Houston Sexual Assault Injury Attorneys

Civil Litigation for Victims of Sexual Assault

The effects of sexual abuse and assault are immense, often leading to numerous physical, emotional, and financial hardships for victims and their families. At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, we represent victims of sexual assault in seeking financial compensation for the devastating economic and non-economic damages they have endured. We believe that you deserve justice, and we are here to help.

Led by former chief prosecutor and founding attorney, Steven Shellist, our firm handles complex civil litigation involving sexual abuse, assault, and related crimes. We have decades of trial experience and are widely recognized as authorities within the local legal community. Our Houston sexual assault injury attorneys recognize the devastating and sensitive nature of these cases, which is why they provide clients with the highest level of compassionate, personalized service possible.

If you, your child, or your loved one has been impacted by sexual abuse or assault, contact The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC today at (713) 999-6855 for a free and confidential consultation.

Defining Sexual Assault

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), sexual assault includes any unwanted or non-consensual sexual touching, contact, or act. Sexual assault can be violent or non-violent and may involve the use of physical force, coercion, pressuring, or manipulation. Essentially, sexual assault occurs any time an individual engages in sexual conduct with another without the other person’s explicit consent, including when the other person is legally or practically incapable of giving consent.

Examples of sexual assault include:

• Rape
• Attempted rape
• Non-consensual penetration
• Groping
• Fondling
• Unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing someone to perform sexual acts
• Forced oral sex
• Forced penetration

This is not a complete list; any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact constitutes sexual abuse/assault. This includes cases in which a person cannot give consent, including as a result of incapacitation or age.

What Is a Sexual Assault Injury Lawsuit?

While criminal proceedings work to uphold the law and impose criminal penalties against sexual offenders, a civil lawsuit allows victims to seek monetary compensation for damages they have endured as a result of the offender’s actions. This includes bodily injuries, as well as emotional injuries and financial losses.

These damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma
• Emotional distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Mental health treatment, including counseling and therapy
• Medications
• Lost income, wages, or earnings
• Loss of future earnings
• Future medical expenses

Because a civil lawsuit is entirely separate from a criminal case, the outcome of criminal proceedings against the offender does not necessarily affect the outcome of your lawsuit. It is possible to successfully recover a settlement or verdict from the liable party even when a criminal case does not result in a guilty verdict.

How a Sexual Assault Injury Attorney Can Help

Victims of sexual assault and abuse are often left with painful physical injuries and deep emotional scars. The healing process can be extremely challenging, lengthy, and expensive. At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, we believe that offenders should be made accountable; victims should not have to simply shoulder these burdens on their own.

When you turn to our Houston sexual assault injury attorneys, you will receive compassionate, empathetic support from the moment you call until the moment your case is resolved—and beyond. We strive to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with the people we serve. We want you to know that you always have a legal team that is ready to fight for you and the justice you are owed.

Our attorneys can handle every aspect of your civil sexual assault lawsuit, including gathering important evidence, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more. While we always try to resolve these cases via settlement, thereby helping our clients avoid trial, we know that this is not always possible. If necessary, we are prepared to tirelessly represent you and your rights in the courtroom. We work directly with our clients to fully understand their goals and always leave the ultimate decisions regarding your case up to you.

To speak to an attorney at our firm, contact us online or call (713) 999-6855. Your consultation is free, and we do not collect any legal fees unless we win your case.