Elite Georgia Attorneys for Sexual Assault Victims: How the Right Attorney Can Support You After A Sexual Assault

Experiencing assault or sexual assault is a profound trauma that can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. Seeking justice is a courageous step toward reclaiming your life, and having a compassionate, experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.

Author Bio

Sanga Turnbull is a distinguished attorney with over 22 years of legal practice and trial experience. Specializing in nursing home plaintiff trial cases, inadequate security injury cases, sexual assaults and personal injury law. Mr. Turnbull has dedicated his career to championing the rights of victims. He is a proud member of the National Crime Victim Bar Association representing crime victims nationally, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and a Recipient of Top Trial Verdict Award in 2023. His relentless advocacy and attention to detail have resulted in justice and compensation for countless clients.

The emotional aftermath left on survivors from violent crime can be deep-seated. The sense of safety shattered well beyond the event itself. Sexual assaults amplify this trauma through both physical and mental effects. This trauma and damage lasts long after the initial encounter. Sadly, in many instances the offender is either not found, not prosecuted or not convicted. Many survivors don’t realize that in addition to the criminal justice system, the civil justice system also holds accountable those co-conspirators, the businesses, apartment complexes, convenience stores, gas stations, who’s inadequate security led to the crime in the first place.

Learning from Others: A Victim’s Story

Let me share a story that illustrates the importance of why the law firm, its expertise and experience matters. In 2022 the Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed a case against an apartment complex after it held that the attorney did not establish the little details to prove a direct connection between the inadequate security and her attack. Ms. Benson lived in an apartment complex where the security gate was broken, and she had previously reported issues with her malfunctioning window locks. One night, she was sexually attacked in her apartment. She strongly believed that the intruder entered through the broken window. She filed a lawsuit against the property management for failing to keep her safe. While she believed the attacker entered through a malfunctioning window, her attorney did not present evidence to prove the window was broken at the time. In short, he did not have an investigator document all of the safety failures by the complex via photographs and video. The court ruled that without solid evidence, her claims were speculative and dismissed the case. The key takeaway is early investigation and evidence is key. Together, we’ll gather everything we need to build your case. Whether it’s photographs, witness statements, or expert testimony, I’ll make sure your story is supported by facts that no one can ignore.

How I’ll Advocate for You

As your attorney, my role goes beyond legal representation. I’m here to be your advocate, guide, and partner. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Listening to Your Story: Every detail matters. I’ll take the time to understand what you’ve been through so we can build a case that reflects your truth.

2. Gathering Evidence: From medical records to witness statements, we’ll collect the information needed to prove your case.

3. Explaining the Process: I’ll walk you through every step of the legal system so you feel informed and empowered.

4. Fighting for Compensation: Whether it’s medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional pain, I’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

5. Standing By Your Side: From negotiations to court appearances, I’ll be there with you, ensuring you never feel alone in this fight.

6. Ensuring you are connected with the right community support groups to assist in your recovery and journey.

What You Can Do to Help Your Case

While I’ll handle the legal complexities, there are ways you can contribute to your case:

• Document Everything: Keep records of injuries, police reports, or anything related to the incident.

• Be Honest: Share every detail with me, even if it seems small. Transparency helps us build the strongest case possible.

• Take Care of Yourself: Your well-being matters. Seek support from counselors, friends, or loved ones as we navigate this journey together.

For victims, the aftermath of such crimes extends far beyond the physical. Assault shatters feelings of safety, while sexual assault compounds this harm with profound psychological and emotional trauma. Sexual assault encompasses acts like coerced sexual activities, rape, and other forms of unwanted physical intimacy. This legal distinction is essential for victims to pursue the most appropriate remedies. Victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse often struggle with the enduring effects of these violations. Acquiring legal assistance is not just a step toward financial compensation— it is also a way to regain control and restore dignity

Legal Rights of Sexual Assault Victims

Sexual assault survivors have the right to pursue justice through two legal avenues: criminal prosecution and civil litigation. Criminal cases require proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas civil cases only require proof by a preponderance of the evidence—a less stringent standard. In civil cases, survivors can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other damages. States like Georgia offer additional resources, such as victim assistance programs, to help survivors recover financially and emotionally. Awareness of your legal rights is empowering. Knowledge allows survivors to hold perpetrators accountable while reclaiming control over their lives.

Determining Liability in Sexual Assault Cases

Liability in sexual assault cases often hinges on the responsibilities of property owners or managers. Premises liability laws require property owners to maintain safe environments for lawful visitors. Failure to implement reasonable security measures, such as adequate lighting or trained security personnel, may result in liability for crimes occurring on their property.

