Healing from sexual abuse is a personal journey, shaped by each survivor’s individual experiences, needs, and goals. For many, pursuing justice through the civil legal system is a meaningful way to reclaim a sense of control and be heard. At Ferrer Poirot Feller, our Dallas sexual abuse attorneys recognize the strength it takes to speak out.
We understand that making the decision to come forward often brings up many questions about what comes next and what legal options may be available. Survivors often have questions about how to begin a claim, what the legal process involves, and whether individuals or institutions that failed to prevent the abuse can be held accountable.
These are difficult and deeply important questions. Our team is here to listen, to explain, and to walk with clients through each step with care and respect.
We offer confidential legal representation focused on helping survivors pursue accountability while maintaining a sense of safety and control. Every case is handled with compassion and discretion.
To schedule a free and fully confidential consultation, please contact our office at (888) 485-8844.
Experienced Dallas Sexual Abuse Attorneys for Civil Claims
Pursuing legal action after experiencing sexual abuse calls for more than legal knowledge. It requires a law firm that approaches each case with care, sensitivity, and respect for the survivor’s experience.
Since 1981, Ferrer Poirot Feller has represented individuals in Dallas and throughout the country in cases involving serious personal injury and institutional misconduct. Our team has the resources, experience, and dedication to handle these matters with the privacy and professionalism they require.
The legal process begins with a private and confidential conversation. During this first step, we take the time to listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
There is no obligation to move forward. If you choose to take the next step, we tailor a strategy based on your goals. Whether that involves a discreet resolution or a trial, your priorities remain central to every decision we make.
Our team conducts a thorough and confidential investigation. This may include collecting police reports, institutional records, digital communications, and relevant witness accounts. We handle these responsibilities to help reduce the strain of the process.
When needed, we use legal tools to obtain documents from organizations that might otherwise try to withhold information. This approach helps reveal patterns of wrongdoing or concealment.
We also work closely with a network of professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and safety consultants. These experts provide insight into how trauma has affected your life and how an institution’s actions or inaction contributed to the harm. Their insight helps build a clear, detailed understanding of how the abuse occurred and who was responsible.
Our No Fee Guarantee allows you to pursue your claim without any upfront legal costs. We cover the expenses of investigation and litigation. You only owe attorney’s fees if we obtain a financial recovery on your behalf. This structure gives you access to experienced legal support while allowing you to focus on your personal well-being and next steps.
How to File a Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Texas
A civil lawsuit for sexual abuse gives survivors the opportunity to seek accountability and financial support through the legal system. This type of case is separate from any criminal proceedings. While a criminal case is brought by the state to punish the offender, a civil claim is filed by the survivor and focuses on obtaining compensation for the harm they have experienced.
The legal definitions of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in Texas are found in the Texas Penal Code, specifically §22.011 and §22.021. These statutes provide the framework for both criminal and civil cases. However, the goals and legal standards of proof differ between the two systems.
In a civil case, the focus is on liability and damages. The survivor does not need to show guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, the law requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred and caused harm. This standard gives many survivors a meaningful opportunity to pursue justice even if the state does not file charges or if a criminal trial ends in acquittal.
A civil lawsuit for sexual assault in Texas can provide a sense of recognition and the financial means to access therapy, medical care, and other support. A Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can help guide you through this process with compassion, privacy, and respect for your choices.
Holding Institutions Accountable in Texas Sexual Abuse Cases
Institutional failures often play a role in sexual abuse. When organizations neglect their duty to prevent harm, they can be held legally accountable.
Texas law recognizes this type of negligence through the concept of institutional liability. Civil claims can focus not only on the individual who committed the abuse, but also on the systems and policies that allowed it to happen.
A Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can investigate whether a school, religious institution, employer, or business failed to protect those in its care. These cases often bring systemic problems to light and can lead to changes that protect others in the future.
Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against a Texas School or University
Schools and universities have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment for students. When abuse occurs in these settings, civil liability may apply. Examples include failing to screen employees, ignoring warning signs or past complaints, and failing to supervise staff or enforce policies.
Institutions such as the Dallas Independent School District, private schools, and colleges may be named in a civil lawsuit if they failed to respond appropriately to abuse or misconduct. Failing to manage safety risks on campus or during school events can leave students vulnerable to abuse.
Suing Religious or Youth Organizations for Sexual Abuse in Texas
Religious institutions, youth groups, and affiliated organizations have long been the subject of civil sexual abuse claims. Some cases involve allegations of concealment, transferring known offenders to other locations, or failing to warn the public.
These patterns often show that protecting institutional image was placed above protecting people from harm. Filing a civil lawsuit in these cases can hold leadership accountable for their role in allowing abuse to continue.
Filing a Civil Claim for Sexual Assault by an Uber or Lyft Driver
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have a duty to protect passengers from harm. When sexual assault occurs during a ride, survivors may be able to file a civil claim if the company failed to take reasonable steps to protect users. This includes not screening drivers properly, failing to respond to reports of misconduct, or not implementing available safety measures within the app.
Workplace Sexual Assault Lawsuits in Texas: Legal Options for Survivors
Workplaces are expected to protect employees from harassment and assault. If an employer fails to act after learning about abusive behavior or does not maintain a safe and respectful environment, they may be held liable in a civil claim.
This includes situations where the abuse is committed by a supervisor, colleague, or even a client. Federal law, enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), provides protections for employees, and civil cases may offer an additional path to recovery.
Civil Claims for Sexual Abuse in Hospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities
Patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers often depend on caregivers for their well-being. Abuse in these settings can involve medical professionals, therapists, or staff members.
When institutions fail to hire qualified personnel, ignore signs of abuse, or do not respond to patient complaints, they can be held legally responsible. These cases require careful investigation and sensitive handling, especially given the vulnerability of those affected.
What Is Institutional Liability in a Texas Sexual Abuse Case?
Civil lawsuits involving institutional liability focus not only on the abuse itself, but also on the systems that allowed it to happen. These claims can expose patterns of negligence and help survivors pursue accountability from organizations with the resources to support meaningful recovery.
A Dallas sexual abuse lawyer can guide you through this process with clarity and compassion, helping you understand your rights and choose a path that aligns with your needs. From the first conversation to the final resolution, our focus is on providing a respectful, supportive environment where your voice leads the way.
We approach every case with care, discretion, and a commitment to helping survivors seek justice and move forward on their own terms.
Deadlines to File a Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Texas
One of the most important aspects of a civil sexual abuse case is understanding the time limit for filing a lawsuit. Known as the statute of limitations, this legal deadline determines whether a survivor can bring a claim forward in civil court.
For many years, Texas law imposed narrow timelines that did not account for the complex and deeply personal process of healing from sexual abuse. Recent changes in Texas law have created more opportunities for survivors to pursue justice on their own timeline.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.0045, an adult survivor of certain types of sexual abuse now typically has 30 years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a civil claim. This change reflects an understanding that it often takes time, sometimes even decades, for a person to fully grasp the impact of abuse, feel safe enough to speak out, or reach a point where they are ready to take legal action.
In addition to this extended timeframe, some survivors may also benefit from what is known as the discovery rule. This legal principle allows the statute of limitations to begin at the point when the survivor first links their injuries to the abuse they experienced. In these situations, even if the incident occurred long ago, the law may still allow a civil lawsuit to move forward.
Deadlines vary based on factors like your age at the time, when the abuse occurred, and whether the discovery rule applies. Speaking with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer is the most reliable way to determine what deadline applies in your specific situation. No one should assume they have waited too long without first seeking legal guidance from an experienced professional.
