If you’re visiting this page, you may be facing one of the most painful, overwhelming moments of your life. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry the burden of seeking justice on your own. At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we offer compassionate legal support to survivors of sexual abuse and assault in civil actions.
We can help you pursue a claim directly against the offender and hold accountable any third parties, such as employers, schools, or institutions, whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur. Our goal is to stand by you, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to help you find the justice and closure you deserve.
Our team understands the sensitivity of these cases and the importance of trust. Whether you’re ready to explore legal action or simply want to know what your options are, schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled Houston sexual abuse lawyer.
D. Miller & Associates Can Help You Pursue Justice
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we are passionate about pursuing justice and continue to be recognized in the media for our advocacy. We know that when choosing an attorney, it is important to know their credentials.
Over the years, we have been honored with several prestigious accolades, including the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ 10 Best Award for Client Satisfaction and recognition in The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100. These and other awards reflect our dedication to excellence and the trust our clients place in us.
We are your advocates, committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.
Firm Highlights:
- $650 million awarded in verdicts and settlements
- 36,000+ cases won
- 66 years of combined legal experience
- 83 dedicated team members
Our attorneys are not just knowledgeable; they are empathetic and understand the far-reaching impact of sexual abuse and sexual assault. We work tirelessly to build strong cases on behalf of our clients, drawing on our vast resources and experience.
Sexual Abuse and Assault Are Widespread Problems in Houston
Sexual violence is more common than many realize. A 2023 report from the Harris County Sexual Assault Report Team (SART) reveals that over 6 million adults in Texas experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. In Harris County alone, 3,779 sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement in a single year.
These numbers reflect real people, real pain, and the urgent need for systemic accountability. And if the statistics from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) are accurate — that two out of every three sexual assaults are never reported — then the true scope of this abuse is far greater than the data reveals.
What is a Civil Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse?
Unlike a criminal prosecution brought by the state, a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is filed by the survivor. They can sue the offender directly and seek financial compensation for the harm they endured, which may include medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. They can also bring claims against third parties, such as employers, property owners, institutions, schools, or colleges, if those entities were negligent in preventing or responding to the abuse.
You can pursue a civil sexual abuse lawsuit regardless of whether a criminal conviction occurs. Many survivors find that civil claims allow them to regain their agency by seeking accountability, irrespective of the outcome of a criminal charge.
Meet Your Legal Heroes
Behind every case stands a team of dedicated legal heroes, ready to take on the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Does a Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Affect My Criminal Case?
One of the most common questions survivors ask is how a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse impacts existing or potential criminal proceedings.
Here are key things to know:
- Civil and criminal cases are separate. One does not depend on the outcome of the other.
- Civil cases can proceed at any time. They can occur before, during, or after a criminal trial.
- The burden of proof is different. In a civil lawsuit, you only need to show that your claim is more likely true than not (“preponderance of the evidence”), which is a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal cases.”
- A guilty verdict in a criminal case can strengthen a civil lawsuit by providing powerful evidence of the offender’s liability.
However, whether or not a criminal case results in a conviction, you still have the right to seek justice through the civil courts.
Third-Party Liability in Houston Sexual Abuse Cases
Some of the most challenging and impactful cases we handle involve sexual abuse or sexual assault where the perpetrator is affiliated with an organization that had a duty to protect those in its care.
These cases can arise in a variety of contexts, including:
- Employers: Where a manager or supervisor uses their position of authority or influence in the workplace to exploit, coerce, or assault an employee, taking advantage of their vulnerability or fear of retaliation.
- Religious institutions: Where a clergy member, staff person, or volunteer abuses the trust and spiritual authority placed in them by a congregant or minor, exploiting that relationship for sexual misconduct or abuse.
- Property owners: Where the owner or manager of a property fails to provide adequate security or address known dangers, allowing sexual abuse to occur on the premises.
- Schools or universities: Where a teacher, coach, or classmate is the offender, which falls under our campus sexual assault
Institutions may be liable if they fail to run proper background checks on staff or ignore or cover up prior complaints. Organizations that lack common-sense safeguards like training, supervision, and reporting systems may be liable for sexual abuse that happens on their watch.
The legal team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, leverages all available resources to build a strong case. In doing so, we help clients seek justice from the offender and promote change in the institutions that allow it to occur.
Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
Within this context, damages refer to the compensation a survivor may pursue for the harm they’ve suffered.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Economic damages – These cover the financial costs of the abuse, such as medical expenses (ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up care), therapy and counseling expenses, and lost income or diminished earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages – These address the personal impact of the abuse, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive (exemplary) damages – Available in Texas when the abuse or related misconduct involves gross negligence, malice, or fraud. These damages are intended to punish egregious conduct and deter similar acts in the future.
In cases involving third-party liability, where an employer, school, religious institution, or other party breached its legal duty to take reasonable measures to prevent, identify, and respond appropriately to sexual abuse or other foreseeable harm — Texas law may allow you to seek compensation from both the individual offender and the negligent entity.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC Can Help
Navigating the legal system while healing from trauma is often overwhelming. Here’s how a Houston sexual abuse lawyer from our team guides and supports our clients throughout the legal process:
- Private consultations in a judgment-free setting. Survivors can speak openly and confidentially, knowing they’ll be treated with respect and compassion.
- Thorough case evaluations, including potential third-party liability. We carefully examine the facts to identify all parties that may be legally responsible for the harm.
- Trauma-informed legal strategies that prioritize the client’s well-being. Our approach is shaped by an understanding of how trauma affects survivors, and we adjust our process accordingly.
- Clear communication at every step of the process. You’ll always know what’s happening in your case and have the space to ask questions or express concerns.
- Skilled negotiation and trial representation, when needed. Whether resolving your claim through a settlement or litigation, we advocate with determination and care.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer from our firm, you get more than legal representation. You get a team that listens, believes in you, and fights for you.
How Texas Civil Sexual Abuse Claims Are Resolved
In Texas, civil sexual abuse and sexual assault cases are resolved either through a settlement or at trial. Many settle before court, with both sides agreeing on compensation — offering a faster, more private resolution and reducing the stress of a public trial.
When a fair agreement isn’t possible, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides responsibility and compensation. Trials can take longer, but may be necessary for full accountability.
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we prepare every case for court while pursuing settlement opportunities, so we negotiate from strength and are ready to fight for justice when needed.
You Are Not Alone. Talk to a Houston Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Healing after sexual abuse is deeply personal, and pursuing justice is a courageous step. Whether you’re ready to take legal action now or need to discuss your options, we’re here for you.
Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC today or fill out our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Houston sexual abuse lawyer. Every conversation is private, and there’s no pressure to move forward unless you’re ready. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
