Dallas Sexual Assault Lawyers: Fighting For Survivors’ Rights

Sexual assault inflicts deep trauma and life-altering harm. Survivors pursuing justice through a sexual assault civil lawsuit in Dallas face complex legal systems and powerful opponents. The path to holding responsible parties accountable and recovering damages is not simple. However, working with an experienced sexual assault lawyer that Dallas survivors trust can help build a strong civil claim, protect rights and confront negligent third parties. 

JB Schwartz PLLC, a Dallas, Texas, law firm with more than 50 years of combined trial experience, represents survivors in civil sexual assault cases. Our team offers direct attorney involvement in every case, so you will never be handed off to a junior associate. Over years of courtroom practice in Dallas, we have built respected relationships with judges, and we take cases to trial when a settlement is not in your best interest. We stand beside survivors and fight relentlessly for accountability, while treating your story with the respect and sensitivity it deserves. 

Civil Sexual Assault Representation Only

At JB Schwartz PLLC, we represent survivors in sexual assault civil lawsuit cases only. We do not take on criminal defense matters. In a civil sexual assault case in Dallas, the survivor (the plaintiff) seeks financial compensation for harm suffered as a result of another’s wrongful conduct.

This is entirely separate from a criminal prosecution, which is brought by the state and seeks punishment such as imprisonment. A criminal defense attorney represents individuals accused of crimes, and we do not provide that service. If you are seeking a criminal defense attorney, we are not the right fit. We exclusively represent survivors of sexual assault seeking justice through civil litigation.

Criminal Vs. Civil Sexual Assault Cases In Texas

Understanding the difference between criminal and civil processes is critical when you are considering your legal options:

• Criminal cases are brought by the State of Texas through a prosecutor: The goal is to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Survivors do not seek monetary compensation in criminal cases.
• Civil cases are filed by the survivor against the perpetrator and potentially against negligent third parties: The burden of proof is lower, and a successful claim can lead to financial recovery for harms suffered. A civil claim can proceed even if there is no criminal conviction. 

We focus solely on plaintiff sexual assault, supporting survivors in holding wrongdoers responsible in civil court. 

What Is Sexual Assault Under Texas Law?

Under the Texas Penal Code, sexual assault is intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another’s sexual organ or causing another person to engage in sexual contact by force or threat.

There are related offenses, including aggravated sexual assault and continuous sexual abuse, that involve more severe circumstances or repeated conduct. These definitions shape the basis for a sexual assault civil lawsuit in Texas.

Who Can Be Held Liable In A Dallas Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?

A Dallas sexual assault attorney can pursue claims not only against the person who directly committed the assault, but also against third parties whose negligence contributed to the harm. Potential defendants in a civil sexual assault case include: 

• The individual who committed the assault
• Employers or supervisors who failed to screen or supervise employees adequately
• Property owners who did not provide reasonable security
• Schools, churches and other institutional entities responsible for safety
• Hotels, bars, clubs and other places where assaults occurred
• Rideshare and transportation companies, if negligence contributed to the assault

Texas civil law allows survivors to bring claims against perpetrators and negligent third parties whose actions or omissions facilitated harm.

What Damages Are Recoverable In A Civil Sexual Assault Case?

In a sexual assault lawsuit in Dallas, survivors may seek various forms of compensation for the harm they have suffered. Recoverable damages can include:

• Medical expenses related to physical injury or ongoing care
• Costs of mental health treatment, including therapy
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress and PTSD impacts
• Punitive damages in appropriate cases to punish outrageous conduct
• Other financial losses directly tied to the assault and its aftermath

Our skilled civil sexual assault lawyer in Dallas will identify all categories of recoverable damages and pursue maximum compensation on behalf of the survivor.

Texas Statute Of Limitations For Civil Sexual Assault Claims

Generally, a survivor of sexual assault as an adult must file a civil lawsuit within five years of the date of the assault. For individuals who were minors at the time, extended timeframes apply and often have up to 30 years after turning 18 to bring a claim in many circumstances. 

These deadlines are established by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.0045, with specific provisions for offenses involving child sexual abuse. Meeting these deadlines is critical to preserving your right to pursue a Dallas sexual abuse attorney claim.

What Should You Do After An Assault?

If you or a loved one has survived sexual assault, there are certain steps you can take as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and well-being. These include: 

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not visible: Health care providers can treat internal injuries, address concerns related to sexually transmitted infections and document findings that may later support a civil claim. In many cases, hospitals can perform a forensic exam, often called a sexual assault exam, which can preserve critical evidence. You have the right to receive medical care regardless of whether you choose to report the assault to law enforcement.
• Report the assault to police if you are comfortable doing so: A police report can create an official record that may later support a sexual assault lawsuit in Dallas, but reporting is a personal decision. Some survivors choose to report immediately, others report later and some do not report at all. Civil cases in Texas do not require a criminal conviction and a lack of criminal charges does not prevent you from pursuing compensation through a civil lawsuit with the help of a sexual assault lawyer in Dallas. 
• Preserve any physical evidence: If possible, keep clothing worn during or after the assault in a paper bag, avoid washing or altering items that may contain evidence, and save text messages, emails, ride receipts, hotel records or social media communications connected to the incident. Documentation of where the assault occurred, who was present and any witnesses can be valuable when a civil sexual assault lawyer in Dallas investigates liability, especially in cases involving hotels, employers, schools or other third parties.
• Document what you remember when you are able: Writing down details such as dates, locations, names and timelines can help preserve your recollection while events are still fresh. This information can later assist your Dallas sexual assault attorney in building a clear, fact-supported civil claim. This documentation is for your use and does not need to be shared with anyone unless you choose to do so.
• Contact an experienced sexual assault lawyer in Dallas when you are ready: Speaking with a plaintiff sexual assault lawyer in Dallas allows you to understand your legal options, potential defendants and applicable deadlines under Texas law. Early involvement by an attorney also helps protect evidence, prevent missteps and shift the burden of investigation off the survivor. 

You deserve to be heard, protected and taken seriously. When you are ready, working with a sexual assault attorney in Dallas, Texas, can be a critical step toward accountability and financial recovery through the civil justice system. 

Resources For Survivors

Access to trusted local and national support organizations can be an important step for survivors seeking immediate help, confidential guidance or ongoing assistance outside the legal process. 

• Dallas Police Department: (214) 671-3584
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
• Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center: (972) 641-7273

These organizations operate independently from our firm and can provide crisis support, reporting assistance and survivor-centered services at no cost. 

Why Choose JB Schwartz PLLCFor Your Civil Sexual Assault Case

Survivors need an attorney who will fight relentlessly for accountability and full compensation. When you work with us, you benefit from:

• Over 50 years of combined trial experience in civil litigation
• Direct attorney involvement in every phase of your case, with no delegating to inexperienced associates
• A research advantage informed by our attorney’s former law librarian background
• Established courtroom relationships with Dallas judges earned through years of trial work
• A trial-tested approach that does not default to settlement when fighting is necessary
• An ethical, honest and confidential representation that respects your trauma and dignity

We serve survivors throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Plano, Frisco and surrounding communities.

Your Rights Matter: We Fight For You

Survivors of sexual assault in Dallas deserve fierce advocacy and compassionate representation. A civil lawsuit can be a powerful tool to hold responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation needed to rebuild your life.

JB Schwartz PLLC is committed to standing with you as tenacious Dallas sexual assault lawyers, supporting your case from start to finish. Call 214-347-8568 and let us discuss your case confidentially with our attorney. We can also be reached online.