Deciding whether to file a sexual assault lawsuit is a deeply personal decision, often shaped by questions about timing and what the process actually involves.
But many families may be surprised to learn that the process is often simpler than expected with the help of experienced sexual assault attorneys. These lawyers file legal claims for survivors so they can pursue justice with less hassle.
We sat down with Ricky LeBlanc, Managing Attorney of Sokolove Law, to ask the questions survivors bring up most often.
Ricky has spent over 35 years representing people harmed by negligence and abuse. He currently oversees Sokolove Law’s sexual assault cases and other case types. Today, Ricky’s sharing what he wishes more women knew about sex assault lawsuits.
Get a free case review now to learn if our team can help you file a sexual assault lawsuit and pursue justice.
Q: Who can actually be held liable besides the person who committed the assault?
A: When discussing liability in sexual assault lawsuits, the answer varies depending on the specific situation and entities involved. For survivors, justice goes beyond the perpetrator.
We may be able to hold institutions such as churches, nursing home administrations, cruise lines, schools, hospitals, groups like the Boy Scouts, and more accountable for any role they played in defending an abuser.
The uncomfortable reality is that, in far too many cases, institutions such as those failed to have the best interests of sexual assault survivors in mind. Instead, they may have protected perpetrators or the institution to keep their interests, image, or bottom line secure.
That disregard for the safety and security of sexual abuse survivors is at the heart of what we do at Sokolove Law. It was wrong for corporations or institutions to protect abusers. While no amount of money can undo what happened, a civil claim can send a powerful message that this is unacceptable and may help you get a measure of accountability.
Q: What should someone look for or avoid when choosing a sexual assault attorney?
A: Choosing an attorney to file your sexual abuse lawsuit is an incredibly personal decision. It’s important to do your due diligence and make sure any attorney you’re considering has the experience and resources to handle your claim.
At Sokolove Law, we have a decades-long track record of standing up for those who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of powerful individuals and institutions. We are committed to supporting eligible survivors in recovering justice through sexual abuse litigation.
We also operate on what’s called a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees for our legal services or costs to find out if you have a case. You don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
Q: Which kinds of evidence could strengthen a civil lawsuit for sexual assault?
A: If you’re eligible and interested in filing a sexual assault claim, your legal team will gather any relevant evidence on your behalf. This may include medical records, police reports, information about the institutions or organizations affiliated with the abuser, and a rough timeline of what happened.
I want to stress that when it comes to collecting evidence, that’s not on you — it’s on your legal team. You don’t need to have everything in order before speaking with us about filing a sexual abuse lawsuit. Your lawyers will focus on finding the evidence and proving your case.
Q: Can waiting years or decades to file a sexual assault lawsuit hurt someone’s case?
A: I can’t say definitively whether coming forward years or even decades after an incident will make it harder to pursue a sexual assault lawsuit. That ultimately will depend on the survivor’s unique situation, available evidence, and relevant state laws.
What I can tell you is this: Don’t count yourself out if you’re just coming forward after experiencing a sexual assault long ago. I encourage you to speak with us to discuss whether or not you have a case.
The trauma that can accompany sexual assault means that, frankly, you may not be ready to speak up until years later. To that end, an increasing number of state governments are passing what are called ‘lookback window’ laws, significantly extending or reopening the statutes of limitations for sex assault lawsuits.
We’re closely monitoring these pieces of legislation and providing notice to reach more survivors who otherwise may have lost their chance to get justice through the civil court system.
Q: How long does a sexual assault civil lawsuit typically take from filing to resolution?
A: I get questions like this a lot, and unfortunately there’s not a simple answer. Every sexual assault lawsuit is unique, as is the time it takes to reach a conclusion.
It will take as long as needed to build a strong case on your behalf and work toward getting the justice you deserve. We will work to secure a positive resolution as quickly as possible while still being thorough.
It’s also important to note that many institutions may want to reach out-of-court settlements, which could result in compensation without the need for an in-person trial. While there are no guarantees, settling could help resolve the case more quickly.
Q: How is sexual assault compensation calculated, and what factors affect settlement value?
A: Financial payouts from sexual assault claims will typically be calculated during settlement negotiations based on factors unique to each survivor’s case. This could include things like available medical evidence, how the impact of the abuse has affected the survivor, and any expenses they faced as a result.
Depending on the strength of the case and the institutions or corporations involved, more may potentially be awarded through settlements — but I want to stress that there are no guarantees.
However, our sexual abuse law firm will work hard to recover the strongest payouts available to you or a loved one.
Q: Have there been any big sexual assault settlements recently?
A: I want to stress that just because some lawsuits have made headlines for very high settlements, it does not guarantee a similar outcome. Several major sexual assault lawsuits involving national and regional entities have awarded millions, or even billions, of dollars.
In one recent example, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a settlement potentially worth over $4.8 billion in 2025 to compensate hundreds who were abused in county-controlled juvenile detention facilities, foster homes, or shelters.
Another recent example involved Weill Cornell Medicine, which agreed to a $1 billion settlement to resolve claims that urologist Darius Paduch sexually abused hundreds of people, including adults and minors.
Q: How can women find out if they qualify to file a lawsuit for sexual assault?
A: The first step is to speak with a member of our team through a free case evaluation. A representative will discuss the basic facts of the case and, if eligible, the survivor will be put in touch with one of our attorneys.
From there, our sexual abuse lawyers will connect with the survivor and discuss their situation in more detail. We’ll look at the facts of the case, including the environment that enabled the abuse to occur and how it may have impacted the survivor’s life.
I can’t stress this enough: It’s entirely free to speak with a law firm to find out if you have a case. You don’t need to have all the answers ahead of time. Simply picking up the phone is enough to start.
If there’s a viable lawsuit, your attorney takes on the legal work for you, from filing the lawsuit and gathering evidence to investigating what happened. Your sexual abuse lawyer stands up for your rights in the legal system and makes sure your voice is heard.
Get Help Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit
You deserve to get clarity and legal support from an experienced sexual assault lawyer, if eligible.
Ricky LeBlanc and the team at Sokolove Law have spent decades helping survivors seek meaningful compensation, collectively recovering $10.5 Billion to date for victims of injustice.
Get a free case review now or call (877) 640-6101 to see if you qualify for a sexual assault lawsuit. Our compassionate team is ready to listen to your story.
