Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyers

Understanding Sexual Assault Cases in California

Sexual assault is a broad legal term that covers any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent. While criminal prosecutors may file charges against an offender, survivors also have the right to bring a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.

In a criminal case, the goal is punishment: proving the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” to hold them criminally accountable. In a civil case, the goal is recovery: proving, by a “preponderance of the evidence,” that the survivor suffered harm and is entitled to compensation.

Even if the perpetrator is not convicted or charged, a survivor may still be able to pursue a civil court case.

These lawsuits can also target third parties who allowed the assault to occur, such as:

• Employers who ignored reports of harassment or misconduct;
• Institutions like schools, hospitals, or churches that failed to protect survivors, and
• Property owners who provided unsafe environments or inadequate security.

A civil claim gives survivors a voice in the legal system and the ability to demand accountability beyond criminal prosecution.

What To Do After a Sexual Assault

If you’ve recently experienced a sexual assault, your safety and well-being are the top priorities.

Each situation is unique, and there’s no “right” order to take these steps, but the following actions can protect both your health and your legal rights:

1. Get to a safe place as soon as possible. It’s essential to remove yourself from the location and go somewhere you feel secure.
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you’re unsure about injuries. Hospitals can provide care and preserve physical evidence, which may be important later.
3. Consider reporting the assault to law enforcement. Doing so creates an official record and triggers a criminal investigation, but it’s your choice, and you can file a police report at any time.
4. Preserve evidence. Avoid showering, washing clothing, or deleting messages until you’ve spoken with medical, law enforcement, or other legal professionals.
5. Reach out for support. Local organizations such as the Los Angeles Rape and Battering Intervention Program (Peace Over Violence) offer 24/7 crisis counseling and advocacy.

No matter how you choose to move forward, remember that you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and care.

California Laws Protecting Sexual Assault Survivors

California law provides both criminal and civil remedies for survivors of sexual assault. Under the California Civil Code, unwanted sexual contact is recognized as a civil wrong, allowing victims to seek damages directly from the perpetrator and other responsible parties.

Employers, schools, and other institutions may also be held liable under California’s Civil Code and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) if they allowed harassment, abuse, or unsafe environments to continue.

These laws exist to give survivors multiple pathways toward justice. That means even if a criminal case is not possible or successful, a civil claim may still offer meaningful accountability and financial recovery.

How a Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a sexual assault case is emotionally and legally complex. At Silva Injury Law, our team handles every detail with compassion, sensitivity, and discretion.

A skilled sexual assault attorney that Los Angeles survivors trust can:

• Protect your confidentiality by filing claims discreetly and shielding your identity when possible;
• Investigate the assault thoroughly, including witness interviews, document review, and evidence preservation;
• Coordinate with law enforcement or independent experts to support your case;
• Pursue all liable parties, including individuals, employers, or institutions; and
• Negotiate settlements or represent you in court to secure justice and financial recovery.

Our attorneys also take a trauma-informed approach. We never pressure survivors to relive painful details before they’re ready. Every conversation happens on your terms, in your time. Decisions are made collaboratively, ensuring that you feel supported and in control throughout the process. Whether we’re filing a confidential claim or preparing for trial, Silva Injury Law prioritizes your comfort, safety, and well-being above all else.

Types of Compensation Available to Survivors

A civil sexual assault lawsuit is about justice, but it is also about providing resources for recovery.

Survivors may be eligible to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, testing, and ongoing treatment;
• Psychological counseling and therapy costs;
• Lost income or diminished earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Every survivor’s experience is unique, and so is every case. The amount and type of compensation depend on the circumstances, the evidence, and the long-term impact of the trauma.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Assault Case

In addition to the perpetrator, other parties may share responsibility for allowing an assault to occur.

Under California law, liability can extend to:

• Employers that failed to respond to harassment complaints or allowed unsafe workplace conditions;
• Schools or universities that ignored reports of abuse by staff, coaches, or students;
• Property owners or landlords who neglected security measures such as locks, cameras, or lighting;
• Healthcare or caregiving facilities that enabled sexual misconduct by employees; and
• Organizations that protected abusers rather than survivors.

A successful civil case requires identifying every potentially liable party and proving their negligence. Our team has the investigative resources and network of experts necessary to build these complex cases and pursue accountability wherever it may lie.

Statute of Limitations in California Sexual Assault Cases

California has changed its statute of limitations for sexual assault civil lawsuits several times in recent years, creating significant confusion about how long survivors have to file civil claims.

The time limit can depend on factors such as:

• The survivor’s age at the time of the assault;
• When the assault was discovered or reported; and
• Whether the claim involves a private individual, employer, or institution.

Because these timelines are complicated and constantly evolving, it’s essential to speak directly with experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Los Angeles who can review your situation and confirm your eligibility to file. Waiting too long could prevent your claim from moving forward.

Why Choose the Los Angeles Sexual Assault Attorneys at Silva Injury Law

At Silva Injury Law, we believe in a different approach to legal representation. It’s one built on compassion, respect, and empowerment. Our attorneys combine strong litigation skills with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring every client feels supported, protected, and believed.

Our team includes attorney Cassidy Jensen, herself a survivor of sexual assault. Cassidy’s lived experience gives her a rare and powerful understanding of what survivors face when pursuing justice. Her empathy and insight inform the way we interact with every client, creating a safe space where survivors feel heard, validated, and genuinely cared for.

We handle each case with utmost care and confidentiality, allowing survivors to focus on their healing while we manage the legal process. From the first consultation to resolution, our firm’s mission is simple: to bring kindness to the law. We stand ready to hold wrongdoers accountable and help our clients reclaim their sense of control.

Contact a Los Angeles Sexual Assault Lawyer at Silva Injury Law Today

If you’re searching for Los Angeles sexual assault lawyers, know that you don’t have to face this process alone. Healing after an assault takes extraordinary courage, and reaching out for help is one of the bravest steps you can take.

At Silva Injury Law, we view our role as more than just legal advocates. We’re compassionate guides helping survivors navigate a system that can often feel cold and confusing. We combine the skill of seasoned litigators with the empathy of people who genuinely care. From the moment you contact us, you’ll speak with a legal team that listens, believes you, and protects your privacy at every step.

We built our firm on a straightforward belief: kindness and strength can coexist. That philosophy guides how we handle every case, with compassion, effective communication, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Our attorneys have helped survivors throughout California find closure, accountability, and the resources they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

When you’re ready, we’re here to help you move forward. Contact our firm online or call (209) 600-4389 today for a confidential consultation. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no judgment; just dedicated advocates ready to stand by your side and pursue the justice you deserve.