Dedicated representation for sexual assault survivors grounded in plaintiff-side trial experience.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault in Houston, a civil attorney can help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties through the Texas civil justice system. A civil claim is separate from criminal prosecution and allows survivors to hold the perpetrator, the property owner, the employer, or the institution accountable for the harm caused.
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers represents sexual assault survivors on the plaintiff side throughout Texas. Our attorneys bring more than two decades of combined trial experience to personal injury and civil rights litigation and handle sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. If you need a Houston, TX sexual assault lawyer, contact our firm for a free and confidential consultation.
Sexual Assault Lawyer Houston, TX
A sexual assault lawyer who handles civil claims represents survivors seeking financial accountability from the individuals and entities whose conduct or negligence contributed to the assault. The civil case is not a criminal prosecution. Criminal charges are filed by the district attorney’s office and can result in incarceration. A civil claim is filed by the survivor and seeks monetary damages for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the assault.
The distinction matters because the outcomes of the criminal and civil processes are independent. A criminal acquittal does not prevent a civil claim from succeeding, and a civil claim can move forward even if criminal charges are never filed. The burden of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal prosecution, and the range of defendants is broader. In addition to the perpetrator, civil claims can target property owners, employers, institutions, and other parties whose negligence allowed the assault to occur.
Harris County reported 3,779 sexual assaults to law enforcement in 2021, according to Texas DPS. That number represents only a fraction of actual incidents. RAINN reports that fewer than one in ten sexual assault survivors report the crime to law enforcement. A Texas statewide prevalence study found that 6.3 million Texans, roughly one in three adults, experience some form of sexual violence over the course of their lifetime.
Types of Civil Sexual Assault Cases We Handle in Houston
Civil sexual assault claims are not limited to claims against the person who committed the assault. Texas law allows survivors to pursue compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to the conditions that made the assault possible. The legal theory varies depending on where the assault occurred and who had a duty to prevent it.
At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we handle civil sexual assault cases including the following:
- Negligent security claims. Property owners who fail to provide adequate lighting, security cameras, functioning locks, or security personnel may be liable when an assault occurs on their property. These claims arise in apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, retail stores, and entertainment venues.
- Employer liability for workplace assault. When a sexual assault occurs in the workplace and the employer knew or should have known about the risk, the employer may be held liable for failing to protect its employees. Inadequate background checks, failure to investigate prior complaints, and lack of supervision all create potential employer liability.
- Institutional sexual abuse. Churches, schools, youth organizations, healthcare facilities, and residential treatment centers owe a duty to protect the individuals in their care. When an institution conceals abuse, fails to screen employees or volunteers, or disregards warning signs, civil claims allow survivors to hold the institution accountable.
- Rideshare and transportation assault. Passengers assaulted by drivers for rideshare companies, taxi services, or private transportation providers may have claims against both the driver and the company. Inadequate driver screening and insufficient safety protocols are common bases for these claims.
- Medical provider sexual assault. Patients who are assaulted by doctors, nurses, therapists, or other medical professionals may pursue civil claims against the provider and the healthcare facility. These cases often involve a violation of the fiduciary duty that medical professionals owe their patients.
- Assault in residential facilities. Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes are vulnerable to abuse by staff and other residents. Facility operators who fail to screen employees, maintain adequate staffing levels, or respond to reports of abuse may be held liable.
- Wrongful death. When a sexual assault results in the death of the survivor, Texas law allows the surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims against the responsible parties.
Why Choose Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers as My Sexual Assault Lawyer in Houston, TX?
Trial Experience and Commitment to Client Privacy
Sexual assault cases require attorneys who combine trial preparation with sensitivity to the survivor’s privacy and emotional needs. Every aspect of the case, from the initial consultation through discovery and potential trial, involves information that is deeply personal.
Matt Greenberg has served as lead trial counsel in cases that produced record-setting verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury litigation. He earned his J.D. from Baylor Law School, is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the UH Law Center and spent nearly a decade defending corporations and insurance syndicates in catastrophic injury and death cases. That defense background gives him working knowledge of how institutional defendants and their insurers evaluate civil assault claims. He has been named a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers in multiple years.
Together, our attorneys have recovered over $375 million for injured clients across all case types. As your personal injury lawyer in Houston, our firm handles every sexual assault case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery.
What Is Important to Understand About a Sexual Assault Case?
Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Sexual Assault Cases
Civil sexual assault claims allow survivors to recover damages for both the economic and non-economic consequences of the assault. The damages calculation must account for the full scope of the harm, including the long-term psychological effects that many survivors experience.
Economic damages include:
- Medical expenses for physical injuries, emergency care, and ongoing treatment
- Mental health treatment, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care
- Lost wages during recovery and diminished future earning capacity
- Costs for relocation, security measures, and other safety-related expenses
Non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
- Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Liability in civil sexual assault cases may rest with the perpetrator, but it frequently extends to third parties. A property owner who failed to maintain adequate security, an employer who ignored complaints, or an institution that concealed prior abuse may all bear liability for the conditions that allowed the assault to occur. Survivors may sustain traumatic brain injuries and other physical harm in addition to psychological trauma. Texas comparative negligence applies, though courts scrutinize any attempt to assign fault to the survivor.
