Walnut Creek Sexual Assault Attorneys
Compassionate and Aggressive Legal Representation in the Bay Area
Hundreds of thousands of sexual assaults are reported in the United States each year, and many more incidents likely go unreported and undetected. The criminal justice system pursues charges against many assailants, and convictions can result in prison time and other serious penalties for perpetrators. However, criminal cases do little to help victims of sexual assault recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harms they have endured.
The civil court system allows victims to file injury lawsuits against their assailants to seek damages for pain and suffering, mental trauma, physical injuries, medical bills, and more. Our Walnut Creek sexual assault lawyers are committed to helping you pursue justice via this remedy and can aggressively represent your interests in and out of the courtroom. Our team at Ratner Molineaux has handled hundreds of jury trials and knows how these cases are adjudicated in California and federal courts. We are also compassionate to the emotional challenges that come with filing this type of legal action, and our empathetic attorneys will be there to support you every step of the way.
Filing a Claim for Sexual Assault in California
Sexual assault victims have the right to recover damages for their injuries from their assailants as well as any other parties that facilitated the assault or negligently allowed the assault to occur. For example, if the assault occurred in your workplace, your employer may be liable if they failed to adequately protect their employees.
Both adults and children have the right to pursue civil legal action against assailants and parties that enable them, and numerous claims have been filed against:
- The Boy Scouts of America
- The Catholic Church (and other religious organizations)
- Coaches, sports doctors, and athletics organizations
- Law enforcement officers and prisons
What Is the California Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault?
California’s statutes of limitations for bringing civil legal action against sexual assailants are complex and sometimes confusing. If you were an adult when the assault occurred, you will have up to ten years from the date of the crime to file a civil lawsuit. If you were an adult and the incident occurred prior to 2019, you can also file a civil lawsuit within three years of discovering an injury or illness that resulted from the crime.
If you were a child when the assault occurred, you will typically have until your 40th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. You can also pursue legal action within five years of discovering sexual abuse. California established new statutes of limitations in 2020 that allow child victims to file claims that would not have been permitted under old rules so long as legal action is sought within 3 years.
Even if abuse occurred many years ago, you should consider speaking to our Walnut sexual assault attorneys. We can determine whether you are still able to file a claim and help you understand your rights and legal options.
Can I Be Fired For Reporting A Sexual Incident At Work?
No, you cannot be legally fired for reporting a sexual assault incident at work. Both federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, protect employees from retaliation when they report workplace sexual assault. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or any adverse action taken against you for making a complaint.
If you experience retaliation, a Bay Area sexual assault lawyer from Ratner Molineaux, LLP can help you understand your rights and take appropriate legal action. Our attorneys specialize in defending employees against such unlawful practices and can assist you in seeking justice and compensation. It’s crucial to document any retaliatory behavior and report it promptly. By consulting with experienced legal professionals, you can ensure your rights are protected and pursue the necessary steps to hold your employer accountable.
RECOVERING DAMAGES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CALIFORNIA
Survivors of sexual assault may be able to recover various forms of compensation through successful civil lawsuits. Damages generally fall under three separate categories, and the types of compensation potentially available to you will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Our legal team at Ratner Molineaux can fight to recover:
- Economic Damages. Economic damages are quantifiable and cover any expenses or losses you incurred as a direct result of the assault. This includes costs associated with hospital bills, rehabilitative care, therapy, and other forms of physical and mental treatment. You may also be able to recover current and future lost wages if you are physically and/or emotionally unable to work due to the assault.
- Non-Economic Damages. These types of damages are not explicitly calculable but are meant to compensate you for other types of sustained harm. Emotional distress, mental anguish, reductions in quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering are covered under this category.
- Punitive Damages. Punitive damages are less common but can sometimes be sought if you wish to punish the perpetrator of your assault. These damages can be awarded if the crime was especially egregious or malicious.
