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Surviving a sexual assault is a profoundly challenging experience, but seeking justice and rebuilding your life is possible. At Silva Injury Law, we provide compassionate and dedicated legal representation to survivors of sexual assault. A San Francisco sexual assault lawyer can protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and support you every step of the way. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help.
Total Peace
of Mind
Feel confident knowing your case is in expert hands, so you can focus entirely on healing.
Everything
Done for You
We handle every aspect of your case, from referrals to the best doctors to paperwork and negotiations.
Full Financial
Recovery
Our mission is to make you whole again by recovering compensation for all your losses—medical bills, lost wages, and more.
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What to Do If You Are a Survivor of Sexual Assault
Taking immediate steps after a sexual assault can make a significant difference in your physical and emotional recovery, as well as your legal options. Here are some critical steps to consider:
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, medical professionals can document injuries, check for infections, and provide critical support.
- Report the assault. If you feel comfortable, contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization. Reporting creates a record that may support your legal case.
- Preserve evidence. Keep clothing, take photos of injuries, and save communications such as texts or emails without altering them.
- Contact a legal advocate. A San Francisco sexual assault lawyer can help you navigate your options and protect your rights.
You have the right to take these steps at your own pace. Silva Injury Law offers compassionate support tailored to your individual needs.
How a Sexual Assault Attorney in San Francisco Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a sexual assault can be overwhelming, but an experienced attorney can provide clarity and support.
Silva Injury Law can:
- Advocate for your rights and ensure your voice is heard;
- Guide you through complex legal systems, including civil and criminal cases;
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress; and
- Collaborate with counselors and support organizations to provide a holistic approach.
Our team will handle your case with sensitivity and professionalism. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in California
California law provides robust protections for survivors of sexual assault. In addition to criminal charges, survivors can pursue justice through civil lawsuits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Statute of limitations. California has extended survivors’ time to file civil claims. Speak with a sexual assault victim lawyer to better understand how long you have to file a lawsuit.
- Privacy rights. In some instances, a survivor’s identity can be protected during legal proceedings to ensure confidentiality.
- Civil vs. criminal cases. Civil lawsuits focus on financial compensation, while criminal cases aim to hold perpetrators accountable.
Rest assured, we will explain all your rights and obligations under California law when pursuing a civil sexual assault claim.
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We can help you. Here’s how:
Your 3-Step plan to get through it:
1
Tell Us Your Story
Contact us 24/7 to get an immediate, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story and give you our best legal advice.
2
Put Your Case in Our Hands
If you have a viable claim, we’ll offer to represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
3
Heal. Recover. Move Forward.
We’ll handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on healing from the damage that’s been done.
What’s the Difference Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse?
Although the terms “sexual assault” and “sexual abuse” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct legal and contextual meanings:
- Sexual assault. Sexual assault refers to specific acts of physical contact or violence of a sexual nature, often involving force, threats, or coercion. Examples include rape, groping, and other forms of unwanted physical contact.
- Sexual abuse. Abuse often encompasses a broader pattern of harmful behaviors, which may or may not involve physical contact. It can include grooming, exploitation, and ongoing acts of manipulation, especially involving minors or vulnerable individuals.
Both are serious violations, and California law allows survivors of either to seek justice through civil and criminal courts. Our experienced San Francisco lawyers for sexual abuse and sexual assault cases are committed to supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
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Stories of Triumph
Discover how Silva Injury Law clients Martin, Helen, and Jammie transformed their setbacks into victories with our guidance.
Types of Recoverable Damages
A civil lawsuit can help you recover damages that address the full impact of your experience.
These damages may include:
- Medical expenses to reimburse you for the cost of treatments, therapy, and rehabilitation;
- Lost wages for any income lost due to trauma or time off work;
- Emotional distress, which addresses pain and suffering, as well as long-term psychological effects; and
- Punitive damages, in some cases, to hold the perpetrator accountable for egregious behavior.
At Silva Injury Law, we focus on helping survivors achieve the financial recovery they need to rebuild their lives. As trusted San Francisco sexual assault attorneys, we work tirelessly to secure justice for our clients.
How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Assault Claim?
California provides generous timeframes for survivors to file civil lawsuits. Adults generally have up to 10 years from the date of the assault (provided it occurred on or after their 18th birthday) or three years from the discovery of related psychological harm. Minors have longer. California continues to refine deadlines, especially ones related to child sexual abuse and assault. It’s best to consult a sexual abuse lawyer in San Francisco to understand your legal options.
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Promoting Healing Through Compassionate Advocacy
We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems.
As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be enough business.
-- Abraham Lincoln
Challenges Survivors May Face and How We Help
Survivors of sexual assault often face unique challenges, including fear of retaliation, emotional hurdles, and institutional resistance. Our team addresses these challenges with compassion and professionalism. We prioritize your safety and well-being while building a strong case. As experienced San Francisco sexual assault lawyers, we stand with you every step of the way.
Why Choose Silva Injury Law?
Choosing the right legal team is essential when seeking justice.
Silva Injury Law offers:
- Survivor-focused advocacy. Your needs and well-being come first.
- Proven results. Our team has a track record of securing meaningful settlements.
- Compassionate representation. We handle each case with sensitivity and respect.
When you hire Silva Injury Law, you are working with attorney Cassidy Jensen, a sexual assault survivor herself. Her pursuit of justice is not only professional; it’s incredibly personal.
When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us for a free and confidential consultation to begin your path toward healing and recovery.
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Get Answers from Our Blog
At Silva Injury Law, we believe that knowledge is power. Our blog and resource center are designed to equip you with the information you need to navigate your personal injury case with confidence.
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