Making the intangible tangible: Collecting damages for pain and suffering

Abstract

The image that a sexual predator is a stranger trying to entice a small child is so outdated. Today, we know that sexual predators can be anyone—blood relatives, clergy, doctors, coaches, and, yes, teachers. As authority figures that students are taught to trust, when teachers breach that expectation, the psychological repercussions can last a lifetime....When a personal injury lawsuit alleging sexual abuse is filed, damages for pain and suffering will invariably be sought. Even though pain and suffering are certainly intangible concepts, they can provide context for the most serious harm in a personal injury lawsuit regarding sexual abuse.