Can I Sue Someone Who Gives Me an STD?
When we’re in a relationship, we expect to enjoy our partner without the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease. That is one of the benefits of being in a committed relationship. We have no reason to believe that we can’t trust our partner. When we find out that our partner has been cheating on us, all sorts of thoughts come to mind.
The first thing we feel is betrayal. The second thing we worry about is whether our partner was safe when he was with the other person. The thought of getting an STD from someone we love is horrible. Sadly, it happens all the time.
If you’ve contracted a sexually transmitted disease from your partner, contact a personal injury attorney in Fort Walton Beach. As embarrassing as it may be, you have a right to be compensated.
What Kinds of STD Can We Catch From our Partner?
When we’re in a committed relationship, we know our partner is disease free. Most people get tested before they begin a sexual relationship. Especially in this day and age. However, if our partner has more than just a roaming eye, they may engage in sexual activity with someone who gives him an STD. This puts you at risk..jpg)
Some of the common STDs that are around today include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- AIDS
- Pubic Lice
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Depending on who your partner was with, he may have contracted one or more of these diseases. If left untreated, they can cause long-term problems. Some can even lead to infertility and death. It’s important that you get tested for all STD when you find out your partner has been with someone else.
Is Infecting You with a Transmitted Disease a Crime?
Most states have laws that make it a crime to infect someone with an STD. For example, under Florida law, It is unlawful for any person who has chancroid, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, genital herpes simplex, chlamydia, nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)/acute salpingitis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, or syphilis, when such person knows he or she is infected with one or more of these diseases and when such person has been informed that he or she may communicate this disease to another person through sexual intercourse, to have sexual intercourse with any other person, unless such other person has been informed of the presence of the sexually transmissible disease and has consented to the sexual intercourse.
Essentially, if you know you have an STD and have sex with someone, you can be charged with the crime. It depends on whether or not you tell that person that you have the disease. If a person is convicted of this offense, this information can be used in a civil case.
If someone infects you with an STD and is charged with a crime, your personal injury lawyer will be able to submit evidence of these charges. It is proof that the defendant knew what he was doing. It can be used to help in your civil lawsuit. So, if your partner cheats and gets an STD, whether or not he will be held liable will depend on whether he knew he was infected.
What Damages can a Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Attorney Demand in a Case Like This?
It’s odd to consider the damages that would be involved in a case like this. What sort of damages would someone demand from someone who gave them an STD? Certainly, the cost of any tests or medical treatments would be part of your claim. What other types of damages may be involved?
Most lawsuits involving the transmission of STD are for battery. Although you can file a suit for negligence, these aren’t all that common. The damages associated with a battery for transmission of an STD include:
- Attorney fees
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If the STD ends up causing infertility, your damages will be quite high. You will have to show that you did everything you could to mitigate damages. So, once you learn you have an STD, you have to get treatment. If you let it go, you may end up having your claim dismissed.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Fort Walton Beach
If your partner has given you an STD, you may be embarrassed to call an attorney. Don’t feel that way. You have a right to be compensated for your loss. Contact a personal injury attorney in Fort Walton Beach. He will discreetly and compassionately handle the matter for you.
Thankfully, since the matter will be just as embarrassing (or more so) for your partner, most STD transmission cases settle out of court. Your lawyer understands that the last thing you’ll want to do is make the matter part of the public record. Your lawyer will work hard to get you a fair settlement.
Contact a lawyer today and schedule your free consultation. This gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have. And remember, you pay nothing until you win your case!