Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault—and pursuing a civil claim is not about reliving trauma. It is about holding the people and institutions responsible for harm accountable, securing the resources needed for recovery, and ensuring that what happened does not happen to someone else.

Reaching out takes courage. Trial Lawyers United represents survivors of sexual assault in civil claims against individuals and institutions nationwide. Whether the assault occurred in a workplace, on a university campus, through a transportation service, in a military context, or within a residential institution, our attorneys know how to pursue accountability. Every conversation with the team is confidential.

Why Civil Cases Matter

A criminal case answers one question: Is the defendant guilty of a crime? A civil case answers another: What is the defendant’s liability for the harm caused, and what compensation is owed? Criminal cases are filed and prosecuted by the government. Civil cases are filed by the survivor—or their attorney—and can proceed even if:

  • Criminal charges were never filed.
  • Criminal charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
  • The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution has expired.
  • The perpetrator has since died or is incarcerated.

In civil litigation, the burden of proof is lower (preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt), and the focus shifts to institutional responsibility, negligence, and failure to protect—not just the perpetrator’s criminal intent. This is where institutional accountability becomes possible.

Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle

Workplace Sexual Assault

Employers have a legal duty to maintain a workplace free from harassment and assault. When they fail to prevent, investigate, or respond to reports of sexual misconduct, they become liable. Workplace sexual assault claims include claims for hostile work environment, quid pro quo harassment, negligent supervision, and retention of dangerous employees. These cases hold employers accountable for the conduct of their employees and agents.

Campus and University Sexual Assault

Colleges and universities have legal obligations under Title IX and state law to ensure campus safety and respond appropriately to reports of sexual assault. Institutional failures—inadequate investigation, delayed response, mishandled reporting processes, security negligence, and cover-ups—expose universities to significant liability. Our attorneys represent survivors in claims against educational institutions nationwide.

Institutional Sexual Assault

Hospitals, residential treatment facilities, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and group homes employ staff who occupy positions of trust and authority. When staff members exploit that trust to commit sexual assault, and the institution knew or should have known about the danger, the institution bears liability. These cases turn on evidence of negligent hiring, inadequate background checks, failure to supervise, and institutional indifference.

Military-Connected Sexual Assault

Service members and military dependents assaulted by contractors, military-adjacent personnel, or through institutional failures deserve accountability. Our attorneys pursue claims against contractors and entities responsible for the safety and security of military personnel.

Rideshare and Transportation Sexual Assault

Rideshare platforms have a responsibility to protect passengers from predatory drivers. When they fail to conduct adequate background checks, ignore reports of driver misconduct, or knowingly retain dangerous drivers, they are liable for the harm that follows. These claims rest on theories of negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent background screening, and failure to warn.

For more information, visit our dedicated rideshare sexual assault page.

Institutional Liability: Holding Organizations Accountable

Institutional liability is the legal doctrine that holds organizations responsible for sexual assault committed by their employees, members, or agents—not through direct participation, but through negligence, knowing indifference, or systemic enabling. Institutions can be liable when they:

  • Failed to conduct adequate background checks on employees.
  • Hired, retained, or promoted someone known to be a sexual predator.
  • Ignored credible reports of misconduct.
  • Failed to investigate reports thoroughly or with appropriate urgency.
  • Covered up abuse to protect their reputation or the perpetrator.
  • Created environments or policies that facilitated abuse (e.g., one-on-one meetings without oversight).
  • Failed to implement reasonable safety measures.

In institutional cases, the focus is on what the organization knew and what it should have done differently. This is what makes civil litigation different from—and sometimes more impactful than—criminal prosecution alone.

Your Rights as a Survivor

Survivors of sexual assault have legal rights that extend beyond the criminal justice system. These include:

  • The right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and negligent institutions.
  • The right to seek damages for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  • The right to confidentiality in legal proceedings when appropriate.
  • The right to work with an experienced attorney who understands trauma and institutional dynamics.
  • The right to pursue accountability regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes.

Survivors also have access to external resources and support organizations that specialize in survivor care and advocacy. RAINN (1-800-656-4673) offers confidential support for survivors of sexual assault. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7.