What Are Important Aspects of a Sexual Assault Case?
Several issues distinguish civil sexual assault claims from other personal injury cases.
- The statute of limitations is longer. Texas provides a five-year filing deadline for personal injury claims arising from sexual assault, rather than the two-year deadline that applies to most other personal injury cases. For childhood sexual abuse, the filing deadline is extended further to allow survivors additional time to come forward.
- Privacy protections are available. Texas law provides mechanisms to protect the survivor’s identity and sensitive information during litigation. Your attorney can seek protective orders to limit the disclosure of personal details and to conduct sensitive portions of discovery under seal.
- Psychological evidence is central to the case. Unlike a car accident where the injuries are primarily physical, sexual assault claims involve significant psychological harm that requires documentation from mental health professionals. Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists provide the evidence that establishes the severity and duration of the emotional injuries.
- The criminal case and the civil case are separate proceedings. A civil claim does not depend on a criminal conviction. Even if the perpetrator is acquitted in criminal court or if criminal charges are never filed, the civil case can proceed independently.
What Is the Sexual Assault Case Timeline?
The timeline for a civil sexual assault claim varies based on the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, and the survivor’s readiness to proceed.
- The attorney evaluates the facts, identifies all potentially responsible parties, and determines which legal theories apply. Taking early protective steps to preserve evidence and document the assault strengthens the claim from the outset.
- If an institutional defendant is involved, the investigation may include obtaining personnel records, prior complaint files, and internal communications that show what the institution knew and when it knew it.
- Medical and psychological treatment continues throughout the legal process. Documentation from treating professionals establishes the ongoing impact of the assault.
- The firm prepares a demand and enters negotiations with the defendants’ insurers. Many civil sexual assault claims settle through confidential negotiations.
- If settlement is not reached, suit is filed. These cases in Harris County may take one to three years from filing to resolution, though complex institutional cases can take longer.
What Should You Bring to Your Sexual Assault Consultation?
We understand that discussing these events is difficult. The consultation is confidential, and you share only what you are comfortable sharing at this stage. Bringing documentation helps the attorneys evaluate the case, but it is not required for the initial meeting.
If available, the following may be helpful:
- Police reports or incident reports, if a report was filed
- Medical records from any treatment received following the assault
- Records from therapy or counseling sessions
- Any correspondence from the property owner, employer, institution, or their insurer
- A written timeline of events, if you are comfortable preparing one
During the consultation, we review the facts you share, explain your legal options under Texas law, and provide a confidential assessment of the claim. There is no charge for this meeting.
What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Sexual Assault Cases?
Texas law provides specific protections and filing deadlines for civil sexual assault claims. The following resources help survivors understand their legal rights and find support.
- Texas provides a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from sexual assault. For childhood sexual abuse, the filing deadline is further extended under Texas law.
- Third-party liability allows claims against property owners, employers, and institutions whose negligence contributed to the assault, in addition to claims against the perpetrator.
- Texas does not cap economic damages in most personal injury cases, including sexual assault claims.
- The Texas Legislature website provides access to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
- The Governor’s Task Force provides statewide resources for survivors.
- Our firm monitors Texas legal changes that affect civil sexual assault claims and survivor protections.
Reach Out to Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member has been the victim of sexual assault in Houston, TX, our attorneys are available for a free and confidential consultation. We handle civil sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Sexual Assault Statistics in Houston
Sexual violence affects communities across the United States, and Houston is no exception. According to RAINN, over 433,000 Americans aged 12 and older are sexually assaulted each year. Every 68 seconds, another person in the United States is sexually assaulted. The CDC reports that 53 percent of women and 29 percent of men experience some form of sexual violence during their lifetime.
In Texas, 6.3 million adults, roughly one in three, have experienced some form of sexual assault, according to a statewide prevalence study. Harris County reported 3,779 sexual assaults to law enforcement in 2021. That figure represents only a fraction of the true number. RAINN data shows that fewer than one in ten sexual assault survivors report the crime to police, and the Houston Area Women’s Center answered 6,436 calls through its Sexual Assault Hotline in a single reporting year.
The gap between the number of assaults that occur and the number that result in criminal prosecution underscores the importance of the civil justice system as a path to accountability and compensation for survivors.
How a Civil Sexual Assault Case Differs from a Criminal Case
Many sexual assault survivors are uncertain whether pursuing a civil claim is an option, particularly if the criminal justice system did not produce the outcome they hoped for. The civil and criminal processes operate independently, and the differences between them are substantial.
1. Who files the case. In a criminal case, the district attorney decides whether to file charges. The survivor does not control the process. In a civil case, the survivor files the claim and retains control over every decision, from which parties to name as defendants to whether to accept a settlement.
2. Burden of proof. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A civil case requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible. This lower standard explains why civil claims can succeed even when criminal charges result in acquittal or are never filed.
