Can You Sue Someone for Giving You an STD in Idaho?

If they gave you a sexually transmitted disease and left, we're sorry. Physically and emotionally we know nothing will ever make up for what you're going through. However, you do have legal recourse if you're an Idaho resident.

Idaho Law Addresses Irresponsible Intercourse

According to Chapter 39, Health & Safety, of the Idaho Legislature, intentionally infecting someone with a sexually transmitted disease is a punishable offense.

Syphilis, gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chlamydia and hepatitis B virus (HBV), hereinafter designated as venereal diseases, are hereby declared to be contagious, infectious, communicable and dangerous to public health; and it shall be unlawful for anyone infected with these diseases or any of them to knowingly expose another person to the infection of such diseases.

 

Can I Sue My Ex-Partner for Giving Me an STD?

In short, yes. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who didn't know it's wrong to knowingly transmit an STD. But according to LegalMatch, the choice to pursue legal action against the person who intentionally infected you is not to be taken lightly.

In order to win a lawsuit against someone for giving you herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, HIV/AIDS, or another sexually transmitted disease, you need evidence linking catching the disease to the person who gave it to you.

 

If you're able to prove your case, the defendant stands to face a number of serious charges in Idaho court that can include battery, assault, and murder if you contract a terminal STD because of them.

If you're looking for an example, take a look at the summary of Idaho's 1993 Neal v. Neal. 

There's Free STD Testing & HIV Resources in Boise

Finding out you have a sexually transmitted disease is a devastating, life-altering experience no one deserves.

A lack of health insurance is no reason to go without critical medical attention. If you're in need of testing for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C, Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV & AIDS (also known as a.l.p.h.a.), is Idaho's "premier community-based" non-profit STD health clinic. In addition to STD testing, the non-profit provides an array of incredible services:

• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS through the Idaho Housing & Finance Association;
• a food pantry that serves HIV-positive Idahoans;
• connections to local, affordable health organizations;
• teleprep services;
• and assistance informing your partner of your status.

Get our free mobile app