No one can truly understand the devastating and life-altering consequences of rape until it happens to you or a loved one. While the State of Arizona will prosecute individuals who allegedly committed rape, a criminal prosecution only serves to punish the wrongdoer, protect society from that person, and deter others from similar conduct. In other words, it does not do much in the way of achieving justice for the actual rape victim. Fortunately, in Arizona, you can file a civil lawsuit against the rapist and other liable parties to recover both economic and non-economic damages and achieve some measure of justice for this horrible act.

 

At Showard Law Firm, we can be your advocate. We know that after enduring a horrific act of violence, the last thing you feel prepared for is getting involved in a lawsuit. That’s why we treat every victim of rape who reaches out to us with the compassion and understanding they deserve. We respect your privacy and are prepared to fully take on the legal responsibilities for your case, so that you can focus completely on healing and recovery. All consultations are free of charge and completely confidential.

What Is Rape?

In Arizona, rape is defined as the following: a person commits rape by “intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without consent of such person.”

 

Rape can occur between spouses, intimate partners, relatives, acquaintances, friends, coworkers, and complete strangers. Rape victims can be men, women, or children of all ages. It can also happen anywhere: school, work, in your own home, in someone else’s home, outside in a public place, or in an enclosed public place.

If You Are a Rape Victim, Take Heed of the Following

 

If it happens to you, no matter who the perpetrator was or where it happened, you deserve justice. Here at Showard Law Firm, we want rape victims to know the following:

 

• Rape is always wrong, no matter who did it or what circumstances led up to that heinous act. The attacker is the one to blame – not you.
• You have support. While many rape victims may feel like they are alone and like no one will understand or believe them, there are countless people who have gone through something similar. There are also plenty of resources available to you.
• At Showard Law Firm, we are on your side. As your rape victim lawyer, we will be your advocate and fight for maximal justice on your behalf.
• You have legal recourse against your rapist and other responsible parties. In addition to making sure criminal charges are pursued, you can also file a civil lawsuit with the help of a sexual assault lawyer. If you would prefer, your identity can be kept completely private. The sooner you can contact a rape lawyer, the better, as your attorney can immediately begin investigating your case and interviewing any potential eyewitnesses. It is possible that other entities, in addition to the actual alleged rapist, may share in the responsibility for what happened to you, and an experienced attorney will be able to make that determination on your behalf.

 

Damages Available to Rape Victims

 

If you are a victim of rape, there are several types of damages for which you may seek financial compensation in Arizona, including:

 

• Medical costs. Especially since many rapes also include additional physical violence, you may need extended hospitalization, tests, surgeries, physical therapy, or other procedures in order to survive and then begin to heal. That does not even begin to delve into the massive psychological injuries you may have suffered due to this rape, which may require extensive therapy for decades, prescription costs, and more.
• Lost wages. You may not be able to work for an extended period of time, and in some cases, you may not be able to return to work at all. That may be due to the seriousness of your injuries, or it may be because the rape occurred at your place of employment or was committed or facilitated by someone you worked with.
• Physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress. Tragically, being the victim of rape can change your life forever. While the legal system cannot undo what the rapist did, the system can compensate you financially so as to give you the resources necessary to begin to heal and enter a new chapter of your life.
• Punitive damages. While these do not apply in many civil cases, they are much more likely to be considered in cases of rape, which clearly involve particularly egregious behavior on the part of the defendant. These damages are aimed at deterring everyone, including the alleged rapist, from engaging in this sort of conduct.

 

Our Phones Are Always Open

If you are the victim of a rape, call Showard Law Firm to schedule a free and completely confidential consultation. When you reach out to us to discuss your case, you can expect to be treated with the dignity and empathy you deserve. Let us put our experience to work to protect your rights. Our phones are open 24/7.