Parents look to hire babysitters typically because their schedule does not permit them to care for their child 24/7. When a parent finds a babysitter they trust, they are likely relieved to learn that their child will receive proper care. Unfortunately, some babysitters may abuse the trust placed in them by a parent when they molest the child in their care. If your child was a victim of molestation, contact an experienced Hialeah attorney for victims of molestation by babysitters.
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA are prepared to offer you with aggressive legal representation to pursue a claim against the babysitter that harmed your child. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676.
What to Do if a Baby Sitter Molested Your Child in Hialeah, FL
Learning that a babysitter you trusted molested your child is a horror-inducing scenario for a parent. However, there are still actions you could take to shield your child from any further harm. Parents or other family members that learn the child was molested should take the following steps.
Speak with Your Child
If your child disclosed that they were sexually abused or you suspect that they were abused, you should speak about the traumatic experience with the child. Ask the child what occurred and be sure to assure them that what happened was not their fault. It is important to remain calm and to believe the child’s story even if some details may seem unbelievable.
If possible, try to learn how long the abuse occurred and whether a babysitter tried to keep the child from speaking about the molestation. Additionally, ensure that you remove the child from the presence of the babysitter when speaking with them to ensure the child feels comfortable talking to you.
Report Your Suspicions to Law Enforcement
After speaking with the abused child, you should contact law enforcement to report the babysitter’s criminal actions. You should not be dissuaded from contacting the police because you believe that you do not have adequate evidence. A good-faith suspicion of the babysitter based on their behavior or the child’s statements may be enough for the police to investigate the individual. For example, if you notice that a babysitter made inappropriate statements or seemed to grab the child inappropriately, this could help your case.
Additionally, law enforcement’s investigation may reveal other evidence that can prove the babysitter molested the child. For example, the babysitter could be concealing explicit images of your child or other forms of child pornography.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you wish to file a civil claim against the babysitter, you should speak with an experienced attorney regarding this matter. Our firm can help you build your case against a babysitter that betrayed your trust.
It is important to note that if you hired the babysitter through a company, there is a possibility that the company could be held liable for the actions of the babysitter. For example, if the company was aware of previous claims against the babysitter, they could be held liable for their failure to disclose the information.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit against a babysitter that molested your child, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Hialeah sexual abuse lawyer.
When to File a Molestation Lawsuit Against a Babysitter in Hialeah
The State of Florida understands the hardships faced by victims of molestation. Many victims may have suppressed memories of the abuse as a coping mechanism, while others may not even have been aware that they were a victim of molestation. Fortunately, Florida has taken these factors into account when determining the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Hialeah.
The statute of limitations dictates how long a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit against a defendant. If a plaintiff does not file their case within before the deadline passes, they may be unable to seek compensation for their physical and emotional injuries. Florida has made the statute of limitations more lenient for sexual abuse lawsuits to ensure that victims have an opportunity to confront their abuser.
The statute of limitations for molestation lawsuit is seven years after the victim has reached their 18th birthday. However, the filing deadline can be altered depending on the circumstances of the case.
For example, if a victim was molested while they were under the age of 16, they can file their sexual abuse lawsuit at any time as long as the abuse occurred on or before July 1, 2010.
If you are unsure about the filing deadline for your lawsuit, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You are entitled to seek compensatory damages against a babysitter that left you dealing with the trauma of being sexually abused. Additionally, if a child is under the age of majority, a parent may able to file the lawsuit on their behalf.
Our Dedicated Hialeah Lawyer for Victims of Molestation by Baby Sitters is Here for You
If a babysitter sexually abused your child, you should consult with an experienced Hialeah lawyer for victims of molestation by babysitters. Sexual abuse lawyer Prosper Shaked possesses extensive experience litigating a variety of abuse claims, and he would be honored to fight for you and your child. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Prosper Shaked at (305) 694-2676. You can also our short submission form to contact the firm online.