Sexual Assault Lawyer
Legal Options for Sexual Assault Survivors
In addition to criminal charges filed against the perpetrator, it's possible to file a civil case to seek damages. A lawyer can help you pursue these damages from the perpetrator or from third parties whose negligence contributed to the sexual assault. The damages can help survivors heal, covering immediate financial needs as well as future medical and mental health services.
Legal Damages in a Civil Case
Whether the crime occurred when you were a child or an adult, rape and sexual assault can have lasting effects on your physical and mental health. That's why it is important to discuss your case with a lawyer to determine if a civil lawsuit is worth pursuing in addition to criminal prosecution. Financial compensation can help you and your loved ones address the long-term effects of what occurred.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages refer to the financial and material losses linked to the incident. This includes expenses such as medical bills, counseling and therapy, and loss of earnings. By working with a lawyer from our Arlington law firm, we can help identify current and future losses that stem from the trauma you experienced.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not linked to financial losses. Instead, these damages are intended to punish the assailant or liable third parties for what transpired. A lawyer can convey to the jury the severity of what occurred as well as the gross negligence of an organization that failed to prevent the crime from happening.
Statute of Limitations Time Limits for Criminal Charges and Civil Lawsuits
A statute of limitations is a set amount of time in which a criminal charge or civil action may be filed against someone. If the statute of limitations has expired, criminal charges or a civil lawsuit may not be filed.
Adult Sexual Abuse
In the state of Texas, there is a 10-year statute of limitations to file criminal charges against the perpetrator of a sexual crime when the victim is 18 years old and older. Texas has no criminal statute of limitations in cases of aggravated sexual assault if DNA evidence is present.
There is a separate statute of limitations that applies to civil lawsuits against perpetrators of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. For crimes in which the victim is 18 years old and older, the civil statute of limitations is five years from the date of the offense.
Child Sexual Assault
If the crime was committed against a minor who cannot legally consent (age 16 or younger), there is a 30-year statute of limitations beginning on the victim's 18th birthday. Texas has no statute of limitations for the aggravated sexual assault or continuous sexual abuse of a child.
The civil statute of limitations for sexual assault of a minor is anywhere from 10-20 years from the date of the victim's 18th birthday. The exact time limit depends on the nature of the crime.
Protecting Your Privacy Our Commitment to Survivors
Survivors of rape and sexual assault have a right to privacy under Texas state law in both criminal and civil cases. Their identity and communications with an attorney cannot be disclosed unless authorized by the survivor or a legal guardian. This anonymity protects survivors from unwanted scrutiny, allowing them to come forward in search of justice and restitution.
The Law Firm of Roger 'Rocky' Walton, P.C. takes the privacy of all clients seriously. We will ensure that your name is not released to the public and that attorney communications remain confidential. By remaining anonymous, you and your loved ones can recover and move forward with your lives.
We Are Here to Listen and Help Contact a Sexual Assault Lawyer Serving Grand Prairie and Fort Worth
Sexual assault survivors and their families need a compassionate attorney who understands Texas state law and the importance of privacy and empathy. Roger "Rocky" Walton wants you to know that you are not alone. Our law firm stands with survivors of rape and sexual assault. We can help you seek compensation from the perpetrator as well as negligent third parties who allowed the crime to happen.
Rocky Walton offers free consultations so you can receive a professional evaluation of your case without financial obligation. Since our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us any legal fees unless we can settle your case or secure a jury award.
If you live in the Arlington, Fort Worth, or Grand Prairie,TX, areas and need to speak with a sexual assault attorney, we are ready to listen. Contact our lawyers online, or call our law firm to set up a free consultation.
Call or Text Our Arlington Law Firm
(817) 429-4299
Compassionate Legal Representation in Texas Helping Clients in Greater Arlington and Fort Worth, TX
gloria hart
Arlington, TX
2023
The staff was highly professional from the very beginning to the end of the process. I felt safe trusting their expertise and truly appreciate the kindness and caring they exhibited during my many struggles with health concerns. A big Thank you to Rocky’s outstanding team !
View on GoogleRuth Brock
Arlington, TX
2023
Rocky Walton and his team are talented individuals with great credentials. His Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial practice is noteworthy, setting it apart from many firms. I was very impressed with the dedication and determination of the team who worked on my behalf. Great caring people!
View on GoogleInstitutional Sexual Abuse
Our Arlington attorneys don't just hold individual abusers accountable. A sexual assault attorney can also hold organizations or institutions accountable if they allowed sexual abuse or assault to happen. The same is true if an institution attempted to cover up the assault and other crimes.
Holding Third Parties Accountable
In many cases, the sexual assault perpetrator does not have the assets to pay a civil judgment. Insurance policies covering the assailant rarely apply since intentional and criminal acts are normally excluded from coverage. This is why the facility that employed the sexual predator is often included in the civil claim.
Institutional sexual abuse could involve various organizations, including:
- Religious institutions
- Businesses and corporations
- Daycares and schools
- Colleges and universities
- Healthcare facilities
- Assisted-living facilities/nursing homes
- Correctional facilities
- Youth organizations
Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer
Many of these institutions have their own teams of attorneys in place. Rocky Walton is not intimidated by an organization's high-powered attorneys. His focus as a sexual assault lawyer is holding all parties accountable for the harm they've done or allowed to happen.
Work with a Attorney Who Puts Your Needs First An Arlington Lawyer Who Stands with Survivors
Ryan Bazan
Arlington, TX
2023
There is no one better than Rocky Walton and his team . From beginning to end , they made this process easy going and stress free for our family . They truly do put a lot of time , attention and care for their clients . That is the most important thing in this world , and we were treated like family .the communication between all of us is really what was the best thing always keeping us informed weekly sometimes daily and ensuring my daughters needs were being met first and foremost
View on GoogleElyanna Sierra
Arlington, TX
2023
I absolutely loved working with this law firm. Especially Kati!!! She was always so quick to respond to any email or quick question I had. The whole staff is extremely kind & efficient. Would never go to anyone else!
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