Being sexually assaulted is a traumatic event that can cause severe psychological and physical injuries. The long-term consequences of a sexual assault can be life-altering. If you are a survivor of a sexual assault, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages.
At Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our Albuquerque sexual assault lawyers provide compassionate support and guidance as you navigate the claims process for a sexual assault case. We have more than 55 years of combined experience. Our lawyers have handled over 3,000 cases with a 98% success rate. We have won millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients.
We encourage you to reach out to our office to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Albuquerque sexual assault attorneys. We are available 24/7 at (505) 594-3621 to discuss your injury claim with you.
How Our Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After A Sexual Assault in New Mexico
You are not to blame for what happened to you. The person who assaulted you is at fault. They committed a crime when they sexually assaulted you. However, they also committed an intentional tort, which can give rise to a personal injury claim.
At Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our Albuquerque personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of claims. We have the resources to pursue a personal injury case against the person who assaulted you. Our legal team will leave nothing to chance as we aggressively seek maximum compensation for your damages.
When you hire our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque, you can trust we will handle all matters related to the sexual assault case, including:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault
- Obtain copies of police reports and monitor investigations and criminal cases
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Working with expert witnesses as necessary
- Identify all parties who could be liable for your damages
- Aggressively negotiate a settlement based on the value of your damages
- File a lawsuit and take the matter to civil court if necessary
At Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we put your best interests and well-being first. Our lawyers stand up for your rights as they fiercely pursue claims for your sexual assault case.
Call us today to schedule a free case review with an Albuquerque sexual assault lawyer. Your consultation is confidential and private.
Overview of Sexual Assault Laws in New Mexico
Sexual assault falls under the category of sex crimes in New Mexico. It is unwanted or forced sexual conduct with another person. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to:
- Rape (a/k/a criminal sexual penetration)
- Molestation
- Sex abuse
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Statutory rape
- Incest
The state prosecutes sex crimes. A criminal case for sexual assault is separate from a civil case for damages. If a person is convicted of sexual assault in New Mexico, they can face severe criminal penalties, including jail or prison sentences, fines, registration as a sexual offender, and probation.
Many sex crimes are charged as felonies. Offenders also face collateral consequences for a sex crime conviction, including trouble finding a job or a place to live, losing child custody, and giving up their gun rights.
Consequences of Sexual Assault for the Survivors in Albuquerque, NM
A sexual assault can cause severe physical and emotional injury. Survivors of sexual assault may experience a variety of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Internal organ damage
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Psychological trauma resulting in PTSD, depression, and/or anxiety
- Soft tissue injury and nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury
If you have been sexually assaulted, you may experience problems functioning in daily life. They may experience sleep and eating problems. They may be unable to work or take care of their essential needs.
If you were sexually assaulted, it is essential to seek medical treatment. It can be challenging to speak to doctors and healthcare providers about what happened. However, treatment is the best way to heal and move forward after a sexual assault. Medical records are also important evidence in a civil case for damages.
Who Is Liable for My Damages After a Sexual Assault in Albuquerque, NM?
The person who attacked you is personally liable for the damages caused by the sexual assault. You can sue them in civil court seeking economic and non-economic damages.
However, a third party may share liability for your damages because of their negligence or wrongdoing. Third parties who may be liable in a sexual assault case include:
- Hotels, resorts, and motels
- Employers
- School administrators
- Clergy, churches, and religious organizations
- Sports leagues and youth organizations
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Hospitals, nurses, and administrators
- Universities and colleges
- Coaches, tutors, and teachers
- Amusement parks
- Building and property owners
- Entertainment and sports venues
- Business owners
Our Albuquerque sexual assault lawyers carefully review all factors in your case to identify third parties who could be liable for your damages. We pursue claims against a third party to maximize the amount you receive for your damages.
What Damages Are Available for a Sexual Assault Claim in Albuquerque, NM?
A sexual assault injury can result in economic damages for your financial losses. Your pain and suffering are included in the non-economic damages. All parties who share liability for your claim can be responsible for your damages.
Examples of economic damages in a sexual assault case include:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment
- Reconstructive surgery
- Mental health treatment
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Loss of income, including earning capacity, benefits, and wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- In-home nursing/personal care
Examples of non-economic damages in a sexual assault case include:
- Physical discomfort
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological conditions
- Emotional distress
- Disability and impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
In addition to compensatory damages, New Mexico juries may award punitive damages to punish the party for their malicious, willful, reckless, or wanton acts. Our Albuquerque sexual assault lawyers will pursue all damages available for your case.
How Much Is an Albuquerque Sexual Assault Claim Worth in New Mexico?
The value of your claim is unique to your specific situation. Many factors influence how much your case is worth, so it’s important not to compare it to other cases. Each case has its own individual circumstances that determine its value.
Factors that could impact how much you receive for a sexual assault claim include:
- The type of physical injuries caused by the sexual assault
- The extent of your psychological injuries
- Whether you sustained permanent impairments or disfigurement
- The duration of your recovery period and the medical treatments you had to receive
- Whether you can work and return to normal daily activities
- The parties in your case
- Whether you go to trial or accept a settlement
- The availability of insurance coverage
- The strength of the evidence proving your claim
Whether you hire an experienced Albuquerque sexual assault lawyer is another factor that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Our Albuquerque sexual assault lawyers understand the legal requirements for a sexual assault case. We work to obtain a settlement to provide you with funds to assist you as you continue to recover from the sexual assault.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Assault Injury Lawyer in Albuquerque, NM?
We understand you may be worried about the fee to hire our law firm to handle your sexual assault claim. Our attorneys at Curiel & Runion Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis. Instead of paying a retainer fee when you hire our lawyers, you won’t pay anything until we win your case.
Our attorneys’ fees are based on a percentage of the amount we recover for your claim. Therefore, we are not paid until we recover money for you. A contingency fee benefits you by allowing you to hire an attorney to handle your claim with the confidence that you will not owe anything if we don’t win your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Sexual Assault Claim in New Mexico?
The New Mexico statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you miss the deadline, your case can be dismissed without regard to whether you have a valid claim.
The state imposes a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. However, exceptions to the statute of limitations can change the filing deadline in some situations.
Therefore, we encourage you to contact our office to speak with an Albuquerque sexual assault lawyer. We do not want you to miss the filing deadline to hold the person who attacked you responsible for the harm you suffered.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Albuquerque Sexual Assault Attorney
You don’t have to face your attacker alone. At Curiel & Runion, we’re here to support you. Our dedicated legal team will handle your claim with compassion and determination, allowing you to prioritize your healing. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.