3. Available defendants. Criminal charges apply only to the person who committed the assault. Civil claims can name the perpetrator and any third party whose negligence allowed the assault to occur: the property owner, the employer, the institution, or the company that hired the assailant without an adequate background check.
4. What the survivor can recover. A criminal conviction can result in incarceration and a criminal record but does not provide financial compensation to the survivor. A civil claim seeks monetary damages for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
5. Confidentiality options. Criminal proceedings are public. Civil cases offer more opportunities for confidential resolution through settlement agreements that include non-disclosure terms.
6. Timeline independence. The civil case does not have to wait for the criminal case to conclude. Both can proceed simultaneously, and the outcome of one does not determine the outcome of the other.
7. Statute of limitations. Criminal sexual assault charges carry their own filing deadlines. The civil statute of limitations for sexual assault in Texas is five years from the date of the assault, with extensions for childhood victims.
Houston Sexual Assault Lawyer FAQs
Can I file a civil claim if criminal charges were not filed?
Yes. The civil claim is independent of the criminal process. A civil case requires a lower burden of proof, and many survivors obtain compensation through civil claims even when the criminal justice system did not result in charges or a conviction.
What is the statute of limitations for a civil sexual assault claim in Texas?
Five years from the date of the assault for adult survivors. For childhood sexual abuse, Texas law extends the filing deadline beyond the standard period to give survivors additional time to come forward. Consulting an attorney protects your ability to file within the applicable deadline.
Who can be held liable in a civil sexual assault case?
The perpetrator, the property owner, the employer, the institution, and any other party whose negligence contributed to the conditions that allowed the assault to occur. Civil claims frequently target the entity with the deepest resources rather than relying solely on the individual perpetrator.
How much is a civil sexual assault case worth?
The value depends on the severity of the physical and psychological injuries, the identity of the defendants, the strength of the evidence, and the available insurance or assets. Cases involving institutional defendants with substantial resources tend to carry higher potential values.
Will my case be public?
Many civil sexual assault cases are resolved through confidential settlement agreements. If the case proceeds to litigation, your attorney can seek protective orders to limit the public disclosure of sensitive information. Privacy protections are a priority in these cases.
What evidence is important in a civil sexual assault case?
Medical records, therapy records, police reports, witness statements, communications between the parties, and institutional records documenting prior complaints or failures to act. Your attorney can issue subpoenas for records that the defendants control.
Do I have to testify in court?
Not necessarily. Many civil sexual assault claims settle before trial. If the case does proceed to trial, your attorney prepares you for testimony and works to minimize the intrusiveness of the process.
How much does it cost to hire a sexual assault lawyer?
Our firm handles civil sexual assault cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. A confidential consultation allows you to discuss your situation and evaluate your legal options without financial risk.
What if the assault happened at my workplace?
Your employer may be liable if it knew or should have known about the risk and failed to take reasonable steps to protect you. Inadequate supervision, failure to investigate complaints, and negligent hiring or retention of the assailant all create potential employer liability.
What support resources are available for sexual assault survivors in Houston?
The Houston Area Women’s Center provides a 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline at (713) 528-7273. The National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673. These organizations provide confidential support, advocacy, and referrals for medical and legal assistance.
Local Information for Houston Sexual Assault Cases
Where Civil Sexual Assault Claims Arise in Houston
Civil sexual assault claims in Houston arise across a range of settings where property owners, employers, and institutions owe a duty to protect the people on their premises or in their care.
- Apartment complexes and residential properties where inadequate lighting, broken locks, unsecured entry points, and lack of security personnel create conditions for assault.
- Hotels and hospitality venues where guests are assaulted due to failures in room security, key card systems, or staff screening.
- Workplaces including offices, retail locations, and industrial facilities where employers fail to address known risks or respond to prior complaints.
- Educational institutions and youth organizations where children and students are vulnerable to abuse by staff, coaches, or other individuals in positions of authority.
- Healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, and residential treatment centers where patients are assaulted by medical professionals or staff.
What Are Important Local Resources for Houston Sexual Assault Cases?
Survivors of sexual assault in Houston may need to contact the following agencies and organizations. These are listed for reference purposes only.
- Houston Area Women’s Center Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7): (713) 528-7273
- RAINN hotline (24/7): 1-800-656-4673
- Houston Police Department Special Victims Division for reporting sexual assault
- Memorial Hermann for medical forensic examination and treatment: (713) 704-4000
- Harris Health System (Ben Taub Hospital): (713) 873-2000
Listing these resources does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers.
About Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers is a Houston-based injury law firm focused on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across Texas. Matt Greenberg is licensed in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona and has been recognized across multiple professional organizations for his trial work. Mike Streich graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center and is a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association.
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Contact Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers
Civil sexual assault cases require attorneys who combine litigation experience with sensitivity to the survivor’s privacy and emotional needs. At Greenberg Streich Injury Lawyers, we provide free and confidential consultations for Houston sexual assault cases. Our contingency fee structure means no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your confidential consultation with a Houston, TX sexual assault attorney.
