral patterns
Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Child Abuse in Texas
Texas law requires that any individual with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect must report it to the authorities as soon as possible. This reporting requirement is mandatory for every person, not limited solely to schoolteachers or physicians.
This law even extends to those whose personal communications may be confidential or privileged, such as doctors or nurses, members of the clergy, and even lawyers. If you are aware of child abuse in Austin, you should contact your local Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) office right away.
Suing for Child Abuse Damages in a Texas Civil Court
Like most other types of criminals, those accountable for child abuse can be tried in both criminal and civil courts. In criminal court, they may be sentenced to jail time, prison time, or probation. In civil court, they can be sued for damages caused by their harmful actions.
Damages for sexual abuse cases may include the following:
- Personal injury
- Lost income and other financial losses
- Past and future trauma and emotional distress
- Past and future medical, counseling, and psychiatric bills
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Understanding Child Abuse: Who Can Be an Abuser?
Many scenarios of abuse involve adults preying on children. Regardless, sexual abuse can happen in a vast range of environments, with victims of any age. Offenders can be anyone, like:
- Teachers
- Priests or pastors
- Coaches
- Scout leaders
- Babysitters or childcare providers
- Doctors
- Psychologists
- Lawyers
- Counselors
Whether the crime is committed by a person filling a role of authority or not, child abuse of all kinds is wrong both in a legal and moral sense. Your child should never have to suffer in silence because of child abuse. Our legal team will do everything we can to make sure that your child’s voice is heard.
Compassionate Child Abuse Attorneys Helping Survivors in Austin Find the Path to Justice & Healing
Since a child abuser does not always have the means, assets, or insurance to cover the cost of a victim’s injuries, it can sometimes be challenging for child abuse survivors to acquire compensation.
Our child abuse attorneys can look over all the options available for getting the financial recovery your child deserves. Civil compensation can help with the expenses related to your child’s health and future, including medical bills and counseling.
If you suspect your child has suffered from child abuse, don’t wait to discover whether you have a case against the abuser. We will evaluate the details of your claim and advise you on the right way to proceed.
Contact Ramos James Law For A Free Consultation
We understand the financial burden you may be suffering during this difficult time. That’s why we do not charge unless we win your case. Ramos James Law goes to great lengths to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Investigate
We investigate. We prove fault. We build your case to show how much you’ve lost, and what you’re owed.
Negotiate
We negotiate with insurance companies who try to pay you less than you deserve. And if they won’t play fair, we take them to court.
Fight
We fight for your medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, physical impairment, and financial compensation so you can move forward.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique. Please contact Ramos James Law for a free consultation to discuss your situation.