Sexual assault is a horrific crime that can happen anywhere, including at marinas and on private boats or yachts. Too often, sexual assault and harassment go unreported. If you have been sexually assaulted while aboard a vessel, you need an experienced Miami sexual assault attorney to provide you with the legal guidance and representation necessary to get the recovery you deserve.
At Mase Seitz Briggs, our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who will fight hard to get you the maximum compensation in your case. We have successfully handled dozens of cases arising from sexual assaults at sea, giving us a deep understanding of the complex dynamics concerning when a private boat owner or operator is responsible for the sexual assaults of their employees or passengers. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers will fight to hold all responsible parties accountable, including the offender, their employer and the owner/operator of the boat.
Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Sexual Assault Case That Took Place on a Boat?
In a sexual assault or harassment case that occurs aboard a private boat, a number of parties may be held liable. First, the perpetrator may face civil and criminal consequences for their conduct. Second, the owner or operator of the vessel may be responsible if they failed to provide a safe environment for guests and crew.
For example, if the owner or operator of a private boat failed to conduct a background check of crew members that would have revealed a prior criminal history, they may be responsible. Additionally, if previous instances of harassment were reported by guests or crew members and the owner failed to address them or take appropriate action against the perpetrator, they could face liability. In any instance where an owner, operator, or employer’s negligence causes harm to a crew member or guest, that person may face legal consequences.
It is essential that you consult authorities and meet with a knowledgeable attorney immediately after any instance of sexual abuse or harassment. Whether you were at a marina or on a tour, excursion, or a rental yacht for an extended vacation, our legal team can help. You are not in this alone.
Florida's Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes
It's essential to act quickly if you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual harassment or assault at a marina or aboard a vessel. Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing a legal claim related to sexual assault. The statute of limitations in Florida for sexual crimes varies depending on the nature of the crime and the age of the victim.
Sexual Battery (Rape)
If the victim was under the age of 16 at the time of the crime, there is no statute of limitations for prosecuting the offender. For victims aged 16 or older, the statute of limitations is generally four (4) years.
Civil Claims
For civil lawsuits seeking damages for sexual assault, the statute of limitations in Florida is generally one of the following:
- Seven years after the victim turns 18 (the age of majority in Florida);
- Four years from the time the victim discovers the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the abuse; or,
- Four years after the time the victim leaves the dependency of the abuser.
- Where the victim is under 16 years old, there is no statute of limitations.
Certain factors can affect this timeline, so it’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to understand what statute of limitations applies to your claim.
Delays in taking legal action can jeopardize your ability to pursue justice and receive compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Our attorneys will help ensure your claim is filed on time, preserving your right to seek compensation.
Potential Damages You Can Recover
In addition to holding those responsible accountable for their actions, a successful lawsuit can also provide financial compensation to help you recover from the trauma and losses caused by the assault. As a survivor of sexual assault, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages, including:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for any medical costs related to the assault, including expenses for emergency care, ongoing treatment, therapy, and counseling services.
Past and Future Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for physical injuries and emotional pain endured as a result of the assault, which can include compensation for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related conditions.
Lost Wages: If the assault impacted your ability to work, you might be able to recover damages for lost wages, both past and future, as well as diminished earning capacity if the assault has long-term effects on your ability to perform your job.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the perpetrator or other parties’ actions were particularly egregious or malicious, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life’s pleasures that often accompanies the trauma of sexual assault.
By working with our dedicated legal team, you can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your suffering. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we will fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure justice for you.
Recovery for Sexual Assault and Harassment Victims
Sexual assault is a crime that affects millions of people each year. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. A large percentage of rapes and other sexual assault crimes go unreported.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault or sexual harassment as a guest or crewmember of a yacht or private boat in Miami, contact Mase Seitz Briggs today to discuss your legal options. Nothing can completely heal the wounds of sexual assault, but you may be able to receive compensation for your pain and suffering through a legal claim.
How an Attorney Can Help Your Case
When facing the aftermath of sexual assault aboard a yacht or private boat, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. An experienced attorney can provide the critical support you need, starting with a thorough investigation of your case. Here’s how an attorney can assist:
- Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will gather all relevant evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, communication logs, phone calls, texts, photographs, and any other documentation that shows the extent of the harm you suffered.
- Contacting Witnesses: If others were present during the incident, your attorney can reach out to them to obtain witness statements. These testimonies can strengthen your case and establish a timeline of events.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: Sexual assault cases involving yachts and private boats often require navigating complex maritime laws. Your attorney will be sure to explore all legal avenues and identify all potentially liable parties, such as the boat owner, operator, or employer.
- Negotiating with Insurers and Defendants: An attorney will represent your interests in any negotiations with insurance companies or the defendants’ legal teams, fighting to ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering.
- Filing a Civil Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to file a civil lawsuit on your behalf, seeking damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses related to the assault.
- Providing Compassionate Support: Beyond the legal aspects, a skilled attorney offers compassionate guidance throughout the process, helping you understand your rights, and ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
Hire a Knowledgeable Sexual Assault Lawyer
If an act of sexual assault occurred at a marina or aboard a vessel, you need representation you can trust. At Mase Seitz Briggs, we will help you hold all parties accountable. We can bring a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any negligent owner or operator of the private boat. We will ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice and held to answer for their negligent and wrongful actions.
Contact Mase Seitz Briggs today to discuss your options.
