Can I Sue for Sexual Assault in Florida?
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Can I Sue for Sexual Assault in Florida?
Yes, you can sue your attacker if you are sexual assaulted in Florida, even if the perpetrator wasn’t convicted of a crime.
You can also sue hotels, apartment complexes, schools, and other businesses if you were assaulted on their property due to a lack of security and safety.
Suing in civil court is separate from pressing criminal charges and the burden of proof is lower, so you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Recently, Vanguard Attorneys won over $1.25 million for a client who was sexually assaulted. Call (813) 471-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation with a sexual assault lawyer.
Anything you tell us is 100% confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. We value your privacy and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
We handle sexual assault cases on contingency, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault in Florida?
Under Florida law, sexual assault is defined as any non-consensual sexual act, including rape, sexual battery, and other forms of unwanted sexual contact.
This includes unwanted sexual acts committed through physical force, threats, intimidation, or exploitation of a victim’s incapacitation.
According to the CDC, over 50% of women in the United States have been the victim of sexual violence. About 1 in 4 men have suffered unwanted sexual content.
If you experience unwanted sexual contact, coercion, rape, or sexual harassment of any kind, you may be able to pursue criminal or civil charges against the person or organization responsible.
Call (813) 471-4444 for a free consultation with a Tampa sexual assault lawyer at Vanguard Attorneys.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse if the Perpetrator Wasn’t Convicted of a Crime?
Yes, you can still file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault even if the perpetrator was not convicted of a crime or never faced criminal charges.
The burden of proof is lower in a civil case than a criminal case, so you may be able to hold your attacker financially liable even if the criminal justice system did not find sufficient evidence for a criminal conviction.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
If you win your sexual assault lawsuit, you can be awarded damages for:
- Medical expenses related to the assault, such as therapy, counseling, and any necessary treatment.
- Lost wages if you missed work due to the assault.
- Pain and suffering damages for the emotional trauma you endured.
- Punitive damages awarded by the judge as an additional punishment for violent acts.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Sexual Assault Civil Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a sexual assault civil lawsuit is typically 2-4 years but there are exceptions that can extend the deadline, especially for victims who were minors at the time of the assault.
If you were assaulted as a minor, you typically have until you are 22 years old to file a lawsuit.
The four year statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you are legal adult.
Call for a free consultation with a sexual assault lawyer at Vanguard Attorneys to find out if any exceptions apply to your case and the deadline for filing a claim.
How Can a Sexual Assault Lawyer at Vanguard Attorneys Help Me?
Our sexual assault litigation team understands the sensitive and deeply personal nature of these cases.
We will handle every aspect of your case with the utmost care, discretion, and compassion.
Vanguard Attorneys works with professional investigators to gather the evidence needed to prove liability and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
We will also work closely with you to ensure your needs are met throughout the legal process, providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Don’t face this alone. Contact Vanguard Attorneys today at (813) 471-4444 for a free, confidential consultation.
More Sexual Assault Resources
References
The Florida Bar. Applying the Statutes of Limitation in Institutional Childhood Sex Abuse Cases
The Florida Bar. Applying Commercial Litigation Principles to the Evaluation of Civil Sexual Abuse Claims.
Deborah Tuerkheimer, Incredible Women: Sexual Violence and the Credibility Discount, 166 U. Pa. L. Rev. 1 (2017).
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.
Florida Statutes § 794.011 – Sexual battery legal definitions.
Florida Statutes § 95.11 – Statute of limitations.