What to Expect When Working with a Dallas Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The legal process may seem difficult to approach at first, especially for someone still processing the emotional and physical harm they have endured. Our role is to support you by handling the legal aspects of your case with professionalism, discretion, and empathy, allowing you to focus on your well-being and your personal recovery.
What Happens During a Free Legal Consultation for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Your first meeting with our team is private, free of charge, and designed to help you explore your options in a pressure-free setting. You can share as much or as little as you choose. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain the legal process so you can decide what feels right for you.
How We Investigate a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim in Dallas
If you choose to move forward, we begin a discreet investigation that prioritizes your privacy. We collect relevant evidence, including police records, institutional documents, digital communications, and witness statements, and we handle all contact with outside parties to protect your emotional well-being.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
To support your claim, we may consult psychologists, trauma specialists, or safety experts. Their insight helps document the impact of the abuse and identify institutional failures, strengthening your case through informed, professional analysis.
Legal Process for Filing a Texas Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
We file the lawsuit on your behalf and can protect your identity by using a pseudonym if needed. During discovery, we request evidence from the individuals or institutions involved—often uncovering patterns of negligence or misconduct.
Settlement vs. Trial: Your Legal Options in a Civil Sexual Abuse Case
Many cases are resolved through private settlement, allowing survivors to secure compensation without a trial. If a fair resolution is not possible, we are prepared to present your case in court. The decision to settle or go to trial is always made by you.
While we guide the legal process, you stay in control of how your story is shared and how your case moves forward. Whether through negotiation or litigation, a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer from our team will advocate for you with integrity and compassion.
Types of Compensation in a Dallas Sexual Abuse Claim
A civil lawsuit gives survivors the opportunity to seek financial compensation for the harm they have experienced. While financial recovery cannot change what occurred, it can help provide access to care, create stability, and support long-term healing.
A Dallas sexual abuse lawsuit may include three main types of compensation: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages in a Texas Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Economic damages address the financial impact of the abuse and aim to restore losses that can be documented or reasonably projected. These may include:
- Past and Future Therapy Costs: Reimbursement for counseling, mental health treatment, and ongoing psychological support.
- Medical Expenses: Costs related to medical treatment for physical injuries linked to the abuse.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work or interruptions in employment.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: Damages for the long-term impact on your ability to pursue or maintain a career, including lost professional opportunities.
These damages help address the financial impact the abuse has had on your life.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, Mental Anguish, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Non-economic damages recognize the deeply personal and emotional consequences of sexual abuse. These losses are not tied to bills or receipts but are no less significant. They may include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress related to the abuse.
- Mental Anguish: Damages related to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that affect daily life and emotional well-being.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recovery for the ways in which the abuse has limited your ability to engage in meaningful relationships, personal interests, and daily routines.
Although these damages cannot be precisely measured, they reflect the life-altering nature of trauma and its lasting emotional toll.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded in Texas Sexual Abuse Cases?
In certain cases, Texas law allows for additional damages when the defendant’s actions show gross negligence, malice, or intentional harm. These are known as exemplary or punitive damages.
Exemplary damages are not intended to compensate the survivor directly. Instead, they serve to hold wrongdoers publicly accountable and to discourage similar conduct in the future.
These damages are less common but may be available when an institution’s failures or an individual’s actions rise to the level of willful disregard for safety or well-being.
Contact a Dallas Sexual Abuse Lawyer for a Free and Confidential Case Review
Choosing to explore your legal options is a meaningful act of self-advocacy. It reflects strength, self-awareness, and the desire to move forward on your own terms. For many survivors, a civil lawsuit provides a path to reclaim control, hold those responsible accountable, and access the support needed to continue the healing process.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we have represented survivors and individuals harmed by negligence for more than four decades. Our team is here to listen without judgment, stand beside you throughout the legal process, and pursue justice with compassion and determination.
To speak with a Dallas sexual abuse lawyer in complete confidence, call us at (888) 485-8844 or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation. We are available around the clock, and you will never be responsible for any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.