Can You Sue Someone For Giving You An STD in California?
Yes. In California, it is against the law for a person to infect a sexual partner with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). While it is a crime in California for a person to willfully expose another to an STD, a person infected with an STD due to the intentional or negligent conduct of another may also seek monetary damages in civil court. If it is your belief that someone caused you to become infected with Herpes, HIV, HPV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis or any other disease that may be transmitted sexually, you should consider contacting an attorney with experience in litigating STD lawsuits for a case evaluation.
Could Anyone Else Be Held Liable For Infecting Me With An STD?
Yes. For example, if you work in the adult entertainment industry and you believe that you were infected with an STD on the set of a shoot, the company that hired you to perform in the shoot could be held accountable. Such liability may arise when a company fails to protect the safety of performers by not enforcing safe sex practices on their shoots. A company may also be held responsible for the transmission of an STD on one of their shoots if they mislead or conceal information from a performer about the company’s testing policies or any other safe sex practices of the company.
What kind of damages could I recover for an STD Lawsuit?
STD lawsuits would allow for recovery for lifelong pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, emotional harm, and other related damages including the possibility of punitive damages in order to serve as a deterrent to a person or company from engaging in such conduct in the future.
What about my Privacy?
A common and understandable concern of those who have been infected with an STD is their privacy. Clearly, this is a highly sensitive issue and confidentiality is of utmost importance. Fortunately, the Courts understand this and allow for several remedies such as filing your STD Lawsuit as a John Doe or Jane Doe in order to protect your privacy by not having your name publicly disclosed in the lawsuit. Courts also allow parties to file documents containing private information, such as medical information, under seal so that it cannot be disclosed to the public.
Can My Case Be Resolved Without Having to Go to Court Or Filing a Lawsuit?
Yes, it is possible to resolve your case prior to filing a lawsuit or having to go to Court. Often times this is the preferred method of resolving a case for all parties concerned, because it ensures that the privacy of all parties will be protected and all sensitive information will remain confidential.
Who Do I Contact If I Have Been Infected With An STD And Have Questions About Whether Or Not I Have A Case?
If you have been infected with an STD and have questions about whether or not someone else may be held legally responsible for the transmission of your infection, please contact Ribera Law Firm at (415) 576-1600. Ribera Law Firm has experience in both litigating high-profile cases against corporate giants in the adult entertainment industry, as well as discretely handling similar claims against private individuals without having to go to court. In addition to being able to consistently obtain favorable monetary results on behalf of our clients, we form strong bonds with our clients to help them through this emotionally difficult period in their lives. For any person living with an STD, life is that much harder for you. We at Ribera Law Firm recognize this and are sensitive to your pain both physical and emotional. You are not alone in this journey – Ribera Law Firm is here to help. Please call us for a free case evaluation (415) 576-1600.