If you have experienced sexual assault as an adult, please know that your story is important, and you have legal rights. A compassionate Nevada adult sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your options for seeking justice and accountability through the civil court system. Recent changes in state law have opened new doors for survivors, giving you more control over when and how you choose to take action.
At Fight for Survivors, a division of Greenberg Gross LLP, we focus on representing survivors of sexual abuse. We are a team of dedicated civil litigation attorneys who believe in fighting for the compensation and closure you deserve. We listen carefully to every person we speak with, understanding that the decision to pursue a legal claim is deeply personal and requires courage. Our firm is committed to providing a supportive environment where you can explore your options without pressure.
Why Choose Fight for Survivors for Your Nevada Adult Sexual Assault Case?
Choosing an attorney is a significant decision. You need a team that not only has a strong track record but also approaches your situation with the sensitivity and respect it demands. At Fight for Survivors, we are prepared to stand with you.
- Focused Experience: We handle sexual abuse and sexual assault claims. This is not just one part of our practice; it is our central focus. Our attorneys are well-versed in the specific sexual assault laws and procedures that apply to these sensitive cases in Nevada.
- A Record of Results: Our attorneys have secured over $300 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We prepare every case for the possibility of trial, signaling to powerful individuals and institutions that we are serious about holding them accountable.
- A Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach: We take the time to get to know you and understand your goals. We believe that a successful legal strategy is one that is tailored to your unique needs and helps you move forward on your own terms.
Our founding partners are recognized among the top 100 lawyers in California, and our team has earned national recognition for its litigation skills. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we successfully obtain compensation for you.
Understanding Your Right to Pursue Justice in Nevada
For many years, survivors of adult sexual assault in Nevada faced a very short window of time to file a civil lawsuit. This deadline often closed before a person was emotionally or mentally ready to come forward. The process of healing from trauma is not linear, and lawmakers have started to recognize that outdated laws were creating unfair barriers to justice.
Fortunately, Nevada has made significant legal reforms. The state has acknowledged that survivors need time to process what happened to them. These changes have fundamentally altered the landscape for survivors, removing some of the most difficult legal hurdles and creating a clearer path toward holding perpetrators and responsible institutions accountable for the harm they caused.
Nevada Has Eliminated the Statute of Limitations for Adult Sexual Assault Claims
One of the most powerful changes to Nevada law is the complete removal of the civil statute of limitations for most adult sexual assault claims against the perpetrator. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Before this change, if a survivor missed that deadline, their right to sue was permanently lost.
Today, that is no longer the case for claims against the individual who committed the assault. This change is retroactive, which means it applies even if the assault happened years or decades ago when the old, shorter deadline was in effect.
What Does "No Time Limit" Mean for You?
The removal of this deadline gives power back to you, the survivor. It means you can decide to pursue a civil case when you are ready, not when a legal clock dictates you must.
- You Control the Timeline: Whether the assault occurred recently or long ago, the door to filing a lawsuit against the person who harmed you remains open. You can take the time you need to seek therapy, build a support system, and prepare for the legal process.
- Justice Is Not Limited by the Calendar: The law now recognizes that the impact of sexual assault does not fade after a couple of years. The harm is ongoing, and your right to seek accountability should be as well.
- The "Series-of-Acts" Rule: Nevada law also includes a provision for situations involving multiple instances of assault. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 11.215, if your injury resulted from a series of acts over time, you do not have to pinpoint the single act that caused your harm. You can base your claim on the entire pattern of conduct.
This legal change is a monumental step forward, affirming that survivors’ experiences are valid and that their pursuit of justice should not be constrained by an arbitrary deadline.
Who Can Be Held Accountable in a Civil Lawsuit?
A civil lawsuit for sexual assault is designed to secure financial compensation for the harm you have suffered. While the person who directly caused the harm is the most obvious party, sometimes other people or institutions also bear responsibility. A Nevada adult sexual assault lawyer can help identify all parties who may be liable.
Suing the Perpetrator Directly
As discussed, you can file a civil lawsuit against the alleged perpetrator at any time in Nevada. There is no filing deadline. This claim is separate from any criminal charges the state might file. Even if a criminal case never happened or did not result in a conviction, you still have the right to pursue a civil case to hold that individual financially responsible for their actions, and in many situations, you may also be able to remain anonymous in a sexual assault civil case while doing so.
Holding Institutions and Third Parties Accountable
Sometimes, a sexual assault could have been prevented if an organization, business, or property owner had taken reasonable steps to protect people. These are known as third-party liability claims. While the time limit to sue the perpetrator is gone, the deadlines for suing institutions are often much shorter.
Commonly, claims against third parties for negligence fall under Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury. It is important to act quickly if you believe an institution’s carelessness contributed to the assault.
Examples of institutions that could be held responsible include:
- Hotels and Casinos: A resort on the Las Vegas Strip or in Reno has a duty to provide adequate security for its guests, and when that duty is breached, a casino sexual assault victim lawyer can help hold the property accountable for failures such as broken locks, poor lighting, or untrained security staff.
- Apartment Complexes: Landlords and property management companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their premises, such as by maintaining secure entryways and hiring trustworthy maintenance staff.
- Employers: A company may be liable if an employee assaults a coworker or a customer, especially if the company knew or should have known about the employee’s dangerous tendencies (negligent hiring or retention).
- Rideshare Companies: Companies like Uber and Lyft may be held accountable if they fail to conduct proper background checks on drivers or ignore complaints about a driver’s conduct.
