Summerlin NV Sexual Assault Lawyers

Victim of Sexual Assault in Summerlin? High Stakes Injury Law Handles Civil Claims in Las Vegas

At High Stakes Injury Law, our Summerlin sexual assault attorneys are compassionate, experienced, and justice-focused advocates for victims. We help people navigate the civil process—ensuring that they are able to hold any party whose negligence contributed to their attack accountable. With more than $500 million recovered on behalf of victims across all of our practice areas, our firm is committed to providing victims with aggressive, effective representation. If you or a close loved one was the victim of assault in Nevada, you may be entitled to financial compenation through a civil claim. We have the experience needed to take on these complex cases. Contact our Nevada sexual assault attorney today for your free, if you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse strictly confidential consultation. 

Sexual Assault is a Terrible Problem in Las Vegas

Assault is a very serious problem. Unfortunately, far too many people—disproportionately women, but also men—are victimized each year. According to data cited by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), 25 percent of women in the United States will endure an assault at some point during their lifetime. For reference, nearly 750,000 people are raped nationwide each year. More needs to be done to prevent sexual violence and support victims.   

A Perpetrator Must Be Held Accountable for Sexual Assault in Las Vegas

As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that assault perpetrators must be brought to justice. This type of assault is a very serious crime. It is generally a felony offense in Nevada and a conviction could carry decades in prison. Criminal charges should be brought against the person who committed an act of sexual violence.

You can also file a civil legal claim against a person who commits a sex crime. Through this type of a claim, a victim can pursue financial compensation. However, there is a challenge: In most (but not all) cases, the perpetrator of sexual assault will not have sufficient available assets for the victim to recover the full finance support that they need and deserve in assault cases. 

Third Parties—Businesses, Property Owners, Institutions, etc—May Bear Liability

In the aftermath of sexual assault, holding the perpetrator accountable is a critical step towards justice and recovery. In Las Vegas, Nevada, victims can file a civil lawsuit against the assailant, separate from any criminal charges the state may pursue. A civil claim is crucial: It is an avenue for a victim to seek financial support, including for things like medical costs, counseling, pain and suffering and emotional trauma. As noted previously, it can be difficult to bring a civil claim against the actual perpetrator(s) of sexual assault. 

That being said, in Las Vegas, other parties may potentially bear civil legal liability as well. You may have a claim against a business, a property owner, an organization or an institution. Liability can arise if it is determined that the third party failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the assault or did not adequately address a known risk. Here are some basic examples of scenarios in which a third party may bear legal liability in a civil sexual violence case in Las Vegas, Nevada: 

• Hotel Fails to Take Security Precautions: For example, a hotel that fails to secure its premises, leading to a guest being assaulted, could be found liable for negligence. That hotel may be civilly liable for sexual misconduct. 
• School Hires Dangerous Predators: A school owes an obligation to protect its students. Imagine that a school in Summerlin hires a dangerous predator as a teacher. A sexual abuse occurs. That school may be civilly liable. 

A Note On Civil Legal Standards: The standard of proof in civil cases is “the preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required in criminal cases. It is possible to bring a civil sexual violence claim even if there was not a criminal conviction. 

What to Know About Civil Sexual Assault Liability in Nevada

No third party is automatically responsible for a sexual misconduct or sexual abuse in Nevada—even if that attack occurs on its premises. As a general matter, the victim will be required to prove negligence on the part of a defendant in order to prove that they are civilly liable for a forcible sexual activity. What constitutes negligence is highly case-specific and fact-specific. Certain institutions—such as schools—owe a higher standard than others. Regardless of when or where the sexual misconduct occurred, it is imperative that the case is carefully investigated by an experienced Summerlin, NV sexual assault lawyer. While the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases, having strong evidence is still vital for a successful civil claim.

Victims Deserve Justice and the Maximum Financial Support 

How much financial compensation can a sexual molestation victim seek through a civil legal claim? The answer depends on a number of different case-specific factors. Unfortunately, victims often struggle to get justice. Our Summerlin, NV civil sexual assault attorneys help our clients seek financial compensation for the following types of damages: 

• Emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills and other damages; 
• Mental health support; 
• Loss wages and loss of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Emotional distress; and
• Punitive damages. 

A Note On Punitive Damages:

Unlike other compensatory damages, punitive damages are not tied to any specific loss. In Nevada, punitive damages in civil sexual assault claims serve as a critical legal remedy designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the perpetrator’s actions are deemed especially harmful, egregious, or malicious. The imposition of punitive damages sends a strong societal message condemning sexual misconduct while providing victims with a sense of justice. A Summerlin attorney can help victims pursue compensation for punitive damages.  

Civil Sexual Assault Claims in Summerlin, Nevada: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Civil Sexual Assault Claim in Nevada?

A Las Vegas civil sexual assault claim is a legal action where a victim of sexual violence seeks compensation for the harm suffered due to the assault. Unlike criminal cases—which are prosecuted by the state and can result in jail time for the perpetrator— sexual assault cases filed in civil court, focus on pursuing justice by  recovering damages for the victim’s losses. These claims are often filed against third parties. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Las Vegas, Nevada?

It depends. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a civil sexual assault claim can vary based on some case-specific factors. That being said, adult victims have 2 years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit. However, for minors, the time frame can sometimes be extended to 10 years after reaching the age of 18 or within 20 years of the act, whichever is later.

Should I Hire an Attorney With Experience Representing Sexual Assault Victims?

Yes. While not legally required, it is highly recommended to work with a Summerlin attorney who has experience taking on civil sexual violence claims in Nevada. An attorney can review your case, explain your rights/options, investigate the matter, and navigate the legal process. 

Why Rely On Our Summerlin Civil Sexual Assault Claims Attorney

Victims of sexual violence deserve justice. Parties other than the perpetrator—from institutions to businesses to property owners—may be held civilly liable if their negligence contributed to the attack. Our founder and lead attorney Scott Poisson founded High Stakes Injury Law as a beacon for justice for the people who need help the most. We are proactive. Along with other things, our Summerlin civil assault lawyers will: 

• Listen to your story and answer questions about the civil legal claims process; 
• Investigate the assault—gathering the evidence you need to pursue justice; 
• Represent you in all aspects of the legal claims process, including settlement; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on getting you justice.  

We believe in personalized legal representation. You deserve an attorney who will invest time, resources, and attention to the smallest of details into your case. We encourage you to hear what our previous clients have to say, review our case results, and to reach out to our Summerlin civil sexual assault claims attorney directly with any specific questions about your rights/options. 

There is Absolutely No Legal Fee Until You Recover Financial Compensation 

No matter your financial situation, you can always afford to hire a top-tier attorney for help with a Las Vegas civil sexual assault claim. With High Stakes Injury Law, you will have access to an experienced attorney who will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront costs or hourly bills. We only get paid until you get paid. Initial consultations are free and fully private. 

Contact Our Summerlin, NV Sexual Assault Attorneys Today

At High Stakes Injury Law, our Summerlin sexual assault lawyers are compassionate advocates for victims. We fight for justice. Victims need the maximum available financial support—and any negligent third parties that allowed an attack to happen must be held accountable. Contact us today for a free, no commitment, and strictly confidential initial consultation. We represent assault victims in civil legal claims in Summerlin, Clark County, and throughout Nevada.