Acts of sexual violence leave many victims with lasting emotional and physical scars, as well as financial expenses. If you or a loved one, were a victim of a violent sexual offense, you may qualify to file a civil lawsuit. Our attorneys may be able to help you file a claim and pursue damages. Recoverable damages may include related expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we offer complimentary case evaluations. We may be able to file a lawsuit in civil court to hold the individual and any other negligent parties liable for your physical, mental, and emotional injuries. Call our office today at 713-850-8600 for your complimentary consultation with a sexual violence victim lawyer.
Understanding Your Legal Options After Sexual Violence
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, we understand that coming forward after experiencing sexual violence takes immense courage. We are here to listen, to believe you, and to fight for the justice you deserve. Every survivor’s story is unique, and while no two cases are the same, there are certain legal factors that help determine how we may be able to assist you.
If you are considering legal action, the following guidelines may help clarify whether we can pursue a claim on your behalf:
- Abuse Within an Organization or Institution
We focus on cases where the abuse occurred within an institution or organization —such as a church, school, hospital, or similar setting—where the abuser used their role or position of authority to gain access to and harm the victim.
Please know: We are unable to assist with cases where the perpetrator was a family member, family friend, or neighbor, or where the abuse occurred within a workplace setting. - Survivors Who Are Currently Minors
If you are under the age of 18 today, we may be able to pursue your case no matter when or where the abuse occurred. Protecting young survivors is a priority, and we encourage you or your trusted advocate to reach out. - Adults Abused as Children
If the abuse happened during your childhood but you are now an adult, we will carefully review your situation. Your ability to file a claim may depend on the laws in your state, including the statute of limitations. We approach these cases with care, respect, and attention to your individual circumstances. - Adults Abused as Adults
If the abuse occurred while you were an adult, the timeframe for filing a claim is often limited. In most states, legal action must be taken within a specific period (commonly two years from the date of the incident), though exceptions may apply. - Childhood Physical Abuse
If you experienced physical abuse (rather than sexual abuse) as a child, the law generally allows you two years after turning 18 to pursue a claim. - Single or Repeated Incidents of Sexual Misconduct
If you experienced a single incident of sexual misconduct as an adult—such as inappropriate touching or groping—the conduct must have involved direct contact beneath clothing to meet legal criteria for a claim. If the misconduct happened multiple times or was part of a pattern, your case may still be eligible.
We know that no checklist can capture the full weight of what you’ve been through. If you are unsure whether your experience meets these guidelines, we invite you to contact us for a private, compassionate, and confidential conversation. You are not alone—and we are here to help you explore your legal options when you’re ready.
You May Recover Damages in a Civil Case Against a Violent Sexual Abuser
If you want to seek recovery for the physical, emotional, and financial damages you suffered, you may be able to take civil action. It is impossible to know how much you may be able to recover in a civil lawsuit because it depends on the details of your case, the strength of the evidence, the severity of your physical and emotional injuries, and other variables.
Some of the most common types of recoverable damages in a civil case stemming from sexual violence include:
- Medical care and related expenses
- Psychological counseling and therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Other related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological damages
The Criminal Court System Versus the Civil Court System
You may be able to pursue a civil case against the individual and any other negligent parties regardless of the outcome of the defendant’s criminal case.
While a guilty verdict in the criminal court system may help bolster a civil case, the two cases are ultimately unrelated. The goal of the criminal justice system is to punish the individual. The burden of proof in a criminal case is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If a juror is not certain the individual is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt,” they may not return a guilty verdict.
In a civil case, the burden of proof is lower. We may be able to prove your civil case if we can convince a jury by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the defendant is liable for your damages.
We May Be Able to Help You File a Sexual Violence Civil Lawsuit
D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you take legal action to hold the individual and any other liable parties accountable for your damages.
Let Us Review Your Case
We offer complimentary initial consultations to victims of sexual violence. We know it may be difficult to relive these events. Our team handles each of these case evaluations with the utmost compassion and sensitivity. Your case will remain confidential.
We May Be Able to Identify Additional Liable Parties
In some sexual violence cases, there are additional parties other than the individual that may be liable.
Other liable parties may include:
- A business or other property owner
- A school or employer
- Other parties that failed to provide adequate security or take sufficient measures to prevent an attack
You Must Act Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Each state has its own statute of limitations for filing a claim based on sexual violence. Statutes of limitations for sexual violence typically begin to run at the time of the incident.
Talk to a Sexual Violence Victim Lawyer
At D. Miller & Associates, PLLC, our sexual abuse attorneys work to protect the rights of sexual violence victims.
If you suffered physical and/or emotional damages because of sexual violence, we may be able to help you. Call us today at 713-850-8600 for your complimentary consultation with a sexual violence victim lawyer.
We are listening and want to give you a voice!
