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Child Sexual Abuse in South Carolina

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When a child suffers sexual abuse or exploitation, the impact lasts a lifetime. The physical and emotional violation is scarring on its own, but can also lead to ongoing health and personal issues. 

At Carolina Defense Lawyers, we’re sensitive to the pain and difficulty of these situations. Our Columbia child sexual abuse lawyers are committed to assisting victims and their families here in South Carolina. We will fight aggressively for you and your family, providing one-on-one attention and skilled representation from our experienced attorneys in Columbia. 

Hiring a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make during any legal process, and should not be based solely on advertisement. Please review our qualifications and experience, then contact our professional attorneys at The Jeffcoat Firm for a free and confidential consultation to discuss how we can protect your rights.

  1. Sexual Abuse of Children is a Widespread Problem  
  2. Liability for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Columbia, South Carolina
  3. How Can Our Attorneys Help?

Sexual Abuse of Children is a Widespread Problem  

No one knows the exact rates of occurrence, but studies agree that sexual abuse of children is far more common than most people realize. Research suggests that one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys, will be the victim of sexual abuse as children or teenagers.

Unfortunately, most children keep sexual abuse a secret. It is estimated that only ten percent of abused children and minors report their abuse to an adult. Understandably, young victims of abuse may distrust adults after such an experience because the abuser is often someone who the victim knows and trusts.

Liability for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Columbia, South Carolina

Research shows that child sexual abuse, including molestation, most often occurs at the hands of a trusted adult or authority figure. Perpetrators often include teachers, camp counselors, doctors, neighbors, coaches, babysitters, and clergy members.

When a minor is victimized by a sexual predator, the perpetrator is liable for physically committing the violation. However, other parties — such as the people or organization affiliated with the predator — may also be held liable for failing to protect the victim.

Responsibility for allowing abuse to occur or failing to report child sexual abuse may fall on any organization with a duty to protect minors, including the following: 

  • Churches
  • Daycares and preschools
  • Schools
  • Summer camps
  • Youth sports organizations

A Columbia sexual abuse civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case. In a criminal case, the perpetrator may face jail time and other punishment; in a civil case, the victim and their family may receive monetary settlements or other compensation from the perpetrator or other at-fault parties. The burden of proof is higher in a criminal case, so if the perpetrator has already been convicted, it may be easier to win the civil case. However, even if the perpetrator was not convicted of criminal charges, they may still be found liable for civil damages.

The victim and their parents or other legal guardians may be entitled to compensation for abuse. Minor victims of sexual abuse in South Carolina have six years after they turn 21 or three years from the date that they realized that their injuries were caused by the abuse to file a civil lawsuit. 

Damages for child sexual abuse can include payment for physical and emotional pain and suffering, the expected costs of future counseling, and —  in cases where an employer or other organization grossly mishandled reports of abuse — substantial awards of punitive damages.

How Can Our Attorneys Help? 

Carolina Defense Lawyers serves victims of child molestation and child sexual abuse in South Carolina, including Columbia, Lexington, and Richland Counties. Each case receives the personalized care and special attention you deserve. Contact our experienced child sexual abuse case lawyers today to discuss your rights and options during a free case evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: Any results achieved on behalf of a client in one matter does not necessarily indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients.

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I was arrested for a DUI in Kershaw County SC. I immediately hired the Jeffcoat law firm specifically Mr. Bell. Due to his specific knowledge and his professionalism he found that the charges where not correct. All charges where dismissed. I would recommend Mr bell 100 times over.

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There aren’t proper words to describe the talents, professionalism, responsiveness, or reassurances of Taylor Bell. He answered my first call to him while doing yard work … on a weekend… to assure me that he could and would help me with my case. And he did. His knowledge, expertise, and calm but straight forward approach to me personally and my issue most importantly will NEVER be forgotten. This man, and the entire staff at the Jeffcoat Firm, are an asset to the community needing legal representation at large. There aren’t enough stars to rate what I thought about their professionalism, rapid response, great communication, and their successful defense of me in court. If you’re looking for a fair, honest, pleasant, intelligent, and talented attorney, I urge you to look no further than Taylor Bell and the team at The Jeffcoat Law Firm. They quite literally saved my career and my life!!!

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The Jeffcoat Firm went above and beyond for my case! The staff and assigned attorney Taylor Bell were not only instrumental in the success of my case, but kept me well-informed of the court process and proceedings throughout the duration [of the case] so that I was cognizant of what was occurring. Their knowledge, talent, and implementation of the law is truly awe-inspiring! I cannot recommend a better firm that will have your overall best interest and well-being not only as a client, but as a person. They genuinely desire seeing [the client] succeed.

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I was charged with a dui in July 2021. Immediately called the jeffcoat firm, right out the gate they where understanding, compassionate, and extremely friendly, the entire staff! Tayler Bell took my case got it dropped to a reckless driving charge, dui dropped! He gave me his personal cell and would call me keeping me updated on the case. Because I didn’t blow in the breathalyzer that was automatically 6 month license suspension. Even tho the criminal part is over he’s still fighting that. He works for you! Period! Great people, great staff, if you need a lawyer don’t hesitate to call these guys you won’t regret it!

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Troy Palmer

I was charged with a dui in July 2021. Immediately called the jeffcoat firm, right out the gate they where understanding, compassionate, and extremely friendly, the entire staff! Tayler Bell took my case got it dropped to a reckless driving charge, dui dropped! He gave me his personal cell and would call me keeping me updated on the case. Because I didn’t blow in the breathalyzer that was automatically 6 month license suspension. Even tho the criminal part is over he’s still fighting that. He works for you! Period! Great people, great staff, if you need a lawyer don’t hesitate to call these guys you won’t regret it!

Eve Sparger
I found Jeffcoat firm while searching through The computer looking for someone to represent me. I had had an incident with the South Carolina state board of nursing several years ago and then it reared its ugly head again five years later, this is when I obtain legal advice.

I hired the Jeffcoat firm after meeting with them on a Saturday which I thought was exceptionally nice to meet me and they are based in Columbia South Carolina.
Everything turned out OK and I had no fear that this law firm would get the job done and I certainly would hire them again should the need ever arise.

Pedro Cahua

The JeffCoat Law firm is the go to place to have all your legal needs answered. They’re quick to respond and the whole team are nothing but professionals. Mr. Taylor Bell helped me so much with me case and has the accolades to prove why he is the best lawyer in South Carolina. If I have anymore legal troubles (I hope not) the JeffCoat law firm will be the first number I will call! I highly recommend!

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! NOTICE ! No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. You need to contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues problems.

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