Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Grand Junction
Sexual abuse causes pain that does not go away on its own. The effects can last for years or a lifetime. Some survivors want a public trial. Others want privacy and closure. No matter what justice looks like for you, The Wilhite Law Firm can help. Our Grand Junction sexual abuse lawyers will listen without judgment, explain your options, and fight to hold abusers and institutions accountable.
We do this work because we believe every survivor deserves answers. We know how to protect your rights, your identity, and your ability to heal. If you feel ready to take legal action, we will walk with you step by step. Contact us today to get started with a consultation.
Why Survivors Choose The Wilhite Law Firm
Since 1977, The Wilhite Law Firm has helped Coloradans take back their lives. We have grown from a small team into a large, trusted law firm that handles difficult cases with care.
Attorney Rob Wilhite leads with purpose. He built this firm to stand up for people who feel powerless against large institutions. We bring relentless focus and compassion to every abuse case. Our team is proud to put survivors first.
We understand trauma. We know how institutions hide it, deny it, and hope it disappears. Our job is to make sure it does not. We combine strategic legal work with personalized support. We treat your case with urgency, dignity, and attention to detail. When you choose us, you get advocates who believe you and know how to fight.
How Civil Lawsuits Can Help Survivors Reclaim Control
Criminal courts punish. Civil courts restore. A civil lawsuit gives survivors control. You do not need a criminal conviction to sue an abuser or institution. You can file a sexual abuse lawsuit to:
- Recover money for therapy, medical treatment, or lost wages
- Expose individuals or groups that enabled the abuse
- Push for policy changes inside schools, churches, or other programs
- Take back power after being hurt or silenced
Civil litigation for abuse does not erase what happened. But it gives survivors a platform. It gives your story weight in a system that often overlooks it. And it allows for action on your terms, with your voice leading the way.
Understanding Civil Definitions of Sexual Abuse
Civil law covers more than what most people think of as assault. Examples include:
- Repeated abuse during childhood or adolescence
- Sexual assault during education, employment, or medical care
- Coercion or exploitation involving power or age gaps
- Assault against individuals with disabilities or memory loss
- Inappropriate touching, forced nudity, or other violations
You may have a claim even if you did not report the abuse when it happened. You may also qualify for compensation even if the abuser was never charged or convicted. Our firm will help you understand the law and how it applies to your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Abuse in Grand Junction
Sexual abuse often happens in places that fail to protect people. We can pursue claims against abusers directly, but also against the institutions that allowed them access or ignored red flags. Our legal team holds:
- Schools that fail to report or investigate complaints
- Religious groups that cover up abuse by clergy or volunteers
- Employers that dismiss allegations or allow misconduct to continue
- Youth groups and sports teams with poor screening or supervision
- Healthcare workers who misuse trust or power
We build strong cases by identifying every source of negligence. Our team will review documents, uncover patterns, and seek out witnesses or internal reports. Survivors deserve the truth. We will work to uncover it.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases
Many survivors ask how criminal and civil cases differ. Here are a few distinctions:
- Criminal charges are brought by the state. Civil claims are brought by individuals.
- Convictions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil claims use a lower standard.
- Criminal cases can lead to jail time. Civil claims seek personal injury compensation.
You do not have to wait for the police to act. You can start a civil case now, on your terms.
Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse in Colorado
Colorado lawmakers have expanded rights for survivors over the past several years. Several laws now allow people to sue for past sexual assault, even if the abuse happened decades ago:
- No time limit exists for filing civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. The law gives survivors of abuse that occurred when they were minors the right to file claims at any age.
- Adult survivors of sexual abuse may have up to six years from the date they discover the impact of the abuse. This gives survivors time to recognize how trauma has affected their lives before filing.
- The Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act allows lawsuits against organizations that enabled child abuse. This includes churches, schools, camps, or youth programs that knew or should have known about the danger.
If you are unsure whether your case still qualifies, we can help. The timeline varies based on age, circumstances, and discovery of harm. A legal consultation for abuse cases gives you clarity on the next steps.
Filing Confidentially and Protecting Privacy
Many survivors hesitate to speak out because they fear retaliation, embarrassment, or exposure. Colorado courts understand these concerns. In many cases, we can file lawsuits using a pseudonym such as Jane Doe or John Doe.
Our team also takes special steps to protect your privacy. That includes sealing records when possible, removing identifying details from filings, and pushing back against any effort to publicize your story without your consent.
You do not need to give up your privacy to get justice. A confidential legal support team, like ours, can help you pursue both.
What Survivors Can Receive Through a Civil Case
A civil lawsuit can provide financial support and acknowledgment. You may recover compensation for:
- Mental health care and emotional support services
- Past and future lost income
- Pain, suffering, and trauma-related conditions
- Loss of trust, security, or personal relationships
Some survivors also qualify for punitive damages. Courts may award these when abuse is involved, especially reckless or malicious conduct. Punitive damages punish wrongdoers and discourage future harm. In cases where institutions ignored years of warnings or covered up abuse, punitive damages send a public message about accountability.
Our Process: Step-by-Step Legal Support
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we will take our time to understand your needs. When you reach out, you speak with a compassionate professional who listens and provides options. You decide what to do next. No pressure. No judgment.
If we move forward, we will begin by gathering facts, requesting documents, and identifying possible defendants. We will prepare every case for trial, even if we resolve it through settlement. That preparation gives us strength at the negotiating table.
Our firm pays all case costs upfront. You owe nothing unless we win. That lets you focus on healing while we focus on the legal fight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Sexual Abuse Claims
Every case is different, but many people share the same questions at the start. Here’s what you should know.
Do I need a conviction to sue for abuse?
No. Civil lawsuits do not require a criminal conviction. Survivors can sue if they can show the abuse most likely occurred. The standard of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal cases. Many people move forward with civil claims even when law enforcement decides not to file charges.
Will I need to testify in court?
Not always. Many civil sexual abuse claims settle outside of court. If a trial becomes necessary, we prepare you in advance and protect your well-being throughout the process. You do not have to face your abuser alone.
How long do these cases take?
Some lawsuits are resolved in a few months. Others involve longer timelines, especially if multiple defendants or institutions are involved. We keep you updated and explain each step so that you never feel lost.
What if the abuse happened years ago?
Colorado law has removed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. In adult cases, the clock may start when you first discover the harm. You may still have time. Our firm can review your case and confirm the deadlines.
Beyond Legal Representation: A Commitment to Healing
We do not disappear after a case ends. Many of our clients stay in touch. They refer friends or return for help with related issues. That long-term trust comes from how we treat survivors: with honesty, consistency, and respect.
We will also connect clients with professionals outside the legal system. We maintain relationships with local therapists, trauma specialists, and advocacy groups that understand what recovery looks like.
Legal representation for survivors must go beyond courtrooms. It must reflect care, patience, and strength. That is what we provide.
Talk to a Grand Junction Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
You do not have to carry this burden on your heart and soul. A Grand Junction sexual abuse lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you explore your legal rights and take action if and when you are ready.
We also handle other injury cases. If you or someone you love has suffered due to negligence or misconduct, our Grand Junction personal injury lawyers can step in. Call us today at 970-579-4588 to get started.