Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Representing Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault Nationwide
As a survivor of sexual abuse, you may not realize that you have the right to take civil legal action against your abuser and potentially any other parties that enabled the abuse. This legal process is separate from any criminal proceedings that may or may not have been undertaken and allows survivors to recover compensation for damages. It is also another way to hold the responsible parties accountable for what they have done.
Stepping forward and taking legal action as a survivor of sexual abuse is an act of immense courage. At Matthews & Associates, we recognize and deeply respect this bravery. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are committed to standing by your side, providing needed support, and relentlessly pursuing justice on your behalf. We recognize the challenges these cases present and understand how to effectively advocate for survivors nationwide.
We handle all types of sex abuse cases, including those involving:
If you are ready to discuss your case and legal options, we invite you to call (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
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“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
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“I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable,”
I Love these guys!!!! They are SO Helpful, Kind, Knowledgeable, Smart, good with people, answer ALL ur questions, if they don't know the answer, it sure doesn't take them long to get you the answer!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!- Genie S. -
“I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly”
- Kweli Y.I've been working with Matthews and Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the Firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.
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“They treat you with respect. They support you when needed.”
- Sorangel T.Matthews and Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Billingual service always available.
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“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
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“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
How Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Differ from Criminal Cases
No matter where you are in the United States, sexual assault and sexual abuse are against the law. In theory, anyone who commits these heinous acts will be arrested, criminally charged, and tried. In practice, the criminal justice system fails many survivors. Proving sexual abuse or assault in a criminal court is often a tall order, and many alleged offenders are not charged at all.
This unfortunate reality is why understanding the difference between a civil sexual abuse lawsuit and criminal proceedings is vital for survivors seeking all available forms of justice. A survivor can pursue a civil lawsuit to obtain financial compensation for the harm suffered. In these cases, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal proceedings. The survivor only needs to prove that it is “more likely than not” that the abuse occurred. This is known as the “preponderance of the evidence” standard.
In contrast, criminal proceedings are initiated by the state and aim to punish the perpetrator through imprisonment or other penalties. The standard of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a considerably higher bar to meet compared to civil cases. It's worth noting that while a survivor can report the abuse to the police, the decision to prosecute rests with the state.
These two processes are not mutually exclusive. A survivor can pursue both a civil lawsuit and cooperate with criminal proceedings at the same time. The outcome of one does not influence the other. For example, a “not guilty” verdict in a criminal trial does not prevent the survivor from pursuing a civil lawsuit. The available evidence may not meet the “beyond a reasonable doubt standard,” but it could clear the “preponderance of the evidence” standard.
Put simply: Do not assume you cannot take legal action if your abuser was not criminally charged or was acquitted. Our sexual abuse attorneys can walk you through your legal options.
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David P. Matthews Attorney"When the judge read the verdict in Martha Salazar’s case ($73 Million), and we learned the jury ordered [the medical device maker] to pay Martha, (we) knew they believed every word she said. We realized they knew the defendant was truly guilty."
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Compensation for Sexual Abuse
No amount of money can undo the harm you have suffered due to sexual abuse. However, civil legal action does allow you to recover various forms of compensation to cover losses linked to the abuse. The goal of a civil sexual abuse lawsuit is to restore you as much as possible to the financial position you would have been in had the abuse not occurred.
We can fight to get you just compensation for many types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes bills for hospital visits, medications, and any other healthcare services related to the abuse.
- Therapy and counseling costs. You can get compensation to cover any ongoing therapy and counseling that becomes necessary to manage the trauma of abuse.
- Pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain and mental distress you suffered due to the abuse. It can also include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life. This refers to the reduction in your ability to enjoy the everyday activities and experiences you once took pleasure in before the abuse.
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity. If the abuse has impacted your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently, you could be entitled to compensation for lost income and loss of future earnings.
- Punitive damages. These are awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious or outrageous. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Not all states award punitive damages.
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Time Limits for Filing Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The term “statute of Limitations” refers to the time limit within which you must start the process of taking legal action. When it comes to civil sexual abuse lawsuits, these time limits can vary drastically from one state to another and often depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Missing the relevant deadline will likely prevent your case from proceeding and bar you from recovering compensation.
Most states establish a time limit from the date the most recent abusive act occurred. However, many states are increasingly recognizing the unique challenges posed by sexual abuse cases, particularly the fact that survivors might take years, or even decades, to come forward. Some states have consequently implemented laws that give survivors who were sexually abused as minors more time to take legal action. Additionally, some have passed “window laws” that temporarily lift the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to file lawsuits that were previously time-barred. These windows are limited, and once closed, survivors may lose their opportunity to file a civil lawsuit.
Put simply, you may still have the ability to pursue a claim even if it appears the statute of limitations has expired. Our sexual abuse lawyers can evaluate the facts of your case as well as the applicable jurisdiction’s laws to determine the full extent of your legal options and the optimal path forward.
You deserve to recover as much as you are entitled to under the law. Our sexual abuse attorneys are ready to help, so call (888) 923-7001 or contact us online to discuss your options today.
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Firm Roots
David P. Matthews founded our firm after 16 years as a partner at a prominent Houston law firm.
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ExperienceWe have longstanding experience of representing injured people in serious auto and truck accident claims, workplace injuries, aviation accident claims, dialysis injury claims, and a broad array of medical device claims, from transvaginal mesh to hip replacement surgery injury claims.
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Nationwide RepresentationIn dangerous pharmaceutical drug cases, medical device cases, and several others including FELA lawsuits, and many more, we also represent clients on a nationwide basis.
