Florida Sexual Assault Lawyer — Confidential Help for Survivors

In Florida, consent is the law.

The state, which has the third highest rate of forcible rape in the nation, allows survivors of sexual battery to seek legal recourse in multiple ways, including both criminal and civil courts. Sexual battery refers to any form of non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, and can happen at any age.

• Criminal cases for sexual battery are filed by the government against the perpetrator in order to punish and deter.
• Civil claims are filed by victims in order to seek compensation from the perpetrator or other liable parties for damages related to the assault, including possible medical bills, long-term care needs, and emotional distress

You can file a civil case for sexual assault even if there is no criminal case against your abuser. You may also be eligible to file a claim for corporate/negligence liability if an employer or other corporation failed in its duty of care to protect your safety.

Are you eligible? Speak with a sexual abuse lawyer in Florida for free today to discuss your legal options.

Florida’s statute of limitations for civil sexual assault claims is four (4) years from the date of the incident, or four (4) years from the last incident if the abuse was ongoing (Florida Statutes §95.11(3)). There are some exceptions, such as in cases of childhood sexual abuse, where the statute of limitations may be extended. We recommend that you contact a Florida sexual assault attorney as soon as possible in order to begin the legal process and take action toward healing.

Gordon & Partners Law Firm attorneys have provided compassionate legal support to Florida sexual assault survivors for more than three decades. Work with a Florida sexual assault lawyer who will fight for your rights and make sure all liable parties are held responsible.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone and in any location. Common spaces where assaults and/or grooming may occur include:

• Homes or businesses
• Schools
• Workplaces
• Nursing homes
• Hotels
• Spas and massage parlors
• Shared housing
• Rideshares like Uber or Lyft
• Online gaming platforms such as Roblox

No matter where your assault happened, you deserve justice and compensation. Contact a sexual abuse attorney in Florida today to discuss your claim.

In many cases of sexual battery, the offender is someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a spouse/partner, teacher, clergy member, or co-worker. A civil claim against an abuser may be pursued in addition to a criminal suit, and can be a key part of recovery.

Civil liability can also fall on the shoulders of a corporation, such as a property management company, hospital, or employer. In order to win a civil sexual assault claim against a corporation, you must prove that the organization had a duty to protect your health/safety and failed in this duty, resulting in damages.
Examples of situations where civil liability can apply to corporations include those involving negligent hiring, training, or security practices; failure to warn; moderation gaps; and premises liability.

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Your Florida sexual assault attorney must prove a direct link between the defendant’s actions/lack of action and the subsequent assault and damages. This is achieved through evidence such as medical reports, rape crisis intake forms, police reports, victim testimony, surveillance footage, and electronic communications.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. Hold on to all communications and records, and begin working with a lawyer immediately to gather evidence and keep it organized. Note that while reporting sexual assault to law enforcement is optional in Florida, a police report can greatly support your claim.

You may be entitled to economic and/or non-economic damages as the survivor of sexual battery in the state of Florida.

Type of Damages

Economic

Medical bills, therapy costs, lost income, and earning potential, etc.

Non-economic

Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.

Also available to you may be a civil injunction for protection against sexual violence. This is a temporary or permanent restraining order against the offender and is available to Florida sexual battery victims when appropriate.

We are here to help you every step of the way as you navigate a civil claim for sexual battery in Florida. Services are provided on a case-by-case basis and may include:

• Free Consult – A Florida sexual assault lawyer from our team is available 24/7 to guide you through your legal options and next steps at no cost.
• Trauma-Informed Intake – We are dedicated to creating a safe space for victims of sexual violence, and this includes compassionate intakes conducted confidentially and without judgment.
• Investigation – We have the skills, resources, and ability to track down every piece of evidence in support of your claim, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and internal reports.
• Filing – Gordon & Partners oversees all aspects of filing a civil claim for sexual battery in Florida so you can focus more fully on healing and moving on with your life.
• Resolution – Our goal is to get you the maximum amount of compensation available under Florida law, and we’ll fight tirelessly toward that result.

With more than 200 years of combined legal experience in Florida, our lawyers know what it takes to win a civil claim for sexual assault or abuse. Call, chat, or fill out an online form to schedule your free, confidential case review.

Can I file a civil claim for sexual assault without a criminal suit?
Yes, you can seek compensation via a civil claim even if you do not file a criminal complaint or your abuser was found not guilty in criminal court.

Do I have to report sexual assault to the police?
No, you are not required by law to report your assault to the police in Florida. That being said, a police report can greatly strengthen your claim and increase your chances of rightful compensation.

Will the details of my sexual abuse claim be made public?
We do everything in our power to maintain our clients’ privacy, including using pseudonyms in court filings and sealing records whenever possible. This greatly minimizes the risk of your claim gaining public awareness or scrutiny.

How long does the sexual assault claims process take?
Claims vary in length based on complexity, available evidence, and other factors. Contact a lawyer to begin the process and get an estimate of the proceeding timeline.

Is it too late for me to file a Florida civil sexual assault suit?
The statute of limitations for civil sexual battery claims in Florida is four (4) years from the last incident of assault, but there are exceptions. An attorney will let you know if you are still eligible to file a civil suit.