Getting sexually assaulted can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. Even after the incident is long over and you are in a safe place, you may still experience emotional and physical health problems. That’s why it may not be enough for the perpetrator to get sent to jail. Pursuing a civil lawsuit in Pennsylvania against the person who sexually assaulted you can help you get the justice you deserve. The Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyers at Wieand Law Firm have helped many victims like yourself get the compensation they deserve.
Let’s take a closer look at how sexual abuse can affect your health.
High Blood Pressure
After you have experienced something like sexual assault, you may get stressed a lot easier. Unfortunately, excessive stress can lead to high blood pressure. When you have elevated blood pressure, you have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, eye damage, and other health issues.
Depression
If you have been sexually abused, you may develop depression. You might blame yourself for what happened and feel extremely sad every day. Other symptoms of depression include hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, mood swings, and fatigue. When you are dealing with depression, it can be difficult to go to work every day and engage in normal everyday activities. Many clients of our Catholic church sexual abuse lawyers in Philadelphia report struggling with depression.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sexual assault can also lead to sleep troubles. If you are stressed about the incident or incidents and think about it over and over, you could lie awake at night and not fall asleep for hours. Being a victim of sexual abuse can also cause nightmares, which could disrupt sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it could lead to irritability, weight problems, forgetfulness, a lower immune system, and other complications.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
If you were sexually abused, you are also more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental disorder can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event and may lead to dreams related to the incident, disturbing thoughts, anxiety, and heightened reactions. This disorder can affect you for months or years and dramatically change your life.
Filing a Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Getting sexually assaulted can damage you mentally and physically, and you deserve to be compensated for that. If you file a sexual assault lawsuit, you may be eligible for damages, like medical bills, lost wages, psychiatric counseling, emotional distress and pain and suffering. However, bringing this type of lawsuit can be challenging on your own, especially when you are in such a fragile state. It’s in your interest to hire a Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyer to help you through the process.
An experienced sexual assault lawyer can help you file your lawsuit in a timely manner and gather evidence necessary to prove your case. He or she can identify witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies and make sure your legal rights are protected.
Contact One of Our Philadelphia Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyers Today
Schedule a free consultation with Philadelphia lawyers investigating sexual abuse at the Catholic church from Wieand Law Firm to get your case moving in the right direction.