Sexual assault is a heinous act that no one should have to endure – and those who do deserve justice for what they’ve suffered. for what they’ve suffered. While the state prosecutes sexual assault as a crime, even a successful conviction does little to undo the consequences of the defendant’s actions. Fortunately, there is another path toward accountability: a personal injury lawsuit. A successful suit can provide a survivor with the financial compensation they need to rebuild their life and move forward with optimism and dignity.
Legal Avenues for Compensation in Sexual Assault Cases
While the person who committed the sexual assault is responsible for their actions, they are not the only party who could be held liable for them. Depending on the circumstances of the assault, a survivor may also have claims against:
- Property Owners or Managers: If the assault occurred on someone else’s property (e.g., an apartment complex, hotel, nightclub, or parking garage), the owner or manager of that property might be liable for failing to provide adequate security measures or maintain a safe environment.
- Employers: If the person who committed the assault did so while nominally on the job, their employer might also be responsible under vicarious liability or for failing to prevent or address workplace harassment. Moreover, an employer could be liable for continuing to employ someone with a history of misconduct.
- Institutions or Organizations: Schools and universities might be liable if they failed to address known risks, ignored complaints, or did not provide a safe environment for students. If the assault involved a clergy member or occurred under the supervision of a religious institution, the organization might be liable. Sports teams and youth organizations could be held responsible if the assault was committed by a coach or volunteer and the organization failed to act on known risks.
- Third-Party Security Providers: A security company that was contracted by another organization to provide protection but failed to do so adequately might be liable for an assault that was committed on its watch.
What Types of Damages Can Survivors Recover?
Survivors of sexual assault can claim compensation for:
- The cost of medical care, including ongoing mental health counseling
- Income lost while recovering from the assault
- Diminished earning potential if physical or mental injuries derail their career
- The physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the attack
- Reduced quality of life
Challenges in Pursuing Sexual Abuse Compensation
Pursuing a sexual assault personal injury case can be challenging. Not only can it cause a survivor to relive what happened, but the perpetrator will likely deny the act and may even try to blame their victim. As such, these cases require substantial evidence and often the support and guidance of an experienced attorney to win.
Why Hire Our Sexual Assault Lawyer in Houston?
Are you a survivor of a sexual assault that was committed against you in Houston? If so, our compassionate attorneys want to help you assert your rights and demand fair compensation on our behalf. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients, including those who’ve been through experiences similar to yours, and we understand what it takes to win these high-stakes, sensitive cases. We’re prepared to thoroughly investigate the assault, identify everyone who could be liable for what happened to you, and aggressively pursue every claim we can to get you every dollar you’re owed. Throughout the process, we will treat you with the respect, understanding, and compassion you deserve, and we will never charge a fee unless and until we win your case.
Contact Our Sexual Assault and Abuse Attorneys to Learn More
Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs is committed to standing up for sexual assault survivors and helping them get the accountability and justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation, and we’ll listen to your story with compassion and respect.
