Sexual Assault Lawyer in Greenville

Why Choose Our Greenville Sexual Assault Attorneys?

Survivors deserve legal representation that is compassionate, respectful, and free from judgment while pursuing every available path to recovery. Our firm brings more than 60 years of combined experience to the sensitive and deeply personal matters our clients place in our hands:

• Compassionate and confidential client communication
• Two former assistant solicitors with criminal courtroom insight
• Familiarity with both civil and criminal proceedings in Greenville County
• Direct access to your attorney throughout the case
• Thorough investigation paired with discreet case handling
• Trial-ready preparation in every matter we accept

Difference Between Criminal and Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuits

The state prosecutes a criminal case and seeks to punish the offender through imprisonment, fines, or registration requirements. The survivor brings a civil sexual assault claim and seeks monetary compensation for the harm suffered. Civil cases require a lower burden of proof and can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed or resulted in a conviction.

Who Can a Sexual Assault Civil Claim Be Brought Against?

A civil lawsuit may extend beyond the individual offender to include parties whose negligence contributed to the assault. Under South Carolina law, institutions and property owners can also be held legally responsible when they fail to provide reasonable protection for those in their care, including:

• Employers who failed to screen, train, or supervise an employee
• Schools, colleges, and universities with inadequate safety policies
• Religious organizations and youth programs that ignored prior complaints
• Hotels, bars, and nightclubs with insufficient security measures
• Apartment complexes and landlords who neglected security obligations
• Hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities responsible for resident safety
• Rideshare companies and transportation providers
• Third parties who facilitated or concealed the assault

Potential Compensation for Sexual Assault Victims in Greenville

Civil compensation cannot undo the trauma a survivor has lived through, but it can supply financial resources for the healing process and place legal responsibility on those who caused or enabled the harm. South Carolina Code Section 15-3-555 governs the filing deadline for civil sexual assault claims, and that timeframe may shift depending on when the abuse was discovered, particularly in matters involving childhood abuse. Damages potentially available include:

• Current and future medical care expenses
• Psychological treatment costs
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages for willful or egregious conduct
• Compensation for relocation or security needs