"At LBK, we promote the rights of crime victims everyday. All too often, the victims of these crimes are left behind to pick up the pieces on their own. We think you and your family deserves better. We understand the struggles you are facing. We want to help. "
Below is a portion of Mr. Kent’s interview about his representation of a child sexual abuse victim in a civil lawsuit against a sitting state court judge who was later removed from the bench and disbarred. The molestation acts were outside the scope of the criminal statute of limitations, which meant that the individual could not be charged with any crime.
Due to a special civil law, the client was able to file a civil lawsuit against his abuser. Laffey, Bucci & Kent took on the case despite receiving backlash from the legal community and even received some threats. However, they succeeded and their client was able to obtain justice. The perpetrator admitted the abuse.
Three of the lawyers in our firm’s crime victim injury law group are former prosecutors with a history of successfully obtaining justice for victims of murder, sex offenses and child molestation.
Victim’s of crime oftentimes do not realize that justice can be sought on both the criminal and civil side of the law. As former prosecutors we have the background, experience and knowledge to walk our clients through the criminal process, while at the same time representing them in a civil case.
Examples of cases include assaults in apartment complexes, negligent security cases, assaults at bars and nightclubs, physical abuse in schools, offices and day care centers, to name a few.
If you’ve been a victim of crime, we’re here to listen and advise. Schedule a free consultation today.
Crimes are often devastating for both the victim and their loved ones. Life may never be the same. Serious physical assaults, shootings, and sexual assault can cause long-lasting emotional and mental pain. Many victims of crime develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Some will become completely disabled by their physical and mental injuries.
There are many government and non-profit organizations devoted to helping victims of crime. Some offer counseling, some offer practical help in finding jobs, food, transportation, and the like. Others help family members cope with the indirect impact the crime has had on their lives.
Laffey, Bucci & Kent handles a wide range of crime victim cases, with a focus on situations where third-party negligence may have contributed to the crime. Our attorneys, who have extensive experience as former prosecutors, are well-versed in handling cases involving various types of criminal acts, including:
Our attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent are skilled in representing clients in both the criminal and civil justice systems. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue compensation for their clients’ injuries and losses, while also seeking justice for the crimes committed against them.
In certain situations, a third party may be held liable for a crime victim’s injuries if their negligence or failure to act contributed to the crime occurring. This is often the case when a property owner or business fails to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their patrons or residents. Factors that can lead to third-party liability include:
When a crime victim suffers injuries due to third-party negligence, they may have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. The experienced attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help victims determine if third-party negligence played a role in their injuries and assist them in seeking justice and compensation for their losses.
Crime victims who pursue a civil lawsuit against a negligent third party may be eligible for various types of compensation to help them recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crime. Some common forms of compensation that may be available in these cases include:
In addition to these compensatory damages, some cases may also involve punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but instead are intended to punish the responsible party for their negligence or wrongdoing and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
The attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help crime victims assess the potential value of their claim, gather the necessary evidence to support their case, and advocate for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Yes, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the criminal case did not result in a conviction. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower than that in a criminal case, so it is possible to successfully pursue a civil lawsuit even if the criminal charges were dismissed or the defendant was acquitted. The experienced attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent can help you navigate the complexities of both criminal and civil justice systems.
The attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent bring unique expertise to crime victim cases due to their background as former prosecutors. They are knowledgeable about both the criminal and civil justice systems, allowing them to effectively advocate for crime victims in seeking justice and compensation. Our attorneys can help guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your best interests in court if necessary.
However, too few victims of crime are provided with monetary compensation for the injuries they have sustained – despite the fact that crime victims often suffer severe physical, mental/emotional and financial consequences as a result of the crime. Many victims of crime need medical treatment and extensive therapy. The Philadelphia, PA and NJ crime victims rights lawyers at Laffey, Bucci & Kent fight for crime victims, helping them obtain fair and reasonable financial compensation.
Under tort or injury laws of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, crime victims are entitled to make claims for compensation against not only the criminal defendant (direct perpetrator), but any entity, business, corporation, etc. which caused or contributed to the crime and injury. Other parties may have acted indirectly, thus allowing the abuse to occur or continue.
Example 1
A church organization such as a diocese or church organization may bear civil liability, in addition to the actual perpetrator (priest/clergy member). A typical example involves a child or young adult who is sexually assaulted or abused by a church employee. If there is sufficient evidence that church officials knew of the abusive conduct or propensities of the perpetrator, the victim may have a valid legal claim against the church organization. Visit our priest and clergy abuse law library for more legal info.
Example 2
Likewise, in a situation where a teacher or other school employee such as a coach, principal, etc., sexually abuses a student, the school itself may be sued in a subsequent civil lawsuit. This is in addition to the direct perpetrator, the actual school employee who carried the acts of abuse or assault.
In these cases, the basis of the school’s liability is the failure to provide proper training to school employees, thus allowing the abuse to occur and/or continue.
Example 3
In cases where alcohol or drug use leads to an accident or injury, not only can the direct perpetrator be held legally responsible, but other entities may be held liable. The typical example involves a DUI car accident in which the bar or restaurant is held liable for serving alcohol to the DUI driver prior to the accident. An injured passenger or driver of another car may have a valid claim against the bar or restaurant. The same theory applies to cases in which negligence in serving alcohol leads to an assault (i.e., college hazing injuries).
Civil personal injury law may, in many instances, provide victims of crime a civil battleground where they can find justice for the wrongs done to them. There is no law that prohibits a crime victim from pursuing a civil case just because the State is prosecuting a criminal matter. Two high profile examples which received heavy media coverage demonstrate this point:
At the Philadelphia crime victims rights law firm of Laffey, Bucci & Kent, our experienced attorneys are committed to providing quality representation and individual attention to their clients and their clients’ families. The personal injury attorneys at Laffey, Bucci & Kent have extensive experience handling crime victims’ civil matters. Their knowledge and expertise in dealing with defense counsel as well as insurance company representatives and adjusters can be invaluable when seeking justice in a personal injury/crime victim’s justice matter.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed as a result of the criminal conduct of another in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey or New York, contact our experienced, highly rated Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey crime victims rights lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. Contact us today at (866) 641-0806 to explore your legal rights.
Our personal injury attorneys are licensed in multiple states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. They also work with lawyers nationwide and can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1100 Ludlow Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 399-9255
