Emotional Damages Episode 3 Recap: Addressing Trauma from Childhood Sexual Abuse with Dr. Saldanha & Attorney Jon Daggett
The third episode of Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys tackles one of the most challenging topics in forensic psychiatry and the law: addressing adult cases of childhood sexual abuse. Forensic psychiatrist and host Dr. Ambarin Faizi leads a compelling discussion with Dr. Charles Saldanha, Co-Medical Director of fpamed, and Attorney Jon Daggett, Managing Partner at Hiroshima & Daggett Law Firm.
Key Insights from the Episode:
- The Psychological Impact of Childhood Abuse: Dr. Saldanha provides an in-depth overview of the potential effects of childhood trauma, including psychiatric conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. He highlights the challenges of evaluating such cases decades after the events occurred, noting, “The range of experiences victims have in the wake of sexual abuse is as unique as the individuals themselves.”
- Changes in Statutes of Limitations: Attorney Daggett explains the evolving legal landscape, including extensions to statutes of limitations that have allowed more victims to come forward. He reflects on the challenges of defending institutions in cases where evidence and witnesses are often decades old.
- The Role of Forensic Psychiatry in Litigation: Dr. Saldanha and Attorney Daggett emphasize the importance of early and thorough collaboration between attorneys and forensic experts for matters involving adult victims of childhood sexual abuse.
“These cases are like an archeological dig. The importance of obtaining records is to understand the case as best as we can. It’s been my experience that discovery is actually iterative and often informed by the first layer of documents that we communicate with the retaining attorney,” comments Dr. Saldanha.
From detailed psychiatric evaluations to gathering comprehensive records, the discussion highlights how forensic psychiatrists provide clarity in complex legal cases.
“I want an expert who’s going to help me find truth and give me an accurate assessment–good and bad–to the best of their ability. I’m not just looking for someone who’s going to tell me what I want to hear,” explains Attorney Daggett. “Oftentimes, before we even get to the point where we have a report, an expert can affect the ability to get a case settled.”
This episode sheds light on the intersection of psychiatry and the law, offering attorneys practical insights into handling cases involving adult survivors of childhood abuse.
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