Sexual Abuse Attorney in Dallas

Civil Claims That Hold Abusers & Institutions Accountable

A criminal case isn't the only path to justice after sexual abuse. The civil system operates independently, so a survivor can pursue a claim for damages whether or not the abuser was ever charged, prosecuted, or convicted. Civil claims require only a preponderance of evidence ("more likely than not"), a significantly lower threshold than the criminal standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt." For survivors who watched a criminal case stall or fall apart, this distinction can change everything.

At MR.LAW Accident and Injury Attorneys, trial attorneys Damon Mathias and Ori Raphael represent survivors and families pursuing accountability in Dallas County civil courts and across Texas. Over two decades of litigation, we've secured tens of millions of dollars for clients facing powerful defendants, including corporations and government entities. That record matters in sexual abuse cases, which often pit survivors against institutions with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. We've built our practice around taking those fights.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by sexual abuse, contact our Dallas office for a free, confidential consultation. Call (469) 689-0200 today.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Civil Claim

Civil claims reach further than the individual who committed the abuse. When an organization had a duty to protect and failed, that institution can be held liable alongside the direct perpetrator.

Institutions commonly named in sexual abuse lawsuits include:

• Schools and universities that ignored warning signs or failed to investigate complaints
• Daycares and youth programs that hired individuals without adequate background checks
• Churches and religious organizations that concealed abuse or transferred known offenders
• Healthcare and care facilities that left vulnerable patients or residents unprotected
• Employers, hotels, and rideshare companies that failed basic safety obligations

Legal theories supporting these claims include negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, and failure to report. Under Texas Family Code § 261.101, state-licensed professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and daycare employees must report known or suspected child abuse within 48 hours. Institutions that suppress or ignore these obligations can face civil liability for the harm that follows.

Unlike individual perpetrators who may lack meaningful assets, institutions typically carry insurance or hold resources that can fund substantial compensation. Proving what an organization knew, should have known, or deliberately concealed requires focused investigation and careful evidence preservation. Having our trial-ready attorneys on your side can make a measurable difference.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims

Adult Survivors

Filing deadlines vary based on the survivor's age at the time of abuse, and understanding the timeline is critical before any claim can move forward. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.0045(b), adult sexual abuse victims have five years from the date of the incident to file a civil claim.

Childhood Survivors & Evolving Laws

Under § 16.0045(a), as amended by HB 3809 (effective September 1, 2019), survivors of childhood sexual abuse have 30 years after turning 18 to file. That effectively extends the deadline to age 48 in most cases.

Additional tolling provisions may also apply when a survivor had a disability rendering them of unsound mind, or under the discovery rule if they didn't connect their harm to the abuse until later in life.

Delayed disclosure is common in childhood sexual abuse cases. If you're unsure whether your claim falls within the filing deadline, a confidential consultation with our Dallas sexual abuse attorneys can clarify your options before time runs out. Dallas County civil cases are filed at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas, where we regularly appear.

Compensation Available to Survivors

A civil sexual abuse claim exists to address financial and personal harm the criminal system doesn't cover.

Recoverable damages can include:

• Economic damages: Past and future medical treatment, therapy and counseling costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
• Exemplary (punitive) damages: May be available where the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that harm resulted from fraud, malice, or gross negligence under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003

No criminal conviction is required to pursue these damages. The civil system measures harm on its own terms, and compensation can reflect the full scope of what the survivor has endured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I File a Civil Claim If Charges Were Never Filed or Were Dismissed?

Yes. Civil and criminal cases are independent proceedings with different burdens of proof. A civil claim requires a preponderance of evidence, so a criminal acquittal, dismissal, or lack of charges doesn't prevent you from pursuing accountability and compensation through the civil courts.

How Long Does a Child Abuse Survivor Have to File a Civil Lawsuit in Texas?

Under Texas § 16.0045(a) as amended in 2019, childhood sexual abuse survivors have 30 years after their 18th birthday to file, effectively until age 48 in most cases. Tolling rules may extend this period in limited circumstances. Because these deadlines are complex and can change, you should talk with our attorneys about how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.

Will My Case Be Kept Confidential?

We offer free, confidential consultations to every prospective client. Throughout the case, we take available measures to protect your privacy. Many civil claims can be resolved without public trial, and court filings may use protective orders to limit disclosure of sensitive information.

What Does It Cost to Hire a Sexual Abuse Attorney?

We handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation with MR.LAW Accident and Injury Attorneys is free and confidential.