- Schools and Universities: Educational institutions have a responsibility to create a safe environment for students and may be liable for assaults that occur on campus.
These claims require showing that the institution was negligent—meaning it failed to use reasonable care—and that its failure was a direct cause of the assault. An experienced attorney can investigate the facts to determine if a third party shares in the liability.
What Kind of Compensation Can a Nevada Adult Sexual Assault Lawyer Help You Pursue?
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of sexual assault, a civil lawsuit can provide the financial resources necessary for healing and rebuilding. This compensation, called "damages," is meant to cover both the economic and non-economic costs of the assault.
Your attorney will work to build a case that reflects the full extent of your losses, which may include:
- Medical and Therapy Costs: This covers expenses for emergency room visits, ongoing medical treatment, prescription medications, and mental health services like counseling and therapy, both past and future.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If the trauma has caused you to miss work or has affected your ability to earn a living in the long term, you can seek compensation for lost wages and diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain and serious emotional distress caused by the assault. It acknowledges the profound personal toll of the experience.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly malicious or reckless, a court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the survivor but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Every survivor's situation is unique, and the potential compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
The Difference Between a Civil Case and a Criminal Case
Many survivors are unsure about the distinction between the criminal justice system and the civil justice system. Understanding the difference is key to knowing your full range of options.
- Purpose of the Case: A criminal case is brought by the government (a prosecutor) to punish a defendant for breaking the law. The goal is a conviction, which can lead to jail time, probation, or fines paid to the state. A civil case is filed by a private individual (the survivor) to seek financial compensation from the person or institution that caused them harm.
- Control: In a criminal case, the prosecutor makes the key decisions, such as whether to press charges or accept a plea bargain. In a civil case, you and your attorney are in control. You decide whether to file the lawsuit, what to ask for, and whether to accept a settlement.
- Burden of Proof: The burden of proof is much higher in a criminal case. A prosecutor must prove the defendant is guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt." In a civil case, you only need to prove your case by a "preponderance of the evidence," which means showing it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.
This lower burden of proof means it is possible to win a civil case even if the perpetrator was never charged criminally or was found not guilty in a criminal trial. You can pursue a civil lawsuit completely independently of any criminal proceedings.
Your Privacy Is a Priority
A major concern for many survivors is the fear of their identity becoming public. The legal system has mechanisms in place to protect your privacy. While a lawsuit is generally a public record, your attorney can take steps to shield your identity.
In Nevada, it is possible to file a lawsuit using a pseudonym, such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe." An attorney can file a motion with the court asking for permission to proceed in this way, explaining that the sensitive and personal nature of the case requires this protection. We can also seek protective orders to limit who can access sensitive documents and information shared during the legal process. The final decision is always yours, but we will work to protect your privacy at every turn.
Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
If you are considering your legal options, there are a few things you can do to preserve your ability to bring a strong claim.
- Preserve Any Evidence: If you have any relevant evidence, keep it in a safe place. This could include text messages, emails, social media messages, photos, or videos. Make a note of the names of any potential witnesses.
- Seek Support: Your well-being is the top priority. The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence offers resources and support for survivors across the state. Connecting with a therapist or a support group can be an invaluable part of your healing process.
- Document Your Damages: Keep records of any expenses related to the assault, such as medical bills, receipts for therapy, and records of any time you missed from work.
- Speak with an Attorney: The best way to understand your specific rights and options is to speak with a Nevada adult sexual assault attorney. A confidential consultation allows you to tell your story and get information tailored to your situation without any obligation to move forward.
Taking these steps can help lay the groundwork for a successful legal claim should you choose to pursue one.
Nevada Adult Sexual Assault Lawsuit FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions that survivors of adult sexual assault have about the legal process.
What if I don’t have a police report or physical evidence?
You can still file a civil lawsuit without a police report or extensive physical evidence. Many successful civil cases are built on the survivor’s testimony, along with other corroborating evidence like emails, text messages, or witness accounts. The "preponderance of the evidence" standard in civil court is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in criminal court.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my case?
Reputable sexual assault law firms, including Fight for Survivors, handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we only collect a legal fee if we win a financial recovery for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. The fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered. You pay nothing up front to hire us.
Can I sue if the assault happened at my workplace in Nevada?
Yes, you may have a claim against your employer. If a coworker, supervisor, or customer assaulted you at work, your employer could be held liable for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or failing to provide a safe work environment. These claims often have strict deadlines, so it is important to consult a workplace sexual abuse attorney promptly.
Will I have to testify in a public courtroom?
Most civil lawsuits are resolved through a negotiated settlement before ever reaching a trial. However, you and your attorney must be prepared to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We work to make the process as comfortable as possible and will prepare you for every step, including a deposition (out-of-court testimony) or trial testimony. We also work to protect your privacy throughout the proceedings.
Can I still file a lawsuit if I feel partially responsible for what happened?
Feelings of self-blame are common but legally irrelevant. The law is clear: the only person responsible for a sexual assault is the person who commits it. Nevada’s comparative negligence rules do not apply in the same way to intentional acts like assault. An abuser’s choices are their own, and you have the right to hold them accountable regardless of the circumstances.
Contact a Nevada Adult Sexual Assault Lawyer at Fight for Survivors
Taking the first step toward seeking justice is an act of immense strength. At Fight for Survivors, we are here to provide the compassionate support and determined legal advocacy you need. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options in a clear and straightforward way.
Your consultation is always free, confidential, and comes with no obligation. Contact us today at (833) 55-FIGHT or through our online form to learn how we can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.