Houston Sexual Assault Attorneys
Fighting to Recover Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Assault in Houston
Sexual assault is a tragically pervasive crime that confers lasting consequences. In addition to the justice and peace of mind that can come with a criminal conviction, survivors may also be able to take civil legal action against perpetrators and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At Potts Law Firm, we stand with survivors of sexual assault and are committed to getting them the justice they deserve. This includes helping survivors pursue all available legal remedies, including civil lawsuits. Our Houston sexual assault lawyers are sensitive to the unimaginable difficulty of your situation and will endeavor to provide you with a comfortable, collaborative, and compassionate environment where you feel seen, heard, and supported. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients and are ready to put our power, resources, and experience to work for you.
You pay no legal fees unless we win, so do not hesitate to schedule a free initial consultation by calling (713) 348-9638 or contacting us online. Same-day appointments are available, and our firm provides services in English and Spanish.
Why Should I Consider Filing a Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit in Texas?
If your abuser is arrested and formally charged with any form of sexual assault, you may be wondering if filing a civil lawsuit against them is necessary. There are several reasons why taking additional legal action may be in your best interest.
First, you will not be a party to any criminal proceedings. Prosecutors will almost certainly consult you and request testimony, but you do not get any direct say in how the case is handled. Any objections you may have to a plea bargain, for example, could be taken into consideration, but they are not binding.
Second, even if the case goes to trial, there is no guarantee of a conviction. The prosecution may be unable to convince a jury that their case meets the extremely high burden of proof.
Third and finally, you will in all likelihood not receive the compensation you deserve through a criminal trial. Though you may receive restitution for medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses if your abuser is convicted, you will not be able to recover non-economic losses.
Through a civil lawsuit, you retain control over the proceedings, make decisions about how the case is handled, and can potentially recover additional forms of compensation. A civil lawsuit is an important legal option that survivors of sexual assault can use to hold their abusers accountable and get the financial resources needed to get their lives back on track. Our Houston sexual assault attorneys can help you understand your options, review your circumstances, and advise whether pursuing this type of legal action may be advantageous in your case.
What Can I Recover in a Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit in Texas?
Unlike a criminal trial, a sexual assault civil lawsuit is intended to make you, the survivor, financially whole. You may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are sometimes awarded when the defendant’s conduct is especially malicious.
Our Houston sexual assault lawyers will make every effort to get you maximum compensation for all applicable losses, including:
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses, including future mental health care
In some cases, parties other than your abuser may be liable for damages. You may be able to seek compensation from institutions such as businesses, religious organizations, and healthcare facilities if their negligence or deliberate actions allowed the sexual assault to occur. You can also take legal action if any of these institutions attempted to cover up what happened. We will identify all liable parties after we thoroughly assess your situation.
If you have questions about taking civil legal action against your abuser, do not hesitate to call (713) 348-9638 or contact us online. We are more than happy to listen to your story and walk you through your options.
It's All About Your Recovery
Hear From Our Past Client's
-
I had a wonderful experience with this law firm.
“They were able to complete it in a timely manner and were great at keeping me up to date with communication throughout the entire process. I highly recommend using this law firm if the need arises.”
- Stephen P. -
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him or any of the team at Potts.
“Michael Bins has been extremely helpful in helping us to navigate a situation with an insurance claim on a commercial property. He’s gone above and beyond in moving our case toward a positive resolution that we’re satisfied with.”
- Theo C. -
The Potts Law Firm is a powerhouse of brilliant attorneys.
“They know the law from every angle, dig deep, and will not accept anything less than what was asked in the original suit. The Potts team never backed down until the case was settled in full.”
- Molly H. -
I highly recommend Adam and Potts Law Firm
“From the first meeting, Adam made me feel like he had my best interest at heart and took care of everything. I can't say enough good things about how helpful, professional, and caring Adam was to me.”
- Mary H. -
I would recommend Potts Law Firm for any and all legal matters that come my way in the future!
“The Potts Law Firm answered all of my numerous questions in layman’s terms which is what I needed. I was able to lie back & heal from my injuries knowing full well that my obligations were being handled appropriately.”
- W. Gary
What If My Abuser Is Not Convicted?
Many people mistakenly believe that you cannot win a civil lawsuit against a perpetrator of sexual assault if they are not convicted in criminal court. The truth is that civil and criminal proceedings operate completely independently of one another, and an outcome in one court does not affect the result in another.
The burden of proof is higher in a criminal case than in a civil lawsuit. Prosecutors must convince a jury that a defendant committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high bar to clear, even with ample evidence. In a civil case, you must only prove the defendant more likely than not perpetrated the abuse. Thus, it is possible to win a civil lawsuit even if the defendant is not convicted in a separate criminal trial.
