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Florida Sexual Assault Lawyers
Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure. Beyond the immediate physical harm, survivors often face lasting emotional and psychological damage that affects every aspect of their lives. If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault in Florida, you have legal rights – and you deserve justice.
At Snedaker Law, our sexual assault lawyers understand the courage it takes to come forward. We treat every survivor with the compassion, respect, and confidentiality they deserve while aggressively pursuing accountability from those responsible. Whether the assault occurred at a hotel, workplace, school, healthcare facility, or other location, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Contact the sexual assault attorneys at Snedaker Law for a free, confidential consultation at 407-553-3529. We’re here to listen, support, and stand with you.
How Sexual Assault Claims Work in Florida
Sexual assault encompasses a range of crimes including rape, sexual battery, unwanted touching, and other non-consensual sexual contact. In Florida, these acts are prosecuted as criminal offenses under the state’s sexual battery laws. While criminal proceedings may hold perpetrators accountable through the justice system—potentially resulting in jail time, fines, or other penalties—they don’t provide direct compensation to survivors for the harm they’ve suffered.
That’s where civil claims come in. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case and allows survivors to seek financial compensation for their damages. You don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil claim, and the evidence standards are different. In fact, many survivors pursue civil cases even when criminal charges aren’t filed or don’t result in a conviction.
Florida law recognizes that survivors of sexual assault deserve full compensation for the wide-ranging impact of the assault on their lives, including:
- Medical expenses and ongoing therapy costs – Emergency room visits, medical examinations, treatment for physical injuries, psychological counseling, psychiatric care, and long-term therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity – Time missed from work during recovery, reduced ability to work in the future, and career opportunities lost due to trauma
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain from injuries sustained during the assault and the ongoing emotional anguish that follows
- Emotional distress and trauma – Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, and other psychological effects
- Loss of enjoyment of life – The inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, damaged relationships, and diminished quality of life
The goal of a civil claim is to hold all responsible parties accountable and to provide you with the financial resources you need to rebuild your life and move forward with your healing journey.
Who can be held liable for sexual assault?
While the perpetrator is always responsible for their criminal actions, civil claims often extend beyond the individual assailant to include third parties who failed in their duty to protect you:
Property Owners and Businesses – Hotels, apartment complexes, bars, nightclubs, and other establishments have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe premises. When they fail to provide adequate security, lighting, locks, or screening of employees and guests, they can be held liable.
Educational Institutions – Schools, colleges, and universities must protect students from sexual assault. Failure to respond to reports, inadequate campus security, or mishandling of Title IX complaints can result in institutional liability.
Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals, nursing homes, and medical offices must safeguard patients from assault by staff members or other patients. Medical professionals who commit assault can expose their employers to liability.
Employers – Companies that fail to properly screen employees, ignore complaints, or create unsafe working conditions can be held responsible when sexual assault occurs in the workplace.
Rideshare and Transportation Companies – Companies like Uber, Lyft, and taxi services have a duty to screen drivers and ensure passenger safety.
There is no excuse for institutions and businesses to turn a blind eye to sexual assault or fail to implement basic safety measures. Snedaker Law holds these entities fully accountable for their negligence and their role in enabling assault to occur.
What to Expect When Filing Your Claim
We understand that the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still processing trauma. Our sexual assault lawyers handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing:
Confidential Consultation – We meet with you in a private, safe setting to discuss what happened and explain your legal options. Everything you share is confidential.
Investigation – Our team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to build a strong case.
Filing Your Claim – We file civil claims against all responsible parties, whether individuals or institutions.
Negotiation – We pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations, always keeping your best interests at the forefront.
Trial – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice before a jury.
Time Limits for Filing Sexual Assault Claims under Florida Law
For Adult Victims (18 and older at time of assault):
Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(n): 4 years from the date of the assault to file a civil claim for intentional torts including sexual battery, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other intentional torts
For Victims Who Were Minors at Time of Assault:
1. Victims Under Age 16 at Time of Assault:
Florida Statute § 95.11(10): NO statute of limitations – cases can be filed at any time
Exception: Does not apply to cases that were already time-barred on or before July 1, 2010
2. Victims Age 16-17 at Time of Assault:
Florida Statute § 95.11(8): Civil claims may be filed within ANY of the following (whichever occurs later):
Within 7 years after reaching age 18 (meaning by age 25)
Within 4 years after leaving the dependency of the abuser
Within 4 years from the time of discovery of both the injury and the causal relationship between the injury and the abuse
You Are Not Alone
Sexual assault can leave survivors feeling isolated, powerless, and afraid. But you are not alone, and what happened was not your fault. By coming forward and pursuing a civil claim, you’re not only seeking justice for yourself – you’re helping to hold institutions accountable and potentially preventing future assaults.
The experienced sexual assault lawyers at Snedaker Law are here to fight for you. We believe survivors, we take your claims seriously, and we’re committed to pursuing every avenue of accountability and compensation available under Florida law.
Contact Snedaker Law Today
If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, time is critical. Evidence must be preserved, witnesses must be interviewed, and claims must be filed within legal deadlines. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve.
Call Snedaker Law today at 407-553-529 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available to discuss your case and explain your options in a safe, supportive environment. Your call is confidential, and there’s no obligation.
You deserve justice. You deserve compensation. You deserve to heal. Let Snedaker Law stand with you.
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