How Trial Lawyers United Approaches Sexual Assault Cases

The firm’s approach is shaped by decades of litigation experience and an understanding of trauma’s impact on survivors and their families. Here is what survivors can expect:

  • Confidentiality from day one: Privacy is protected from the first conversation. All communications are privileged, and steps are taken to shield identity throughout the litigation process when possible.
  • Trauma-informed communication: Survivors are not asked to relive trauma unnecessarily. The team works methodically, asking targeted questions and giving survivors control over their own narrative.
  • Institutional expertise: Our attorneys investigate not just the perpetrator, but the institution’s knowledge, policies, and failures—uncovering documents that reveal negligence and concealment.
  • Coordinated defense strategy: The firm works with investigators, forensic experts, and co-counsel to build the strongest possible case.

The goal is not to negotiate a quick settlement. It is to hold institutions accountable and secure the resources survivors need to move forward.

What to Do If You Are Ready to Come Forward

Taking the first step is often the hardest. The following guidance may help survivors who are considering legal action:

  • Put safety first. If in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement or a trusted person.
  • Seek medical and psychological support. Document injuries and treatment.
  • Preserve evidence. Clothing, messages, or written accounts may be relevant.
  • Write down everything remembered, even if incomplete. Memory gaps are normal and do not undermine a claim.
  • Contact Trial Lawyers United. The trauma-informed team will listen without judgment, explain legal rights, and handle everything confidentially.

Survivors decide how far to go—our attorneys guide every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil case for sexual assault?

A criminal case is filed by the government to determine whether the defendant is guilty of a crime. A civil case is filed by the survivor (through their attorney) to determine whether the defendant is legally liable for harm and to recover damages. Criminal cases use a higher burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt); civil cases use a lower burden (preponderance of the evidence). Criminal cases result in incarceration; civil cases result in monetary compensation.

Can I file a civil claim even if the criminal case was dropped or never filed?

Yes. The outcome of criminal prosecution does not affect the right to pursue a civil claim. Many survivors pursue civil litigation because criminal prosecution is unavailable, has failed, or does not provide the accountability or resources they need.

Will my identity be public if I file a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Court rules in many jurisdictions allow survivors of sexual assault to proceed under pseudonyms or initials to protect privacy. Attorneys can file motions to keep certain documents sealed and to restrict public access to sensitive information. While discovery typically requires sharing information with the defendant’s attorneys, the public record can often be limited.

Can I sue my employer for sexual assault by a coworker?

Yes. Employers can be liable for sexual assault by coworkers if they knew or should have known about the perpetrator’s dangerous propensities and failed to take action. Liability may rest on theories of negligent hiring (if the perpetrator had a known history), negligent retention (if complaints were ignored), negligent supervision (if the perpetrator had unchecked access to potential victims), or negligent security.

How long do I have to file a sexual assault civil claim?

The deadline varies by state and by the defendant (individual vs. institution). Generally, statutes of limitations for sexual assault claims range from one to three years, though some states have longer windows or allow exceptions for claims discovered later. Some states have extended the statute of limitations or created revival windows specifically for sexual assault cases. Contact us to learn the deadline in your jurisdiction.

What does it cost?

Nothing out of pocket. Every case is handled on a contingency fee basis, and all costs are advanced. A fee is owed only if compensation is recovered. There is never a charge for the initial consultation.

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In the Relentless Pursuit of Justice | Results Without Risk

Trial Lawyers United LLC handles personal injury and mass tort cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless and until we obtain a recovery on your behalf. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee. Contingency fees are calculated as a percentage of the gross recovery. In most cases, the client is also responsible for litigation costs and expenses, which may include court filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, medical record retrieval, investigation expenses, travel, and other costs necessarily incurred in the prosecution of the case. These costs may be advanced by the firm during the pendency of the case and are typically deducted from the gross recovery in addition to the attorney fee. The specific percentage and the method by which expenses are calculated (whether deducted before or after the contingency fee is computed) will be set forth in the written fee agreement between the client and the firm, which must be signed before representation begins.

"No Fee Unless We Win" Qualifier

When we say "no fee unless we win," we mean that you will not be charged attorney fees if we do not recover compensation on your behalf. Litigation costs and expenses are separate from attorney fees and are addressed in the written fee agreement.

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Sexual Assault