Understanding the Financial Impact of Sexual Assault Cases and Your Options

Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences someone can go through. Not only does it affect you emotionally and physically, but it also brings an unexpected financial burden. Many survivors of sexual assault in California find themselves facing overwhelming medical bills, legal costs, and even job-related losses that can have long-term consequences.

In addition to dealing with the trauma, you may be left scrambling to pay for medical care, get through legal battles, and cope with the financial strain of missing work. Managing all of them can be difficult. So what exactly are the monetary effects of sexual assault? Let’s take a closer look and see what solutions might be within your reach to help alleviate some of the burden.

Medical costs: A layered burden

One of the first things you probably need after experiencing sexual assault is medical attention. In California, you’re entitled to a forensic exam (or rape kit) for free even if you don’t report the assault to law enforcement. This covers the initial collection of evidence, which is important for any potential legal proceedings.

But that’s just the beginning. You most certainly will require follow-up treatment. Medical expenses for injuries, STD tests, ER trips, or even prescriptions for emergency contraception could all fall under that category. Furthermore, depending on the type of your injury, your medical bills may just start here.

Many victims of sexual assault also require continuous therapy to help with the emotional damage. Sadly, mental health services are not fully covered even with health insurance. Particularly in therapy, things can get costly. And depending on your insurance, it might only cover a small number of visits. This can result in you having to pay for vitally needed services out of pocket.

Legal fees: the cost of pursuing justice

Survivors might be concerned about the legal costs of pursuing justice, but they shouldn’t. When it comes to criminal charges, prosecutors handle the case, and you do not have to pay for them – they represent the public. You may want to work with a private attorney or legal advocate to navigate this process and identify your options for protections like restraining orders, but it’s not necessary.

In civil cases, which are claims aimed at collecting damages from the abuser and any organization that might be at-fault for the abuse, legal fees are still not something that should cause a victim much concern. The reason is that most lawyers handle these claims on a contingency basis. Under this payment plan, you pay nothing upfront to hire your attorney. Your lawyer recovers their compensation from your settlement or verdict, if your claim is successful.

Lost wages: The hidden cost

Another huge financial problem that many survivors face is lost wages. After sexual assault, many survivors are forced to take time off work, whether it’s to deal with physical injuries, seek therapy, or simply recover emotionally. Time away from work usually means lost income, and in some cases, it may be hard or even impossible to return to your job right away.

In California, if you were assaulted at work, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation. But this isn’t always the case. For many survivors, the time away from their job isn’t covered, and the financial strain of not being able to work can create a major setback. Some survivors may also feel the impact long-term, as the emotional effects of sexual assault can make it difficult to concentrate or feel comfortable in their work environment.

For those who don’t have access to workers’ compensation, the financial loss from missed work can be devastating. And even if you return to work, the effects of trauma may linger, making it harder to get back to a normal routine. Whether it’s medical appointments, therapy, or just taking time to heal, the time spent away from your job can add up.

Options for financial help: What can you do?

So, what options are there to help with the financial burdens of sexual assault? There are a few avenues, but they’re not always simple or guaranteed.

One option is the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), which can help with medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and other costs related to the assault. But as mentioned before, applying for CalVCB compensation isn’t always easy, and there’s no guarantee that all of your expenses will be covered. You also need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify.

Another option is pursuing a civil lawsuit. If you’re successful in your case, you may be able to recover some of the costs you’ve incurred, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s also worth considering your health insurance and whether it will cover some of the costs of therapy or medical care. While health insurance may cover some expenses, you might be left to pay for therapy or other services on your own if your insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage.

The emotional and psychological toll

We can’t ignore the emotional and psychological costs of sexual assault either. The emotional scars left behind by such trauma can be long-lasting, and therapy is often necessary for healing. Unfortunately, therapy is often expensive, and many survivors have to pay out of pocket if their insurance doesn’t cover mental health services. Even if you do have insurance, there may be limits on how many sessions are covered, leaving you to find a way to pay for therapy on your own.

It’s not just the direct financial costs either. Many survivors find themselves emotionally drained by the financial burden of medical bills, legal fees, and lost wages. The constant pressure to make ends meet can feel like an added weight on top of everything else.

Financial help is available, but it’s not easy

The financial impact of sexual assault can be staggering. Medical costs, legal fees, lost wages, and the emotional toll of therapy can all add up quickly. While there are resources available, such as the California Victim Compensation Program, navigating the process can be confusing and time-consuming.

If you need guidance on navigating the financial recovery process, schedule a free consultation with the experienced sexual assault lawyers at Taylor & Ring today. There’s no shame in asking for help — it’s your path to healing.