$27 Million Awarded in Molestation Case

The New York Times (11/6, A23, Almanzar) reports, "A Palm Beach County jury on Tuesday awarded $27 million to a girl who was molested four years ago by" Pratak Siriwat, "a male family friend who was baby-sitting for her." The verdict includes "nearly $150,000 for the girl's past and future medical and counseling expenses, $7 million for mental anguish and $20 million in punitive damages." According to Russell S. Adler, a lawyer who represented the girl's family, "Mr. Siriwat admitted molestation to the police." However, "Siriwat had filed for bankruptcy," and Adler said "it was not known whether the award would be collected."

COMMENT: Many times, victims need a sexual abuse attorney who can prosecute perpetrators in civil court. This is particularly true when the criminal court system has failed the victim. Sex crime victims are entitled to the same level of legal representation as any other victim. If you have been the victim of molestation, sexual abuse or sexual assault, please feel free to call us.