Civil Claims Arising From Sexual Abuse or Assault
A civil claim may focus not only on the person who committed the abuse, but also on whether an institution, employer, school, program, property owner, or other entity negligently enabled or failed to prevent foreseeable harm.
Key Issues
- Institutional supervision
- Hiring and background checks
- Prior complaints or warning signs
- Policies and reporting
- Available insurance or other recovery sources
Civil Accountability Can Extend Beyond the Perpetrator
Depending on the facts, a civil case may examine whether an institution or other responsible entity knew or should have known about a risk, failed to investigate prior complaints, inadequately screened or supervised a person, or failed to follow reporting and safety procedures.
We Approach These Cases With Care
Civil abuse matters are highly sensitive. The legal strategy should account for privacy, trauma, evidence preservation, available insurance or assets, institutional records, and the client’s goals throughout the process.
