Sexual Assault and Physical Assault Civil Claims

Survivors of sexual abuse and assault may hold perpetrators — and the institutions that failed to protect them — accountable through a civil claim, separate from any criminal case. Civil claims focus on compensation and accountability, and survivors control the decision to proceed.

We handle these cases with confidentiality and care, including claims against schools, religious and youth organizations, employers, hotels and property owners whose negligence allowed abuse to occur.

Case Types We Handle

Our Sexual Assault and Physical Assault Civil Claims practice includes 13 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Civil Sexual Assault LawsuitsCivil sexual assault lawsuits allow survivors to seek compensation from perpetrators and responsible institutions.
• Sexual Abuse Civil ClaimsSexual abuse civil claims address abuse by individuals and the organizations that enabled it.
• Child Sexual Abuse Civil ClaimsChild sexual abuse claims may benefit from extended or revived deadlines in many states.
• Institutional Sexual Abuse ClaimsInstitutional abuse claims target organizations that failed to prevent or report abuse.
• School and Campus Sexual Assault ClaimsSchool and campus assault claims involve institutions that failed to protect students.
• Workplace Sexual Assault Injury ClaimsWorkplace sexual assault claims involve employers that failed to prevent foreseeable assaults.
• Hotel and Hospitality Sexual Assault ClaimsHotel and hospitality assault claims involve inadequate security and staff failures.
• Negligent Security Assault ClaimsNegligent security assault claims involve property owners whose security failures enabled an attack.
• Physical Assault Injury LawsuitsPhysical assault lawsuits seek compensation from attackers and others whose negligence contributed.
• Assault and Battery Civil ClaimsAssault and battery civil claims address intentional harmful or threatening contact.
• Bar and Nightclub Assault InjuriesBar and nightclub assault claims involve inadequate security and over-serving of alcohol.
• Negligent Hiring / Retention Injury ClaimsNegligent hiring and retention claims target employers that kept dangerous employees.
• Civil Claims Arising from Domestic ViolenceCivil claims arising from domestic violence allow survivors to seek compensation for injuries.

Common Causes of Sexual Assault and Physical Assault Civil Claims

• Negligent hiring and supervision of staff
• Ignoring prior complaints
• Inadequate security and monitoring
• Institutional cover-ups
• Unsafe policies around minors
• Failure to act on warning signs

Injuries and Losses We See

• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Physical injuries
• Counseling and treatment costs
• Lost income and educational opportunity
• Long-term effects on relationships and health

Civil Claims Are Separate From Criminal Cases

A civil claim does not require a criminal conviction. Many states have extended or revived deadlines for childhood sexual abuse claims. Protective measures may be available to safeguard a survivor's privacy during the case.

How We Investigate Sexual Assault and Physical Assault Civil Claims Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Police and incident reports
• Institutional records and prior complaints
• Security policies and staffing records
• Medical and counseling records

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• The individual responsible
• Schools, churches and youth organizations
• Employers, hotels and property owners
• Businesses with inadequate security

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care and follow your treatment plan
2. Report the incident to the appropriate authority
3. Preserve photos, documents and other evidence
4. Write down what happened while it is fresh
5. Avoid statements to insurers and social media posts
6. Speak with an attorney about your options

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.