Albuquerque Child Abuse Attorneys
Helping Victims of Child Abuse Fight for Justice
The effects of child abuse can be felt by the victim for many years after the incident occurred. These effects can follow a person into adulthood in some cases, which often results in mental health issues, problems with personal relationships, and behavioral conflicts.
Hurting a child may be unconscionable, but it unfortunately occurs on a frequent basis. And while pursuing a civil remedy can’t change what occurred, it does show the child victim that there are good people in the world willing to stand up for them. That is our goal at Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero. Our Albuquerque child abuse lawyers are diligent about fighting to hold the guilty party accountable for their abusive or neglectful actions, and we’re even more passionate about protecting children and making certain they have what they need to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Learn more about your rights, including your right to seek fair compensation for your damages, during a free consultation with our team. Call (505) 806-1780 or contact us online.
Signs of Child Abuse
Child abuse is not always immediately evident to others. In some cases, the abuser goes to great lengths to ensure their behaviors are concealed.
That’s why people must remain vigilant when children exhibit the following signs:
- Increased aggression and hostility
- Onset of phobias and anxiety
- Depression
- Lack of interest in friends and hobbies
- Unexplained injuries
- Lack of self-esteem
- Poor hygiene
- Avoidance of situations that trigger reminders of the abuse
The parent, guardian, or foster parent responsible for the ill-treatment afforded to a child can also exhibit behaviors that indicate abuse. In contrast to a typical parental impulse, abusive or neglectful parents express little to no concern for the well-being of their children. Disciplinary measures may seem extreme, whether they involve corporal punishment or harsh restrictions on the child’s life. Abusive parents also belittle their children or subject them to insults and criticisms on a regular basis.
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"I can't seem to say enough about the people at this law firm. I was treated with the greatest experience ever. My case wasn't a very large case, but, non the less I was treated with the upmost respect and treatment of a huge case."Christopher C.
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"Not only are they highly competent, ethical, smart and efficient, they are very kind. They have provided the best representation and assistance imaginable and I would, without any reservation whatsoever, highly recommend this law firm."Dorian D.
Types of Child Abuse That Commonly Occur in the Home
Not all abuse is physical. In fact, abusers may engage in any number of behaviors that result in emotional, psychological, and, of course, physical harm to children.
The four main types of child abuse that can occur in the home (and elsewhere) include:
- Physical Abuse: Physical abuse includes any intentional infliction of physical pain or bodily harm. Examples include pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, hitting, punching, forceful grabbing or pulling, and excessive punishments or physical discipline.
- Neglect: Neglect is the most common type of child abuse. It occurs when a parent, guardian, or caregiver fails to properly and adequately provide for a child’s physical, nutritional, psychological, educational, or health care needs.
- Emotional Abuse: Also known as psychological abuse, emotional abuse includes any intentional behaviors or conduct that result in mental anguish or distress. Examples include belittling, demeaning, threatening, withholding kindness or affection, and yelling at a child.
- Sexual Abuse: Child sexual abuse includes any sexual contact with a child, as minors are not able to legally give consent. This includes sexual touching, groping, fondling, forced sexual acts, exposing oneself, and rape.
Any type of child abuse can result in deep psychological trauma, physical harm, and other devastating consequences. For many survivors, these consequences extend well beyond the time when the abuse ends and may even affect them for years to come.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Child Abuse?
Child abuse is a crime, and perpetrators who are convicted of such heinous acts face various criminal penalties, including possible jail or prison time. While this serves to punish perpetrators, it does little—if anything—to compensate victims for the immense physical, financial, and emotional harm they endure.
A successful civil lawsuit, on the other hand, can provide this compensation to victims of child abuse, while simultaneously holding liable parties accountable. The exact person or party liable for the abuse depends on the specific details of the case; sometimes, the perpetrator is directly responsible for the victim’s damages, but in other cases, a third party might be liable. This could include a parent or guardian who failed to stop known abuse, a mandatory reporter who failed to report signs of abuse, or a school, church, daycare, or similar institution that employed an abuser with a record of past offenses.
At Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, we know how to identify who is liable for child abuse and, most importantly, how to bring powerful, evidence-based claims against these parties. Our goal is to not only protect the rights of children and adult survivors of child abuse, as well as seek justice on their behalf.
Why Legal Counsel Is So Important
It is important that child victims of abuse are immediately taken out of an unsafe environment and must have their rights protected. This is exactly what an attorney can do.
An attorney can also help you seek compensation for certain damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lost income/wages
- Loss of earning ability/future income
- Punitive damages (if applicable)
Our team at Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero keeps the best interests of the child at the heart of our representation at all times. We aggressively advocate for the full protection and safety of all children throughout New Mexico through a trauma-informed manner. Our Albuquerque child abuse attorneys have decades experience representing the rights of children and are prepared to assist you with all aspects of your case.
Please call (505) 806-1780 to schedule a consultation today. If you have questions about our legal services or what to expect, feel free to contact us.
"Not only are they highly competent, ethical, smart and efficient, they are very kind. They have provided the best representation and assistance imaginable and I would, without any reservation whatsoever, highly recommend this law firm."Dorian D.
Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C. is a local law firm with local and national recognition for having the expertise to handle the toughest cases. Over a century ago, David B. Martinez’s grandparents realized their dream of building a general store at the corner of Rio Grande and Indian School. “A century later, David B. Martinez and F. Michael Hart built this law firm on the same corner of Rio Grande and Indian School where David’s family had built their general store.” The corner of Rio Grande and Indian School is now home to Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C., which holds the same dedication to serving the needs of the surrounding community.