Sexual Assault Legal Help in Houston
After a sexual assault, daily life can feel upside down. The shock doesn't fade quickly, and the legal system rarely feels simple. Still, you have rights under Texas law. Survivors can take attackers to civil court, even if police never file charges. That process can be confusing, but you don't have to handle it alone in Houston or anywhere else in Texas.
At The Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy, our legal team provides compassionate representation for survivors of sexual assault. We understand the emotional and physical challenges survivors face, and our approach is rooted in sensitivity, respect, and support. Our attorneys specialize in navigating the complex legal landscape of sexual assault cases, offering confidential consultations and trauma-informed legal counsel.
Civil claims for sexual assault are not the same as criminal cases. The focus is on getting you money for what you've lost, such as medical bills, therapy, missed work, and the emotional fallout. The standard for proof is lower than in criminal court, so your chances of success may be higher. A houston sexual assault lawyer can explain your options and help you plan your next steps.
What Sets Our Approach Apart in Criminal and Civil Cases
When someone faces both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit, the two cases move on separate tracks. The criminal side is about punishment. The civil side is about making you whole. You can file a civil claim even if the attacker was never arrested or found not guilty. The outcome of one does not control the other.
- Criminal Cases: Prosecutors take charge, aiming for jail or probation for the attacker.
- Civil Lawsuits: You start these with a sexual abuse attorney texas, seeking financial recovery for your losses.
- Burden of Proof: Criminal cases need proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases only need more likely than not.
- Your Control: Prosecutors call the shots in criminal court. In civil court, you decide whether to settle or go to trial.
- Outcomes: Criminal cases can end in prison time. Civil cases end with money paid to you.
Some survivors choose both routes. A criminal conviction can help your civil case, but it's not required. Civil courts look at the facts on their own. If you have records, witnesses, or other proof, you may have a strong case for compensation.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Our practice focuses on holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable through strategic civil litigation. We pursue claims against a wide range of entities, including educational institutions, workplaces, religious organizations, care facilities, and sports programs that may have failed to prevent assault or protect individuals. When organizations knew about risks or ignored warning signs, they can be held responsible for the harm that followed.
Many survivors don't realize they can sue more than just the attacker. If a school ignored complaints, a workplace failed to act on reports, or a church moved a known abuser to a new position, those institutions can be part of your case. This approach often leads to larger settlements because organizations have more resources than individuals.
How We Build Your Case With Real Evidence
Every case needs proof, but sexual assault claims often rely on more than just physical evidence. Digital messages, medical records, and therapy notes all help show what happened. Your own words matter, too, especially when your story stays steady and clear.
- Medical Records: Hospital visits, doctor notes, and treatment records that show injuries or trauma.
- Text Messages and Emails: Conversations with the attacker or others that mention the assault or threats.
- Witness Statements: People who saw, heard about, or noticed changes in you after the assault.
- Photos and Videos: Pictures of injuries or the scene that help document what happened.
- Therapy and Counseling Records: Notes that show the mental and emotional impact, like anxiety or depression.
We help you gather and organize this evidence. Some of it may feel private, but it's what makes your case strong. Courts need to see the full story. Assault survivor legal help houston means making sure your voice is heard and your proof is solid.
What You Can Recover With Our Help
Texas law lets survivors claim several types of damages. Our legal strategy aims to secure comprehensive compensation that addresses the full scope of your losses. Medical costs come first, such as emergency care, follow-ups, therapy, and future treatment. Lost pay matters, too, if you missed work or had to leave your job. Pain and suffering covers the mental and emotional toll that doesn't show up on a bill.
We also pursue compensation for psychological counseling costs, which can continue for years after an assault. Emotional distress damages recognize the anxiety, depression, and trauma that affect your daily life. Sometimes, courts award extra money to punish the attacker for especially bad behavior. These punitive damages don't apply in every case, but when they do, they can raise the total amount you receive.
Money can't erase what happened, but it can help you move forward. Therapy and time off work cost real money. Civil courts recognize that, and you deserve to be made whole. A trauma injury lawyer houston will look at your case and explain what you can claim. Holding the attacker responsible is the first step.
How We Protect Your Privacy
Many survivors worry about privacy. You may not want your name or story made public. Texas law offers ways to keep your information private. Court papers can use initials. Some hearings can be closed. Your lawyer can ask for orders to limit what gets shared. We are committed to maintaining strict confidentiality throughout your case.
- Confidential Filings: Your name can be replaced with initials or a different name in court records.
- Sealed Records: Some details can be kept out of public view.
- Closed Hearings: Certain court sessions can happen without the public or press.
- Protective Orders: The court can limit what the other side can ask or share during the case.
These steps are not automatic. Your lawyer must ask for them, and the judge must agree. We make sure your privacy is protected at every stage. You should not have to give up your privacy to seek justice.
Why Acting Soon Matters for Your Case
Texas law sets strict time limits for filing civil sexual assault claims. Adults usually have five years from the date of the assault. If you were a minor, you have until 30 years after your 18th birthday. Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to file.
There are rare exceptions, such as when the attacker leaves the state or you learn about your injuries later. Still, these are not common, and you should not count on them. Our attorneys carefully evaluate the specific circumstances of each case, including complex statute of limitations issues, to ensure we pursue every available legal avenue for our clients.
The best move is to speak with a civil sexual assault claim texas attorney as soon as you can. Waiting too long can close the door for good. Some survivors wait years before reaching out. That's normal, but the law does not pause. If you're unsure about the deadline, ask now. It's better to know where you stand than to find out when it's too late.
Support Beyond Legal Representation
We recognize that every survivor's experience is unique, which is why we provide personalized legal representation that prioritizes your healing and justice. Beyond legal representation, we offer support by connecting survivors with counseling resources, support groups, victim advocacy networks, and trauma recovery services. These connections can make a real difference as you work through what happened.
Our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning survivors pay no upfront legal fees and only incur costs if we successfully recover compensation. You won't pay anything unless we win your case. This removes the financial barrier that stops many survivors from seeking help.
We are committed to empowering survivors to make informed decisions about their legal options. You stay in control. We explain what's happening at each step, answer your questions, and respect your choices about how to move forward.
Let's Talk About What Comes Next
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, our compassionate legal team is prepared to listen, support, and fight for your rights. We offer a confidential initial consultation to help you understand your legal options and chart a path forward. Our goal is not just financial compensation, but to help survivors reclaim their power and find a path toward healing and justice.
You don't have to figure this out on your own. Call the Law Office of Sean Bostic-Sealy PLLC at 832-519-0054 or schedule an appointment to talk through your options.
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