Courts assess liability by examining factors like the foreseeability of the crime. For example, if previous incidents occurred on the property, owners may be held accountable for neglecting to address known risks. Successfully proving liability often requires legal expertise to uncover evidence of negligence.

If you're a victim of a crime on rented property, it's important to understand that while landlords aren't automatically responsible for your safety, they do have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect you from foreseeable threats. Courts have consistently held that landlords must address risks of criminal behavior if they have reason to believe such dangers exist.

Prior Crimes and Foreseeability

Your landlord could be held accountable if previous criminal activity on the property signaled the potential that future crimes would take place if not corrected or deterred by security measures. This doesn't mean the prior crimes had to be identical to what you experienced. For example, courts have ruled that even burglaries or other property crimes can be enough to warn a landlord about the risk of more serious personal crimes, such as assaults. In one case (Doe v. Prudential-Bache, 1997), the Georgia Supreme Court rejected the outdated idea that crimes against property could never predict crimes against people. This means that if your landlord knew about prior incidents like break-ins, they should have taken precautions to protect you.

Evidence of Negligence

If you're pursuing a claim, incident reports or crime records can serve as evidence that your landlord was aware of the risks. For example, in Walker v. Aderhold Properties (2010), a tenant used burglary reports from the apartment complex to show the landlord should have anticipated a crime like the one she suffered. The court ruled that these reports weren’t hearsay because they weren’t being used to prove the crimes happened, but rather to show the landlord’s awareness of potential dangers.

Landlords’ Responsibility

The law recognizes that landlords don’t need direct, firsthand knowledge of every criminal act to be responsible. Instead, they can be held liable if they had reasonable grounds to foresee a crime and failed to take action to prevent it. This could mean adding security measures, improving lighting, or addressing other known vulnerabilities. In TGM Ashley Lakes v. Jennings (2003), the court confirmed that landlords can be held accountable when they neglect these responsibilities.

Impact of Prior Property Crimes

Some landlords may argue that a burglary or vandalism isn’t enough to predict a violent attack, but courts have rejected this narrow view. For instance, in Sturbridge Partners v. Walker (1997), the Georgia Supreme Court made it clear that landlords should take common-sense precautions when property crimes signal broader safety concerns. It’s not about the exact type of crime—it’s about whether the landlord should have reasonably anticipated the danger.

Compensation for Sexual Assault Victims

Survivors of sexual assault may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for treatment costs related to physical and psychological injuries.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.

• Pain and Suffering: Financial redress for emotional and physical distress.

• Punitive Damages: Monetary penalties imposed on the perpetrator to deter future misconduct.

In cases of wrongful death, compensation may also cover funeral and burial expenses. Financial redress not only aids recovery but also symbolizes acknowledgment of the victim’s suffering.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Finding the right attorney is paramount. A skilled lawyer provides clarity, confidence, and results. Key factors to consider include:

• Experience: Look for attorneys with a proven track record in assault and personal injury cases.

• Fee Transparency: Understand billing practices upfront to avoid surprises.

The right attorney becomes both an advocate and a guide, ensuring your case is handled with precision and care.

Support and Financial Assistance in Georgia

Navigating the aftermath of an assault extends beyond legal proceedings. Emotional support and financial assistance are vital components of your healing journey. In Georgia, several organizations are dedicated to assisting victims of crime:

• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP): Provides financial assistance for expenses such as medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. Eligible victims can receive up to $25,000 in compensation. More information is available at Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program.

• Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC): Offers resources and support for crime victims, including information on victims' rights and available services. Visit Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for more details.

• Georgia Victim Legal Assistance Network (VLAN): Provides comprehensive legal services to crime victims, including assistance with protective orders, housing, and family law matters. Learn more at Georgia Victim Legal Assistance Network.

• Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP): Offers free legal services to lowincome Georgians, including crime victims, outside the metro Atlanta area. Contact them at 1-800-822-5391 or visit Georgia Legal Services Program.

These organizations are here to support you, offering both financial assistance and legal guidance to help alleviate the burdens you may face during this challenging time.

Conclusion: Securing Justice

Justice for assault and sexual assault victims begins with understanding your rights and choosing the right legal advocate. With experienced representation, victims can navigate the complexities of the legal system and achieve the compensation and closure they deserve.

Remember: You are not alone. A dedicated attorney stands by your side to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.