California Sexual Assault Attorneys
Pursuing Justice for Victims of Sex Abuse & Assault in Southern California
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand the enormous hardships of recovering from sexual assault. Sexual assault is more than an act of physical violence, but a deeply personal violation that leaves lasting impacts in every area of your life. Whether you were assaulted in the workplace, at a social gathering, or in the comfort of your own home, our California attorneys are committed to holding abusers accountable for inflicting lasting harm.
While no one can take away the grief and anger that comes with sexual violence, our firm can fight tirelessly to obtain the compensation and closure you deserve by bringing your abuser to justice. Our sexual assault lawyers have over 25 years of experience seeking justice for sexual assault victims and their loved ones, empowering them to recover their voices and begin the healing process. Our attorneys prepare every case for trial and never shy away from tough litigation if that’s what it takes to achieve the settlement you deserve.
If you were sexually assaulted, you deserve justice. Take the first step toward healing by calling (888) 484-2033 to schedule a free consultation.
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What Constitutes Sexual Assault in California?
It’s important to understand that sexual assault isn’t limited to vaginal intercourse, but extends to any unwanted touching of another person’s intimate parts (California Penal Code §243.4) for the purpose of sexual satisfaction or arousal. When sexual assault leads to nonconsensual sexual intercourse, this is considered rape.
In civil lawsuits, sexual assault is often referred to as sexual battery. While this encompasses a wide range of sexual contact or touching, there are two critical elements required: 1.) intent and 2.) lack of consent. Keep in mind that minors under 18 cannot legally consent to sex under state law.
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our hardworking team has extensive knowledge of sexual assault laws to advocate for justice on your behalf. Our determined litigators can strengthen your claim with compelling evidence and prepare your case for trial, maximizing your chance of achieving a fair settlement.
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Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Assault Lawsuits
Civil and criminal sexual assault lawsuits serve distinct purposes and have different outcomes for survivors, making it crucial to differentiate between the two. While a criminal case seeks justice through punishment, a civil case focuses on providing the survivor with monetary relief and closure. It's possible to pursue both types of lawsuits concurrently, offering a broader means of obtaining justice and healing.
Criminal sexual assault lawsuits are initiated by the state to prosecute perpetrators of sexual assault. The primary goal is to punish the offender, which may result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
On the other hand, civil sexual assault lawsuits are filed against perpetrators or third parties that enabled the abuse. The aim is to seek financial compensation for the damages suffered, such as medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.
Recoverable Damages in Civil Sexual Assault Cases
Courts may award various damages in civil sexual assault lawsuits depending on the circumstances of the case. There are three primary types of recoverable damages, including:
- Economic damages: These include direct financial losses, such as medical services, hospital bills, treatment costs, therapy and mental health services, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and physical rehabilitation.
- Non-economic damages: These include non-financial losses that aren’t easily quantified in monetary amounts, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: In certain cases involving extreme malice, the court may order the defendant to pay punitive damages as a means to punish and deter future behavior, as opposed to compensating the victim directly.
Burden of Proof in Sexual Assault Cases
The victim (plaintiff) bears the burden of proof in civil lawsuits, meaning that you are responsible for proving the defendant's liability in court. Unlike the higher standard of proof in criminal lawsuits ("beyond a reasonable doubt"), the standard of proof in civil lawsuits is lower ("by a preponderance of the evidence"). In other words, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant “more likely than not” committed sexual assault to establish liability in a civil sexual assault lawsuit.
While the standard of proof in civil cases is less extreme, this doesn’t mean that civil cases are easier to win. Securing experienced representation from a skilled sexual assault attorney is paramount to recovering compensation and holding your abuser accountable for their unforgivable acts. With over 20,000 cases handled, our firm is well-equipped to represent your best interests and maximize the damages available to you while safeguarding your rights from start to finish.
Proving Sexual Assault in a Civil Lawsuit
If you were sexually assaulted, taking swift legal action is imperative to obtain justice. Our attorneys can help you strengthen your case by fortifying your claim with relevant evidence, arranging witness testimonies, and negotiating effectively with other involved parties to pursue fair compensation. Evidence in civil sexual assault cases may include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness testimonies
- Character witnesses
- Forensic evidence, such as DNA
- Text messages, emails, and call logs
- Expert testimonies, such as psychologists and medical specialists
why choose carpenter & zuckerman? Why We Stand Out
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Nearly 30 Years Serving Clients
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Experienced, Compassionate Trial Lawyers
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Our Commitment: No Fees Unless You Win
Empowering Sexual Assault Victims to Take Back Their Lives
When it comes to pursuing justice after sexual violence, put decades of experience in your corner by partnering with Carpenter & Zuckerman. Our firm understands the sensitive and emotional nature of these cases, allowing us to guide your legal steps wisely while advocating for the fair outcome you rightfully deserve. With over $2 billion recovered for the wrongfully injured in Bakersfield, Bellevue, Beverly Hills, Koreatown, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond, you can trust our compassionate advocates to handle your case with the care and sensitivity it deserves while pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf.
No matter where you were or what you were wearing, there is never an excuse for sexual assault. If you have experienced sexual violence, contact us online to discuss your case with our highly skilled litigators.
We know when to take cases to trial to secure maximum compensation for our clients.