Sexual Assault Attorney in Chicago, IL

How The Goldwater Law Firm Serves Clients in All 50 States

We work with successful and widely recognized law firm partners nationwide to help those who suffered harm get justice. Our award-winning firm has co-counsels in Illinois who understand how sexual assault civil cases work and can represent you. We know what a verdict or payout could mean for your future.

We know this is a difficult time, and coming forward to file a claim may be one of your most complicated challenges. You can expect our team, as well as our law firm partners, to treat you with empathy and respect. We will fight to hold at-fault parties accountable and get justice based on the facts of your case.

Our co-counsels handle these cases based on contingency fees. They will not ask you to pay them up front, and you will not pay extra because we connected you to them. They will work for a portion of the payout in your case and will be happy to explain the terms during your initial conversation with their team.

How Does a Chicago Sexual Assault Civil Case Work?

Many people think only of the criminal case that follows a sexual assault. But criminal convictions can be difficult to achieve and may leave survivors still searching for accountability. A civil case, on the other hand, allows you to pursue compensation for the harm you suffered, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

The civil process is separate from criminal prosecution and does not require a criminal conviction. These cases often end in a settlement. Even when they go to trial, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal court. You may hold an individual accountable even if the criminal case did not lead to a guilty verdict.

In addition to suing the perpetrator, Illinois law also allows survivors to hold third parties liable when their negligence contributed to the assault. Examples include:

• An employer that failed to conduct background checks (negligent hiring)
• A school that ignored reports of misconduct (negligent supervision)
• A business that had inadequate security despite known risks (premises liability)

If an organization or institution knew, or should have known, about the risk of sexual assault and failed to act, it can be held liable. We will review your case and determine if we believe you may qualify to recover compensation. Some of the types of cases our law firm partners handle include:

• Workplace sexual assault
• Rideshare sexual assault
• Church sexual assault

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Chicago, IL, Sexual Assault Case?

While a criminal case holds the perpetrator accountable with a conviction and sentence, a civil case allows a sexual abuse survivor to recover compensation for the expenses and losses they incurred.

Through a civil claim or lawsuit, survivors can seek damages for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost pay, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

What Steps Will a Chicago Sexual Assault Attorney Take to Manage My Case?

We only work with trusted law firm partners who know how to develop robust, compelling cases. Our co-counsels will take the necessary steps to build a claim, negotiate a settlement, or litigate your case. This varies from case to case, but could include:

• Reviewing all the facts and available evidence
• Identifying all potentially liable individuals and entities
• Gathering additional evidence and taking witness statements
• Working with expert witnesses, if necessary
• Documenting damages and determining what compensation might look like
• Negotiating for a settlement
• Filing a civil lawsuit, if necessary
• Representing you in court, if necessary

Illinois also has laws that protect the survivor’s privacy during the legal process. Our co-counsels in Chicago know how to navigate this process and pursue compensation and accountability based on the case facts.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Illinois?

Generally, survivors have two years from the date of the assault to file a civil lawsuit under 735 ILCS § 5/13-202. However, Illinois law provides extended deadlines in certain situations, including when the survivor was a minor or when the assault involved specific criminal charges.

When you talk to our team, we can assess your lawsuit eligibility. Our law firm partners can confirm the filing deadline in your case and protect your rights by ensuring you meet it.