sexual assault lawyer Woodland Hills, CA

Were you the victim of a sexual assault in Woodland Hills, CA?

At Goldberg Injury Lawyers, we offer a free, confidential case review with a Woodland Hills sexual assault lawyer.

If you experienced a sexual assault in Woodland Hills, you may be dealing with trauma, counseling costs, missed work, and difficult questions about what comes next. You should not have to sort through any of it alone. Goldberg Injury Lawyers was founded in 2005, and our founder has practiced California injury law since 1984. Our Woodland Hills, CA sexual assault lawyer can explain your civil options in a private, judgment-free conversation. Reach out when you feel ready.

Sexual Assault Lawyer Woodland Hills, CA

A sexual assault attorney represents survivors in civil court. This is separate from any criminal case. Prosecutors decide whether to file criminal charges, and the outcome of that process is out of your hands. A civil claim belongs to you, as it seeks financial compensation for the harm you suffered, and it can move forward whether or not criminal charges were ever filed.

Civil claims are not limited to the person who committed the assault. A sexual assault attorney in Woodland Hills also investigates whether a business, employer, or property owner failed to take reasonable steps that could have prevented the assault. Sexual violence is unfortunately common, and CDC data shows it can occur in person, online, or through technology, often with lasting effects.

Types of Sexual Assault Cases We Handle in Woodland Hills

Civil sexual assault claims arise in many settings. Some involve claims against an individual. Many involve institutions that looked the other way. A Woodland Hills sexual assault attorney from our firm handles matters including:

  • Sexual harassment. Workplace misconduct sometimes escalates from unwanted comments to unwanted contact. We pursue accountability against harassers and against employers who ignored complaints or failed to act.
  • Sex discrimination. Assault and harassment often occur alongside broader mistreatment based on sex.
  • Negligent security assaults. Bars, nightclubs, parking structures, and shopping centers have a duty to take reasonable safety precautions. When poor lighting, missing security, or ignored warnings contribute to an assault, the business may share responsibility.
  • Rideshare and transportation assaults. Passengers are vulnerable in a stranger’s vehicle. We investigate the driver, the company’s screening practices, and any prior complaints.
  • Assaults at hotels and apartment complexes. Property owners who know about prior crimes on the premises must respond. Broken locks, unsecured entries, and ignored reports can support a civil claim.
  • Assaults by medical or care providers. Abuse by someone in a position of trust is devastating. Clinics, facilities, and employers can be liable for negligent hiring or supervision.
  • Assaults on college campuses. Adult students harmed on campus or at school-affiliated housing and events may have claims against more than one party.

If your situation does not fit into one of these categories listed above, contact our office anyway. We will tell you honestly whether we can help with your situation.

Why Choose Goldberg Injury Lawyers as My Sexual Assault Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA?

Four Decades of California Trial Work

Barry P. Goldberg founded our firm in 2005 after beginning his California practice in 1984. He grew up in the Woodland Hills area, earned his law degree from Loyola Law School Los Angeles, and has tried numerous jury cases while handling hundreds of arbitrations and mediations. Super Lawyers named him to its Top 100 list for Southern California in 2021, his tenth consecutive year of selection. Defense firms and insurers know we prepare every case for trial.

Results Backed by a Confidential, Client-First Approach

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients living with brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, and other serious harm. The same preparation behind our work as a personal injury lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA applies to assault claims: careful investigation, honest case evaluation, and consistent communication. These cases are deeply personal. We move at your pace, protect your privacy, and never charge for the initial consultation.

What Is Important to Understand About a Sexual Assault Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Sexual Assault Cases

The person who committed the assault can be sued directly for intentional conduct. Third parties can also be liable. By law, everyone in California is responsible for injuries caused by their failure to use ordinary care. In some situations, the law can also hold a landowner liable for violence committed by someone else on the property.

Compensation in a civil sexual assault case may include:

  • Medical and counseling expenses, including the cost of future therapy.
  • Lost income, with reduced earning capacity if the trauma affects your career.
  • Pain and suffering for the physical harm you endured.
  • Emotional and mental suffering, often the largest part of these claims.
  • Punitive damages in cases involving intentional or especially egregious conduct.

What Are Important Aspects of a Sexual Assault Case?

There are certain points that we discuss with every survivor that we speak with. Knowing them early makes the process less intimidating overall.

  • A criminal conviction is not required to bring a civil claim.
  • The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court.
  • Civil and criminal cases sometimes move forward at the same time, and each can affect the other.
  • Courts may allow privacy protections for plaintiffs in sensitive matters.
  • Records, messages, photographs, and witness accounts all strengthen a claim, but a lack of documentation does not end one.

What Is the Sexual Assault Case Timeline?

Under CCP Section 340.16, an adult survivor generally has ten years from the assault, or three years from discovering that an injury or illness resulted from it, whichever is later. Deadline questions come up in many violent-incident claims, so it is worth asking early. A typical case proceeds through these stages:

  • A free, confidential consultation and case evaluation.
  • Investigation, evidence preservation, and identification of responsible parties.
  • Filing the civil complaint in an official manner to initiate your case.
  • Discovery and depositions, handled with as much sensitivity as the process allows.
  • Settlement negotiations, mediation, or trial if a fair resolution is not offered.

What Should You Bring to Your Sexual Assault Consultation?

Bring what you have to your consultation. Nothing on this list is required for your first meeting, and missing certain documents or evidence will not prevent us from evaluating your case. But if you do have them, take these with you to your appointment with us:

  • Any police or incident reports, if a report was made.
  • Medical or counseling records connected to the assault.
  • Texts, emails, photos, or other communications related to what happened.
  • Names of witnesses or people you told afterward.

The consultation itself is private and free. You share only what you are comfortable sharing, we answer your questions, and you decide if you want to move forward. If we find there are grounds for taking legal action, we can guide you towards the next steps involved. Contact us today to reserve your consultation.

California Legal Resources for Sexual Assault Cases

Support exists beyond the courtroom, and reliable information helps you make decisions on your own terms. The statutes discussed above, including the filing deadline, are published in full on the Legislature’s official website.

Reach Out to Goldberg Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation

You deserve answers from a sexual assault lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA who will treat your story with care. Consultations with our firm are always free and confidential. Contact us today to schedule a private case review with a Woodland Hills sexual assault attorney.