Protect Your Rights in the Workplace
Sexual assault in the workplace is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on your well-being and career. If you have experienced this, it's important to take action to protect your rights. Our team of experienced attorneys at Ratner Molineaux, LLP is dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation for victims of sexual assault in the workplace.
When you choose us to represent you, you can expect:
- Personalized attention to your case
- Thorough investigation and preparation
- Strong advocacy for your rights
- Transparent communication throughout the legal process
- Commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case
Don’t delay in addressing sexual assault. Contact us for a complimentary case review, and allow us to defend your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Walnut sexual assault lawyers understand the unfathomable difficulties you are experiencing as a survivor and are ready to serve as your diligent legal advocates. Members of our team have represented clients in huge cases involving sexual assault, and we are not afraid to go up against powerful organizations. We will always fight to obtain the maximum available compensation and secure the favorable outcome you deserve.
We can help you hold your assailant accountable and recover what you are justly owed. Contact us online or call (925) 332-1444 to schedule a free initial consultation with our Bay Area sexual assault attorneys.
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“I highly recommend Ratner & Molineaux Law Firm to anyone in need of employment legal assistance.”
“From the initial consultation to the final resolution, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and were there with me every step of the way.”- T.T. -
“David and team have done an amazing job”
- F.A.David and team have done an amazing job helping to secure a settlement due to my cessation of employment at a top firm. Thank you so much for your help.
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“Highly Recommend”
Highly recommend. Laid off without notice by a shady Pre IPO lender in San Francisco. No one was given severance and they hired a labor attorney ahead of the layoffs to try and get around paying severance and warn notice. Without this firm taking my case, I would have never received a dime. Do not let a lay off without any severance deter you, contact this firm. Odd thing was 1 letter from this firm and severance was immediately offered. It's a game these high-tech companies are playing and gambling on. Their bet is 98% will not do anything severance and for the small percent that do, the amount to pay versus provided all in the layoff, is pennies on the dollar. Get your documentation, all emails, take photos of slack messages, record any zoom calls where there is a statement " no one is getting laid off" and so forth. Records any zoom calls where you are laid off. Take notes. Protect yourself and family. Working all the holidays and 12-hour days to be let go with nothing, is ridiculous. Use this firm and provide all your documentation. Good Luck!- J.C. -
“Extremely Satisfied”
I was referred to Ratner Molineaux after my daughter and I suffered injury and property damage resulting from a defective product in our home. During my very first conversation with David Ratner, I found him to be straightforward, professional, and extremely responsive to my concerns. Thereafter, David took the time to walk us through each and every stage of the litigation process and was an excellent advocate for my daughter and I. He remained fiercely protective of our interests and represented us well during mediation, preparation for trial, and settlement talks. David's style is very direct and to the point, which might be off putting for some, but worked well for me since I tend to be laser focused when dealing with business matters. Near the conclusion of my case, I had the opportunity to meet his partner Shelley, who had also diligently and effectively assisted with our litigation. In the end, our result was more than adequate, and both my daughter and I walked away extremely satisfied with both the representation we'd received, and the outcome of our claim. I definitely recommend this firm.- D.M. -
“Professional opinion and experienced perspective”
reached out to Ratner Molineaux after a previous attorney referral did not follow through despite the time sensitivity of my issue. The Ratner Molineaux team responded quickly to schedule a consultation on a work-related matter. David Ratner reviewed my issues and provided options and great advice how I could proceed. It was great peace of mind to have a professional opinion and experienced perspective. The consultation with David Ratner gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to make my final decision.- L.C. -
“Great guidance and quick resolution”
David and team provided great guidance and quick resolution to my matter. I appreciated David's willingness to listen and the team’s responsiveness. I highly recommend them and will definitely call them again in the future if needed.- J.K. -
“Kind compassionate service”
Highly recommend. Prompt response and kind compassionate service with a difficult employment situation.- J.F. -
“Really great to work with”
David and Hanna were really great to work with. David took the time to educate me, provided service, and gave me the support I needed to start representing my own interests. Highly recommend this group.- Q.N.
