Bold Law

Can I seek compensation if my sexual partner gives me a STI

The answer is yes. You have suffered an injury and have an entitlement to seek compensation, either by way of making a claim for negligence or alternatively under the tort of deceit.

The key to making a claim against the perpetrator is to establish that your partner had knowledge of their STI and did not disclose that knowledge to you prior to you contracting the disease.

In a lot of cases, its not hard to establish that your partner knew about the STI because often they will have sought treatment for the condition.

Time Limits

If you have suffered an injury, you must issue legal proceedings within 3 years from the date that you became aware of your symptoms.

How much compensation can I claim

The amount of compensation that you can claim will depend upon how badly you are affected by the STI. If the STI is not curable then the amount of your damages will be significantly more compared to a disease that is treatable and causes minor discomfort.

Awards of damages for these types of claims can range for thousands to dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It depends on the circumstances of the case and how the injured person is effected.

Who pays the compensation

Claims are made directly against the person who transmitted the STI. Somewhat amazingly, in some cases a person who transmits an STI to a victim may be able to make a claim under their personal insurance, such as a home and contents policy.

In a case where no insurance is available, consideration needs to be given by a claimant as to whether the perpetrator has capacity to pay any damages that may be claimed or awarded.

If you have been infected with an STI and wish to seek compensation, contact Bold Lawyers to discuss your options.